Fairfax hits park acreage milestone

Although surrounding the bustling urban area of our nation's capital, Fairfax County Park Authority has now acquired more than 23,500 acres of parkland and open space. The new figure, reached within the last month is indicative of the support offered by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, the generosity of thousands of donors who contribute to land preservation efforts, and the dedication of the Park Authority Board, agency staff members and county staff who take advantage of many opportunities to increase this diminishing resource.

Surveys in Fairfax County show that residents use trails and recreational amenities, and appreciate open space. The Fair fax County Parks and Recreation Needs Assessment has established that the county needs to provide a minimum of five acres per 1,000 residents for neighborhood parks, and 13 acres per 1,000 people for county or district parks.

To acquire open space, the county relies on donation, purchasing and proffer; though one of the most successful programs aiding the park authority is the Land Preservation Fund, whose monies have been used to purchase 261 acres of land to date.

For more information about the Land Preservation Fund visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/landfund.htm.>