The Fairfax County Park Authority is ramping up long-range planning efforts to align existing plans and current initiatives with its goals for the future. The park system’s master planning effort builds on the findings from the Parks Count Needs Assessment that was completed last spring.

Based on the assessment and other research, the authority determined that the community recognizes the significant role that parks, trails and open spaces play in the quality of life of Fairfax County. It was also learned that residents want to see greater financial resources allocated to taking care of existing parks and facilities, an expansion of the trail system, more small community parks, swimming pools and an emphasis on facilities for fitness.

The Park Authority Master Plan has a time horizon of 10 – 20 years and will guide the agency in meeting community needs for today and the future. Staff and agency leadership will now begin to incorporate existing data into one agency-wide master plan, to ensure consistent, clear direction, and strategic alignment of all elements and existing plans. A draft plan will be prepared for review by the public this summer.

Guiding principles, the master planning timeline, and other important information about the planning process can be found online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/plandev/FCPA-MP.htm.