What is Included in The Refresh
General Updates to Reflect County’s Trends and Needs
The Refresh will be informed by the 2023 Forestry and Natural Resource Plan, the Equity Resolution and Race and Equity Dashboard and Community Vulnerability Index Mapping Initiative, and any relevant County plans. Revised public space inventory and updated population forecasts and trends will help shape the Plan updates.
New Statistically Valid Survey of Arlington County Residents
As part of this effort, the County will conduct a statistically valid survey to gather feedback from community. More information on the statistically valid survey can be found in our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
The purpose of the statistically valid county wide needs assessment survey is to gather key data and information needed to address current and future parks, programming, and recreational needs of the County. The survey results will inform the level of service analysis and will guide future improvements of the public space system. DPR conducted similar surveys in the past, including the last survey as part of the PSMP update process in 2015. The survey will include a minimum of 800 statistically valid household responses, representative of the demographic and geographic characteristics of the County.
In the fall 2025, a random sample of households across Arlington will receive the survey by mail. Residents who are selected will have multiple ways to participate:
- Mail: complete and return the paper survey.
- Phone: use a toll-free number, with support available in multiple languages.
- Online: submit responses through a secure survey link, also available in multiple languages.
The purpose of the survey is to ensure that we hear from a representative cross-section of Arlington County residents, so that community voices directly inform The Refresh.
Your participation is important in helping Arlington plan for the future of its public spaces.
Additionally, the community will have an opportunity to participate in a similar online survey, but the results of the statistically valid survey will be reported separately to ensure their statistical validity.
(PDF, 49KB) Level of Services Analysis Update
The level of service is a planning tool that assesses how many and where park amenities are needed. The updated LOS analysis will reflect changes to the park system, including new park amenities, that have occurred over the last 5+ years and will now consider the County’s equity analysis in its design and results. The analysis will be carried out using ArcGIS Pro.
Results of the LOS analysis will include updated graphics, narratives, tables, and future recommendations. Benchmarking of Selected Peer Localities.
The consulting team, WRT, will undertake a benchmark analysis comparing Arlington County’s parks and recreation system with the identified peer localities of Alexandria, VA, Bellevue, WA, Berkeley, CA, St. Paul, MN.
Click on the image to the right to view the Level of Service Analysis Cheat Sheet.
Land Acquisition
The County has acquired approximately 24 acres of new public spaces since 2019, coming close to reaching the PSMP goal of adding 30 acres of new public spaces by 2029 (PSMP Priority Action Step 1.1.). The Refresh process will look at the land acquisition criteria and methodology as well as update the maps with potential future acquisitions targets.
Other Items Explored as Part of The Refresh
- Park Restroom Policy
- Park Lighting Policy (e.g., court lighting, not including athletic field lighting)
- Park Facility Standards