The Town of Herndon Parks and Recreation Department was established in 1976, and has grown from a one-person staff and one county-owned park, to become a nationally-recognized and accredited agency with outstanding recreation services and facilities. The 56,000-square-foot Herndon Community Center, originally opened in 1978, has been developed in four phases and includes an indoor aquatic facility, fitness center, three racquetball courts, a full-size gymnasium, personal training fitness studio, competition swim team, arts & crafts room with a pottery lab, and multi-purpose classrooms to support a wide array of recreational programs offered by the department. The park system has grown to include eleven parks within Herndon's town limits which include playgrounds, sports fields, tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, bocce court, a seasonal indoor tennis facility, a dog park, a skatepark, and a 58-acre nature park. An extensive trail system through the Town connects Herndon to both county and regional trails. 

Herndon Parks and Recreation Department became a four-time winner of the National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Parks and Recreation Management in 2008. With a regular staff of 24 employees and 130 seasonal staff, the department operates over 1900 programs annually. Community-wide special events sponsored by the department include the Herndon Festival, July 4th Celebration, Farmers' Market Fun Days, NatureFest, Turkey Trot 5K Race, and a Holiday Arts & Crafts Show.

The quality of life in Herndon is enriched by the extensive recreation programs and facilities available to its residents. The park and recreation amenities provided by the Town play an integral role in making Herndon a great place to live, work, and play.