Arlington Celebrates 10 Years in the Top 10

Arlington County’s park system has once again gained national recognition, earning the number seven spot in the 2025 Trust for Public Land's (TPL) ParkScore® rankings of the 100 largest U.S. cities. This year marks 10 years of Arlington’s consistent ranking amongst the top 10 in the nation—fueled by thoughtful execution of County-wide strategic plans by the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR).  

“Arlington should be celebrated for being one of a handful of cities that have maintained a top 10 ParkScore® rating every year since TPL expanded coverage to 100 cities in 2016,” said TPL’s Vice President for the Southeast region, George Dusenbuery. “Arlington’s park excellence continues to shine through.” 

Arlington’s 2025 ParkScore® 

Arlington ranked seventh on this year’s list with an overall ParkScore® of 77.9 out of 100 points. Scoring is based on the average of the following five categories: 

• Acreage – Strategic long-range planning efforts through the 2019 Public Spaces Master Plan has already resulted in 23 new acres of public parkland— totaling 950 acres of County-owned parkland and reaching 80% of the County’s 2029 public land goal.  

• Access – the County continues to maintain a park system where 99% of Arlingtonians live within a 10-minute walk of a park with public access.  

• Investment – Arlington’s $301 in annual park investments per resident ranks among the highest in the nation. Recent partnerships and investments include, but are not limited to, planning for Gateway Park, an upcoming renovation of the athletic fields and Kenmore, and design of updated spaces at Douglas and Monroe Parks. 

• Amenities – Arlington also scored among the highest in the nation for its supply of basketball hoops, dog parks, playgrounds, and splashpads – scoring 100 out of 100 points for each category and maintaining high scores for senior and recreation centers, restrooms, and sports fields.  

• Equity – Arlington is responding to the changing landscape of our community—informed by 2024 Census estimates which were used to determine 2025 TPL ParkScores®. The 2024 Tree Canopy Study revealed opportunities for investments in tree equity areas, DPR planning efforts continue to be guided by a Capital Equity Investment Framework, and in 2024 alone, DPR provided $1.5 million in fee reductions so community members and families could have better access to classes, programs, and services. DPR is committed to its work towards Access for All.  

READ: Full Breakdown of Arlington’s ParkScore® 

“We are honored to receive this recognition,” said Arlington County Department of Parks and Recreation Director, Jane Rudolph. “Consistently being among the top-ranking jurisdictions in the nation speaks to the intention and thoughtful planning of our department. I am deeply proud of what we’ve accomplished together and excited to continue stewarding an exceptional parks and recreation system for all who live, work, and play here in Arlington.” 

Arlington’s commitment will continue to be reflected in programs, plans, and operations over the coming years. As practices are enhanced, the community benefits. Whether through investments in teen engagement, innovation in natural resource management, or even special events such as the recent Arlington Palooza, Arlington’s park system remains a source of pride, joy, and celebration. While this year’s ranking is a slight drop from last year’s number five status, this 2025 achievement highlights steady performance and significant progress in key areas including expanded acreage, increased amenities, and meaningful investments in Arlington’s park system.