Background
In the spring of 2004, A.V. Symington generously bequeathed to Ida Lee Park approximately $5,000,000 for the provision of recreational services and/or the purchase of equipment. Her will specifically stated that the funds were to be used “exclusively for the purchase or construction of improvements and/or purchase of equipment and services for public recreational and educational purposes at Ida Lee Recreation Center”.
In February, 2005 a community input session was held to discus four main projects identified by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission and solicit any new ideas. The main projects discussed in no specific order were: Land Acquisition, Expansion of the Recreation Center to include fitness, aquatics, and youth services, an Indoor Tennis Facility, and an Outdoor Pool. A feasibility analysis of these projects was conducted that included a Town and market wide survey.
After consultation with financial advisors for the Town of Leesburg, the Parks and Recreation Commission endorsed a plan that would acquire adjacent land and develop an outdoor pool and indoor tennis center. Based on the feasibility analysis it was determined that the expansion of the Ida Lee Park Recreation Center was not a viable option.
The Leesburg Town Council, at their January 10, 2006 meeting, voted 6-0-1 to approve the plan endorsed by the Leesburg Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission for the development of an outdoor pool and indoor tennis facility along with the acquisition of adjacent land at Ida Lee Park. The goal for the opening of the new indoor tennis center is the Fall of 2007/Winter 2008.
Status
- The firm of Vollmer Associates was selected to provide schematic design and construction documents for the project.
- The position of the facility within the grounds of the existing tennis center is finalized. – Complete
- Develop construction documents for the project. - Complete
- Solicit bids for the construction of the Indoor Tennis Center. - Complete
- The contract for construction of the indoor tennis center has been awarded to Tessa Construction and Tech -Completed
- January 2008 Grand Opening!
Comments
Email your comments or questions regarding the Indoor Tennis Center at Ida Lee project to Bill Ference, Assistant Director for Parks at wference@leesburgva.gov.