Fairfax County Parks and Recreation Funding Model
Fairfax County Park Authority
HR&A worked with the Fairfax County Park Authority to redesign their funding model, shifting from a fee-dependent system that excluded lower-income residents to an equitable framework that prioritizes accessibility. Our analysis and recommendations will enable FCPA to serve all county residents while maintaining high-quality programming and expanding culturally competent recreation offerings.
Fairfax County’s recreation system faced a fundamental challenge: while delivering exceptional programs and facilities, its reliance on user fees created barriers for lower-income and non-white residents who were significantly underrepresented among users. HR&A conducted comprehensive benchmarking against peer park systems, analyzing annual cost recovery, per capita spending, and fee structures. Our research revealed that FCPA’s charges for programs like children’s summer camps were unaffordable to a substantial portion of county residents, creating a misalignment between system users and broader community needs.
HR&A developed a comprehensive funding strategy that balances public investment, contributed income, and earned revenue to achieve FCPA’s equity goals. We quantified the additional funding needed and presented the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors with a detailed implementation strategy and case studies from national parks and recreation agencies. Our recommendations provide FCPA with the financial flexibility to expand programming, reduce cost barriers, and center equity in investment decisions while maintaining operational sustainability. This new model positions FCPA to truly serve all Fairfax County residents regardless of economic background.
