NOVA Parks is a recreational facilities organization headquartered in Fairfax Station, Virginia, dedicated to preserving and managing regional parks across Northern Virginia. Established in 1959 as the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority, the entity was formed by local jurisdictions and citizens to protect the area's natural heritage from suburban expansion. Operating under the Virginia Park Authorities Act, the organization plans, acquires, develops, and operates a system of parks for public enjoyment.
The organization currently serves three counties and three cities: Arlington, Fairfax, and Loudoun counties, along with the cities of Alexandria, Falls Church, and Fairfax. Through the collaborative efforts of staff and volunteer board members appointed from each jurisdiction, NOVA Parks has preserved more than 12,000 acres of rolling, wooded countryside. This conservation work provides a legacy of natural space for over two million residents in the region.
The agency offers a diverse range of recreational amenities including nature trails, golf courses, boating opportunities, and wavepools. Funding for these facilities is generated through pooled contributions from member local governments, which are often supplemented by state and federal grants as well as private donations. This financial structure allows the regional park system to deliver extensive outdoor experiences to the community.