Arlington Maintains Seventh Highest ParkScore® Ranking for 2026

Arlington County’s nationally recognized park system has once again earned the number seven spot in the 2026 Trust for Public Land's (TPL) ParkScore®, marking 11 consecutive years in the top 10. This latest honor follows a year of momentous achievements for Arlington’s Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), including the 2025 National Gold Medal Award in Parks and Recreation Management and four top state awards.

“Arlington’s continued top ten ParkScore rankings reflect our deep commitment to high-quality, accessible public spaces,” said Arlington County Board Chair Matt de Ferranti. “Ninety-nine percent of residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park. That’s an incredible fact of life for Arlingtonians. I am proud to live and serve in a community that values our public lands and recognizes how essential they are to our collective well-being.”

Arlington’s 2026 ParkScore®

Arlington earned a 76.1 overall ParkScore® out of 100 points, earning the seventh spot amongst 100 of the most populated cities in the United States. The overall score measures how Arlington compares to the other localities across 15 areas in the following categories:

Acreage – With only 26 square miles, the County maintains an above-average share of dedicated parkland and remains ahead of schedule on its goals, having already acquired 24.6 acres toward the 2019 Public Spaces Master Plan target of adding 30 acres of new public land by 2029.

Access – Arlington ranks amongst the highest in access, with 99% of residents living within a 10-minute walk of a park.

Investment – Each year, the County invests $303 per resident to support publicly accessible parks, recreational programs, and DPR services.

Amenities – Arlington offers a wide variety of amenities for all age groups, earning a 100 out of 100 score for the County’s supply of basketball hoops, dog parks, playgrounds, and splashpads and high scores for senior and recreation centers, restrooms, and sports fields.

Equity –DPR continues to guide planning through a Capital Equity Investment Framework, address opportunities highlighted by the 2024 Tree Canopy Study, and support access to programs, classes, and services through $1.9 million in fee reductions.

READ: Full Breakdown of Arlington’s ParkScore®

“It is truly an honor to be recognized by the Trust for Public Land again,” said Arlington County Department of Parks and Recreation Director, Jane Rudolph. “It reinforces the dedication and commitment of our staff and community, inspiring us to celebrate this achievement, but also build on the momentum and ensure our parks remain a source of pride here in Arlington.”

As the County celebrates its 2026 ParkScore®, it is already looking ahead to updates in DPR’s long-range planning efforts. The Refresh of the 2019 Public Spaces Master Plan, surveys, evaluates, and responds to the changing needs of Arlington’s population. Community members are encouraged to explore and participate in the process through opportunities such as the upcoming community meeting on May 27 from 7-8:30 p.m. at Walter Reed Community Center. Through engagement and thoughtful planning, Arlington will continue to build a park system that reflects community values and enriches daily life for everyone.

About Trust for Public Lands (TPL)

TPL is a U.S. nonprofit organization carrying out their mission focused on creating parks and protecting land for people with the goal of ensuring healthy and livable communities for future generations. TPL is accredited by the Land Trust Alliance and serves a vital role in protecting and expanding access to public land and parks. Learn more about TPL here.

Media Contact

Jerusalem Solomon
jsolomon@arlingtonva.us
703-228-1865

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