Town Council Reviews Master Park Plans

The Leesburg Town Council says that all 16 Leesburg Parks should have master plans as developed by the Parks and Recreation Department.

The council met Monday night to discuss the topic. Only three of Leesburg's parks - Ida Lee, Freedom and Veterans - have a formal master plan, says Parks and Public Space Planner Bill Ference.

The master plans are considered an essential tool in park and recreation management, he said, and will help guide public officials and staff when it comes to funding, planning, development and operation.

Late last year, it was determined that there was a need to develop a plan for each of the 13 sites, while updating the three, which have already been approved, Ference said.

“We've been a little remiss, I think, on having these park master plans and thought it was time to get it rolling," Ference said. "We've anticpated on getting this done by the summer and wanted to stay on track."

After initiating data collection and soliciting for public input, the results were presented to the Planning Commission on April 5. It is now up to the Town Council, he said, to make the final decision. 

During Monday’s work session, Ference shared the proposed plans, which suggested that only a few updates be made on the plans that already exist. A small playground was pitched for Freedom Park, while disc golf, a mountain bike trail and dog park were pitched for Veterans Park.

For Ida Lee, a number of small improvements was proposed. Among them were additional parking spots and picnic shelters near the soccer fields as well as restrooms. Councilman Marty Martinez suggested a concession stand.

“If it’s going to be used to that capacity, three fields and a lot of people there, it might want to be suggested,” Martinez said.

Another suggestion was to create an events garden near the farmhouse. Ference said that although there is already a garden on the property it is not fit for weddings and other special events.

“Our goal with Ida Lee is to keep it as rural as possible,” Ference said.

Recommendations for the remaining 13 parks included the addition of trails, bicycle amenities, picnic pavilions, lighting, playgrounds and information kiosks. Ference said that nothing has been prioritized at this time.

To see the proposed plan visit the Town's website. The Town Council is scheduled to vote on the master plans on Tuesday, May 22.