[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 138 (Saturday, October 28, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1984]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FAIRFAX COUNTY PARK AUTHORITY

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                          HON. THOMAS M. DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 27, 2000

  Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to stand 
before the House today to honor the Fairfax County Park Authority's 
50th anniversary on December 8, 2000. Fifty years ago, private citizens 
were the catalyst for the creation of the Fairfax County Park 
Authority. Looking to the future, they worked with the county's elected 
officials to establish the means to protect open space, historic sites, 
places for family recreation, and resource areas where wildlife could 
continue to thrive.
  The wisdom of those farsighted activists is evident today. Islands of 
woodlands and playing fields, strips of stream valleys and trails, 
historic fragments of Old Fairfax, Virginia and centers for active 
recreation and leisure pursuits form a patchwork of parks across the 
county, accessible to everyone and offering something for every 
interest. Fairfax County has a park system recognized as among the best 
in the nation.
  The Park Authority has over 386 parks on more than 19,326 acres. Park 
facilities include a horticulture center, a working farm, an activities 
and equestrian center, eight indoor RECenters, five nature and visitor 
centers, eight golf courses, on/off-leash dog park, three lakes, two 
campgrounds, an ice skating rink, a Water Park and a working mill. 
Recreational opportunities in the parks abound, with millions of people 
per year enjoying picnicking, hiking, fishing, tennis and golf. There 
are also carousels, miniature golf courses, amphitheaters and marinas.
  Together, people of Fairfax and their Park Authority have kept trust 
with the ideals of those who founded the Park Authority. With the 
support of the people and volunteers, the agency has maintained its 
commitment to preservation, protection and play. With their support the 
agency has survived shifting attitudes towards land use, the ups and 
downs of budget, changes in government and shifts in demographics.
  The Fairfax County Park Authority was created in 1950 to plan, 
acquire, develop, operate and maintain a park and recreation facility 
system that would contribute to the quality of life and environment for 
the citizens, visitors and tourists to Fairfax County. Over the past 
five decades, this system has evolved into a diversified mosaic of open 
space and recreation facilities, ranging from small neighborhood parks 
to an extensive network of county-wide parks which afford a variety of 
recreational opportunities for county residents. The park system also 
serves as the primary public mechanism for the preservation of 
environmentally sensitive land, water resources and areas of historic 
significance.
  The Park Authority protects, manages and preserves thousands of 
natural and cultural resources located within its 19,326 acres. The 
cultural resources, bits and pieces of our history which allow us to 
understand our present and plan our future, include structures, roads, 
landscapes, folklore, artifacts, historic and prehistoric 
archaeological sites. These resources are preserved for our enjoyment 
and the education of our children.
  Mr. Speaker, in closing, this December, the Park Authority will mark 
a half century of touching people's lives. Today, the children and the 
grandchildren of our original park patrons come to our parks for 
recreation, relaxation and respite. Together, people and parks will 
build on the past to shape the future. Like the couple at the golden 
wedding party, I toast a powerful union and an enduring relationship.

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