Loudoun County has recently begun the process of attempting to implement changes to Mickie Gordon Memorial Park in Middleburg. The additions would 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.  One field would be a “championship field” that would require increased amenities resulting in increased noise and lighting impacts. 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.

These changes require the Board of Supervisors’ approval of a Special Exception application for an active use park in a rural policy area. Following extensive public comment, including hundreds of comments on the Loudoun Online Land Applications (LOLA) page, the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services held a community meeting on the project on June 29th. This meeting was held to incorporate public involvement in the planning process that had been absent. A petition of opposition was presented by Middleburg Mayor Bridge Littleton with over 1,000 signatures, and many community members attended to question the appropriateness of this rural location for these intensive improvements.

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.

At the conclusion of the June 29th meeting, Parks and Recreation Director Steve Torpy said that they would rework the plan to find a “win-win” solution with the community. At this time the application is tentatively scheduled to be heard in September, with updates expected to come as a result of the community meeting. 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 continue to submit comments through Mickie Gordon’s LOLA page to voice your opposition to the plan in the interim. We will provide updates on this application as they become available.  If you have any questions, please contact Conservation Advocacy Specialist Trinity Mills at tmills@loudounwildlife.org.

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