Loudoun County has recently begun the process of attempting to implement changes to Mickie Gordon Memorial Park in Middleburg. The originally proposed changes require the Board of Supervisors’ approval of a Special Exception application for an active use park in a rural policy area. Following extensive massive public comment, including hundreds of comments on the application’s Loudoun Online Land Applications (LOLA) page, and speakers in dissent at the community meeting held by Parks and Recreation on the project on June 29th, the application has been placed on hold.
The County held the first of a pair of workshops on August 31, during which over 100 members of the Middleburg community gathered in work groups facilitated by County officials to give their input on what they wished to see (or not see) included in the park plan. The second workshop will be held on October 4th at the American Legion in Middleburg for the community to give suggestions on what they would like to see added to the park.
The County will be holding a pair of workshops in August and September to allow for the community to give suggestions on what they would like to see added to the park.
The additions originally proposed were to consist of the installation of three new cricket fields that would have a significant footprint. Of primary concern are the 18 100-foot-tall light towers that would be erected to light the new fields and spread light over the majority of this rural park. Also of concern is the increased traffic flow on Route 50 that would result from the construction more intensive use of the park. All of these aspects would negatively impact wildlife.
Although Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy recognizes and supports the cricket community in their desire for accessible recreation opportunities, we have concerns about choosing Mickie Gordon Park for the location of these fields. As a rural area surrounded by natural areas, this extreme increase in lighting and noise would have significant negative impacts. These impacts are not only disruptive to the quiet aesthetic of the area, but can cause harm to nearby wildlife and have the potential to threaten the integrity of the ecosystem.
The initial June 29 meeting was held to begin the incorporation of public involvement in the planning process that had been absent. At the meeting, a petition of opposition was presented by Middleburg Mayor Bridge Littleton with over 1,000 signatures, and many community members attended to pose questions about the appropriateness of this rural location for these intensive improvements. Parks and Recreation Director Steve Torpy concluded by stating intention to rework the plan to find a “win-win” solution with the community. The planned workshops are the beginning of this restructuring process.
Loudoun Wildlife will be releasing an official dark skies policy statement with detailed information on the impacts of excessive lighting on wildlife and best practices for outdoor lighting, especially for athletic fields. We encourage you to attend the October 4 workshop to give actionable suggestions for appropriate uses that can be implemented at the park and advocate for keeping it “dawn to dusk.” If you have any questions, please contact Conservation Advocacy Specialist Trinity Mills at tmills@loudounwildlife.org.