You’ll find no greater fan of Fairfax County parks than John Osborn. His appreciation dates back to his days as a Robinson High School student and the times he spent playing golf with friends at Burke Lake Golf Course. These days, the Burke & Herbert Bank Principal Vice President/Credit Officer still appreciates the game and many other things parks have to offer. “I like to take a walk in the woods, although I usually have a club in my hands,” he said jokingly, implying that his time in the woods is spent along the golf course looking for his errantly hit golf balls. The fact is, he, his family and his employer devote a lot of time and resources to the Fairfax County park system.

“What we have in Fairfax County parks is astounding,” he said. “Our golf courses are well maintained, our parks are in pristine shape and the amount of history in every park is fantastic!” Over the past several years Osborn and his previous employer, Sandy Spring Bank, made generous donations to several park programs through the Fairfax County Park Foundation which helped create Chessie’s Big Backyard, the Combo Classic, the USGA Amateur Public Links Championship, and the Take 12 Steps for Better Health program. His current employer, Burke & Herbert Bank is a major supporter of the Burke Lake Park celebration shelter project. “There isn’t that much available land in Fairfax County anymore, and the county is building up instead of out, which means parks are going to be even more important in the future.”

Osborn also devotes a great deal of his personal time serving on the Fairfax County Park Foundation board. Under his leadership as board Chair, the Park Foundation exceeded $1,000,000.00 in donations in a single fiscal year. Whether he’s on the board or not, Osborn says he’s committed to supporting parks throughout his lifetime. “It’s about being a good citizen, and creating a safe place for kids to play and promoting a positive lifestyle for everyone,” he said. “Parks make communities stronger and that benefits everyone."