NOVA Parks News

$69.1 million investment over 5 years will renew park facilities, enhance visitor experiences and expand recreational opportunities across Northern Virginia.

Fairfax Station, Va. (September 18, 2026) — On Thursday, September 17, the NOVA Parks Board of Directors unanimously adopted the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027-2031 Capital Budget at its September Board Meeting. The 5-year Capital Budget’s $69.1 million total investment will enhance visitor experiences, renew aging facilities, expand recreational opportunities, and preserve the quality and character of NOVA Parks’ regional parks for communities across Northern Virginia.

By leveraging a variety of alternate funding sources, capital improvement investments increased 20.8% from the FY 2026-2030 approved capital budget. Nearly 75% of FY 2027 capital expenditure will be funded by grants, license fees, donations, endowments, and other earnings.

“NOVA Parks continues to invest in the places, facilities and experiences that connect Northern Virginians to their parks,” said NOVA Parks Board Chair Sean Kumar. “From improved campgrounds and cottages to new recreational opportunities and renewed park infrastructure, these projects will help ensure our regional parks remain welcoming, vibrant and ready to serve our communities for years to come.”

New investments support NOVA Parks' 5-year Strategic Plan Pillar “Building the Future.” Highlights of the FY 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Program include:

• Arlington County:
  • $150,000 for Climb UPton decking at Upton Hill Regional Park, providing groups safe use of the observation deck and stairs.
  • $130,000 for building renovations at Potomac Overlook Regional Park, offering expanded programming space.
• Fairfax County:
  • $1.5 million for campground renovations at Pohick Bay Regional Park, improving the camping experience and renewing facilities for visitors.
  • $880,000 for light show improvements at Bull Run Regional Park’s Festival of Lights, adding new light displays to enhance the guest experience.
• Loudoun County:
  • $1.8 million for Algonkian Regional Park cottage renovations to modernize their design and amenities.
  • $850,000 for Volcano Island Waterpark play feature at Algonkian Regional Park, replacing aging facilities with new family-friendly features including slides and interactive features.
  • $600,000 to establish Cattail Regional Park as NOVA Parks’ newest park by constructing an entrance and parking area, developing trails, and installing interpretive signage.
• City of Alexandria:
  • $1.5 million for Carlyle House Historic Park building renovations, preserving its historic features for future generations.
  • $1.0 million for Winkler Botanical Preserve entrance, parking lot and park enhancements, expanding visitor access.
• City of Fairfax:
  • $860,000 for Gateway Wetlands Park redevelopment, creating a resilient and environmentally focused public open space that enhances both ecological function and visitor experience. These improvements are partially funded by the City of Fairfax
• Multiple jurisdictions:
  • $680,000 for Electric Vehicle charging stations, making it easier for visitors with electric vehicles to access regional parks.
  • $2.6 million for various waterpark capital maintenance and improvement projects to help maintain safe, reliable and enjoyable aquatic experiences.
  • $4.6 million for golf course improvements, including expanded driving ranges and irrigation systems, to elevate the overall guest experience.
  • $1.9 million for non-waterpark capital maintenance and improvement projects to preserve and renew facilities throughout the park system.

“This capital improvement program positions NOVA Parks to invest in the facilities and experiences that make our regional parks destinations for recreation, community-building, and well-being,” said NOVA Parks Executive Director Justin Wilson. “Through a creative mix of funding sources, we’re able to maximize our investment in the region, helping us maintain the quality of the park system today and plan for the needs of tomorrow.”

The investments in the FY 2027-2031 Capital Budget will help NOVA Parks renew aging facilities, improve visitor amenities, expand recreational opportunities, strengthen the reliability of park infrastructure and create new ways for people to experience the region’s natural, cultural and recreational resources.

NOVA Parks’ adopted FY 2027-2031 Capital Budget is available online at novaparks.com/Financials.

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About NOVA Parks
Founded in 1959 as a conservation organization, NOVA Parks (Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority) represents three counties and three cities—Arlington County, Fairfax County, Loudoun County, the City of Alexandria, the City of Falls Church, and the City of Fairfax. NOVA Parks is governed by a 12-member policy-making Board made up of two representatives appointed by each of the six jurisdictions. The regional agency manages 37 parks with more than 12,000 acres of parkland, including waterparks, golf courses, campsites, historic sites, event venues, boat launches, annual holiday light shows, and a high adventure ropes course.