In 1986, the Leesburg Town Council created the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission to develop a Master Plan for Ida Lee Park. The Master Plan was designed to preserve the character of the Greenwood farm while providing comprehensive, up-to-date recreational facilities. The town retained the firm of Patton, Harris, Rust and Associates and Hughes Group Architects sub-contractors to complete the technical aspects of the Master Plan and to design the facilities respectively. The primary basis for determining the recreation amenities to be included in the Park Master Plan was a 1986 citizen survey in which Leesburg citizens rated an all-season pool, picnic area, preservation of open space, and a recreation center with gymnasium as the items they desired most at Ida Lee Park. The park's topographic features and environmental conditions were thoroughly analyzed and considered in the design and placement of the recreational amenities. The focal point of the park is the existing farmhouse, located on the highest part of the site. Great care was taken to preserve the open space on Route 15 in front of the farmhouse and to place the recreation center in a manner that would to preserve the rural character and beauty of the site. The Master Plan for Ida Lee also includes athletic fields, a nature study area, tennis courts, creative playgrounds, a bandstand and amphitheater.
In December 1989, officials broke ground on the construction of Ida Lee Park. Gary A. Huff, the first Director of the Parks and Recreation Department of the Town of Leesburg, took great pride in the plans for both the park and the farmhouse. Mr. Huff insured that the project was completed on time. The Ida Lee Park Recreation Center was dedicated on July 14, 1990. The design and material for the building complement the historic character of the existing farm structures. The recreation center contains a 25 meter by 25 yard swimming pool designed to meet United States Swim (U.S.S.) competition with a one meter diving boards, whirl-pool spa, gymnasium, weight and fitness room, community meeting room, a day care room and a full-service vending/refreshment area.
The farmhouse next to the Ida Lee Park Recreation Center was to serve as the Parks and Recreation Administration Office and serves as a reminder of the parks distant past. The quaint farmhouse was built in the 1790's and was the home of an episcopal minister in the early 1800's. The house's brick chimneys, stone foundation, hardwood floors, and metal roof were preserved to maintain the original character of the farmhouse. It provides offices, a reception area, a kitchen, and conference room.
In 1991, Mr. Rust donated to the town $50,000 to construct a pavilion and playground at Ida Lee Park. In 1994 the William J. "Billy" Cox Picnic Pavilion was dedicated in memory of Mr. Rust's brother-in-law.
- Map of the Ida Lee Park Master Plan (PDF 113K)
The department is diligently working on plans to develop additional parkland, ball fields, tennis courts, and pedestrian trails. Our acting Co-Directors Richard Williams and William Ference would enjoy your comments on the department and the parks in the town; you can find their contact information on our "Contact Parks & Rec" page..
