2026 Fairfax County Park Bond Referendum

Parks Count. Our Parks. Our Future. Vote YES on the 2026 Park Bond November 3.Ensuring a bright future for our parks is essential to maintaining a rich quality of life in Fairfax County. With more than 26 million visits last year, Fairfax County parks are a coveted destination for recreating, appreciating nature, experiencing history and culture, and connecting with our neighbors. Passion for an accessible and well-cared-for park system connects people across the county of all ages, backgrounds and interests.

 

The $180 million in bond funding would provide the following resources for Fairfax County parks: $89 million for rec centers, $51 million for deferred capital renovations, $19 million for a new park or fully renovate a park, $12 million for natural, cultural and land acquisition, $9 million for new construction.On November 3, 2026, Fairfax County residents have an opportunity to make a lasting impact on their parks by voting “YES!” in favor of the 2026 Park Bond Referendum. If approved, the bond will provide $180 million for parks maintenance, capital improvement projects and other needs across the park system!

Bond funding would be utilized to make significant improvements, such as:

  • repairing playgrounds that need rehabilitation
  • upgrading aging rec centers
  • building new parks
  • maintaining existing facilities
  • acquiring property for recreation and historic and cultural preservation

 

Caring for and upgrading a large and dynamic park system such as that operated by Fairfax County Park Authority takes significant resources. The Park Authority manages 424 parks, more than 340 miles of trails, nine rec centers, 60 staffed sites, four waterfront parks, and three nature centers. At 75 years of age, Fairfax County’s award-winning, nationally accredited park system has many more needs than funding from a single bond referendum could possibly support. However, the 2026 Park Bond would enable the Park Authority to address the most urgent issues and opportunities for improvement while having as minimal an impact on taxpayers as possible.

Bond Programs Fairfax County Park Authority G.O. Bonds (in millions) 1959-2026.To finance large-scale construction and renovation work, Fairfax County sells bonds, which allows the county to pay for these projects over time. This form of long-term borrowing is commonly used by most local governments to finance public facilities and infrastructure. Bond financing makes it possible to build facilities and infrastructure based on future population estimates and to spread the cost equitably.

Fairfax County residents deserve a park system that meets their diverse needs and is a catalyst for community-building, wellness and preservation of local places and culture. The 2026 Park Bond Referendum will deliver park improvements that we can all be proud of. These are our parks and our future!

Parks Count. Our Parks. Our Future.Learn more about the 2026 Park Bond Referendum.