Leesburg Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting - September 18, 2026

This meeting of the Leesburg Parks and Recreation Commission covered the review of the draft Parks and Recreation Master Plan, planning for a spring pickleball tournament, updates on capital projects, and other administrative items. The meeting began with approval of minutes and citizen comments, then moved into a lengthy discussion on the master plan, followed by detailed planning for a pickleball tournament and updates on emergency training and park projects.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Meeting Minutes: A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes from the August 19th (or possibly September 15th) meeting; all members voted in favor, none opposed.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Alex (Citizen): Commented that schools are back and they are "surviving," and expressed excitement about a fire-related update (unclear), but no specific position on agenda items.
• Sarah (Citizen): Had nothing to report.

Discussion Items

• County Updates and Reports:

  • Council members reported on various items: overcrowding at Bowland Park (four teams per rectangle, parking overflow, unsafe conditions at Cross Trail), and a meeting with the Coalition of Loudoun Towns (COLT) where trails and waterways received support from mayors.
  • A status update on Westpark (a town park project): the project is in the legal phase (notifying property owners for potential purging/access), but the timeline was unexpectedly pushed back a full year, causing frustration.
  • Interest in developing an indoor sports facility was noted, with county public meetings scheduled for September 19 and September 24 at Loudoun Valley and Briarwoods.

• Master Plan Review:

  • The draft Parks and Recreation Master Plan (a component of the Legacy Leesburg Plan) was reviewed. The plan is organized into themes: Secure & Maintain, Play Explore Learn, Preserve & Conserve, Access & Connectivity, and Outreach & Awareness.
  • Commissioners expressed that the plan is too high-level ("30,000 foot view") and does not contain specific project recommendations or a clear wish list. It identifies needs (e.g., adult programming, performance space, trail connections, shade) but lacks concrete direction.
  • Members noted that the appendices (300-page document) contain errors and placeholders and need scrubbing.
  • The plan was characterized as a statement of needs rather than an actionable plan. Members suggested adding a "big hairy audacious goal" (BHAG) such as acquiring parkland on the south side of town with an aquatic center, courts, shade structures, and trail connections.
  • The next steps: the plan will go to other town commissions for 30-day comment, then to the Planning Commission, and eventually to Town Council. Staff will work with consultant Barry Dunn to address concerns. The item was tabled until the next meeting, with members asked to mark up the documents.

• Pickleball Tournament Planning:

  • The commission finalized details for a spring pickleball tournament to be held at the new pickleball courts (likely at Veterans Park). Key decisions:
    • Format: Three divisions (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced), each capped at 12 teams (doubles). Total capacity 36 teams (72 players).
    • Pricing: $40 per team; no t-shirts for the first tournament to keep it simple.
    • Age: Open to adults (18+), no age delineation; skill levels will be self-defined.
    • Schedule: Three four-hour sessions (8am-12pm, 12pm-4pm, 4pm-8pm) – each division assigned a time slot.
    • Play Format: Round-robin within pods of up to 12 teams (e.g., groups of 4, 5, or 6 teams per pod), then playoff bracket (top teams) and consolation bracket for lower finishers. Games to 11 points.
    • Awards: Medals or prizes will not be advertised; winners will receive a surprise prize (e.g., punch pass).
    • Instruction: A 10-minute pickleball introduction/refresher will be offered at the start of the beginner session (optional).
    • Fall Tournament: Planned as a larger, more competitive event, possibly with a tournament management company.

• Emergency Training Update:

  • Staff reported on a two-day emergency drill simulating active shooter scenarios at an air show (Tuesday) and a Fourth of July event at Ida Lee (Wednesday). The drill involved actors, simulated gunfire, and tested the command center. It was considered successful and valuable for future planning.

• Other Updates:

  • Veterans Park Ribbon Cutting: Scheduled for September 30 at 4:30 pm. Parking at the pool with shuttle service from the school to the boat launch area.
  • Rock Spring Event: A metal detecting event planned for October 17 (10am-4pm) at Rock Spring. Registration is limited to 20 metal detectors (not 20 spots) – confusion noted; staff will confirm capacity.
  • Fitness Center Equipment: Equipment not yet ordered; expected to be ordered within the next week or two, with delivery in about eight weeks.
  • Capital Projects: No new CIP items added; staff reminded members to think about FY28 budget requests for the October meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Master Plan: Tabled to next meeting (likely October) for further review. Staff to contact Barry Dunn to discuss potential additional work (e.g., creating a more specific wish list and addressing data errors in appendices). The document will be sent to other commissions for 30-day comment before returning to the commission.
• Pickleball Tournament: Approve the structure as outlined (three divisions, 12 teams each, $40 fee, no t-shirts, adults only, consolation bracket, optional beginner instruction). Staff to create registration page in WebTrac and promotional materials. Aim for spring 2027 (exact date not set). Fall tournament to be planned later.
• Budget: Members asked to bring ideas for FY28 budget to the next meeting.
• Next Meeting: Scheduled for October (date not specified), with a reminder to come prepared for master plan discussion and budget items.