Great Communities have Great Parks. With over 23,000 acres in 421 parks, the Fairfax County park system is well used and highly regarded. Parks are an essential element of life to residents of Fairfax County, about 80% of whom visit our parks each year to enjoy nature, historic sites, trails, sports, fitness, aquatics, programs, classes, events and so much more. Accredited and nationally recognized for excellence by the award of the prestigious Gold Medal for Parks and Recreation, Fairfax County's parks are ranked among the best in the nation.