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Fairfax County officials broadly support making park services more affordable based on household income, but a proposed $12 million rollout has raised sharp questions about administrative costs amid a major budget deficit.

Fairfax County Park Authority Executive Director Jai Cole presented the multi-year plan to the Board of Supervisors’ health and human services committee on Jan. 28. The proposal would introduce sliding-scale fees at county recreation centers in fiscal year 2028, beginning July 1, 2027.

Income-based pricing would expand to learn-to-swim programs and recreation classes in fiscal 2029, followed by summer camps in fiscal 2030.

Cole said recreation centers were selected for the first phase because they have substantial available capacity, encourage healthy activity across age groups and would be the simplest facilities in which to launch the model.

The gradual rollout would also give officials time to evaluate each stage and make changes before expanding the program.

“We want to pause every single time to see what is working, what is not working,” Cole said.

Providence District Supervisor Dalia Palchik, the committee chair, agreed that recreation centers were a logical starting point, noting that many have significant capacity during daytime hours.

Supervisors challenge overhead costs

Concerns emerged when a presentation slide estimated $7 million for fee reductions benefiting lower-income residents and another $7.2 million for initial administration and outreach.

“That can’t be right,” Board Chairman Jeff McKay said.

Staff subsequently explained that a newer version of the proposal had already cut administrative and outreach expenses by approximately $2 million from the amount recommended in a January 2024 equity study by consultant HR&A. That brought the overall estimated cost to about $12 million.

McKay said the revised figure could still be too high. He urged the Park Authority to use systems and expertise already available elsewhere in county government, including within the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services, which administers sliding fees through the School Age Child Care program.

“Take advantage of the systems we already have,” McKay said, calling for officials to find additional savings in light of the county’s financial outlook.

Fairfax County government is confronting a projected $292.7 million deficit. County Executive Bryan Hill directed agencies to identify possible reductions for his proposed fiscal 2026 budget, scheduled for presentation to supervisors on Feb. 18.

To illustrate what a 10% Park Authority budget reduction could entail, staff identified several options they did not recommend: shrinking the annual Summer Entertainment Series, reducing mowing and tree maintenance, and closing one nature center and one historic site.

Deputy County Executive Christopher Leonard said the Park Authority would not create an entirely new administrative process when the county already operates variable-pricing programs through its human-services agencies. Staff are examining additional ways to lower implementation expenses, he said.

“We know how to do this,” Leonard said.

Maintenance and transportation remain concerns

Franconia District Supervisor Rodney Lusk and Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity also questioned the administrative costs.

Herrity, the board’s only Republican, said he did not oppose reasonable income-based discounts but questioned whether the initiative should advance ahead of more pressing Park Authority needs.

“The number-one concern I get on parks is maintenance,” Herrity said. “We are in bad shape.”

Supervisors Lusk, Palchik, Andres Jimenez of the Mason District and Kathy Smith of the Sully District also said lower prices alone would not ensure equitable access. Transportation must be addressed because some residents cannot easily reach parks and recreation facilities.

Jimenez described that lack of transportation as “a huge barrier.”

Despite his concerns, Lusk said he was “very, very pleased” with the proposed road map and supported its overall direction.

Cole said the range of issues raised by supervisors demonstrated the complexity of expanding equitable access and reinforced the need for a phased rollout.

“This is a herculean effort,” she said. “It’s going to take a concerted effort from all of us [to] make sure we’re getting it right.”