Fairfax County Park Authority Board Chairman Bill Bouie has announced his intention to step down as chairman of the Park Authority Board after 14 years of leading that body. Bouie will continue his service on the Park Authority Board representing the Hunter Mill District, a post he has held since 2005.
“These last 14 years have been full of fun and excitement for the Fairfax County Park Authority, and it’s been a privilege to have occupied this chair through such a unique period of our history,” said Bouie in making his announcement. “But it’s time for a new voice and that is something I’ve always advocated for. So I’m happy to take the lead in stepping aside as chair, but still continue – with as much energy as ever – to work alongside my colleagues on the board and our exceptional staff in delivering the best park system in all the land.”
Under Bouie’s leadership, the FCPA has earned two National Gold Medal Awards for Excellence; achieved Commission on Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) accreditation three times with perfect scores; acquired more than 10,000 acres of parkland and open space; and achieved the passage of four park bonds worth nearly half a billion dollars in capital financing. Bouie led through the pandemic and has been a champion for social and racial equity in park programs, services, policies and workforce.
“On behalf of all the staff at the Park Authority, I extend our sincerest thanks and appreciation for the unfailing support and vision Chairman Bouie has demonstrated through his leadership,” said Executive Director, Jai Cole. “He is a strong advocate for our roles as stewards of the environment, a seeker of opportunity, a champion for equity and a molder of consensus.”
Bouie has also been an advocate for the Hunter Mill District. He has championed synthetic turf projects; presided over park openings including the Lake Fairfax Skate Park and the Watermine; and continued his work to preserve the historic, natural and cultural treasures of that community.
“When I first heard that Bill Bouie was not seeking re-election as chairman in 2023 I was not happy,” said Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn. “But then I thought about how the residents of Fairfax County, the FCPA staff, the hundreds of thousands of people that use our parks, and how the environment have all benefited from his 14 years of service as chairman of FCPA. I served on the FCPA board from 2016-2018 and have a first-hand appreciation of the steady hand that Bill provided the Park Authority as chairman. I am heartened that he will remain as the Hunter Mill representative and continue his distinguished service to our community.”