NOVA Parks is seeking community input on its Draft 2023-2027 Strategic Plan. The parks agency is asking Northern Virginia residents, businesses, visitors and community organizations to review the draft plan and provide feedback online by 5 p.m. on Friday, July 8. Input will help inform NOVA Parks’ priorities through 2027. https://www.novaparks.com/StrategicPlan
By 2027, NOVA Parks aims to increase parkland; enhance park amenities; offer new services; serve more community members; create a sense of belonging; offset carbon; conserve energy; become a national brand; attract and retain top-quality employees; and further develop the systems to support and grow this dynamic agency. The 5-year strategic plan provides specific goals and objectives to achieve this vision. Highlights of the plan include:
Plant over 50,000 trees creating new areas of forest
Create or improve trails with a focus on sustainability and an investment of over $6 million
Create a W&OD Visitor Center
Create a new wetland park for environmental education and sustainability
Invest in electric vehicles and mowers, and take other steps to lower carbon footprint
Add five new parkland properties, and manage existing parkland to better sequester carbon
Expand cultural events and festivals
Lead effort to commemorate the Declaration of Independence with interpretive efforts focused on liberty, justice, and freedom
Expand partnerships with community groups
Grow entrepreneurial revenues to support park improvements
Create a team and programs that are reflective of our changing and diverse community
The draft plan is organized into 5 pillars — Environment, Belonging, Our Team, Building the Future, and Revenue and Efficiency — with two short questions per section and two overall questions. Responses will take only a few minutes and will help inform NOVA Parks' upcoming priorities.
Visit novaparks.com/StrategicPlan to review the Draft 2023-2027 Strategic Plan and provide feedback by July 8.