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New regional park in Loudoun proposed
The Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority is looking to add another park to its realm of outdoor space, creating White's Ford Regional Park in Loudoun.Park authority leaders announced Dec. 2 that they have filed a land-use application with the county to turn 275 acres of land northeast of Leesburg along the Potomac into a regional park.
The authority is looking to buy the land from a property owner within a year and is waiting for county approval before purchasing.
The authority's Executive Director Paul Gilbert said he envisions hiking, camping, boating at the park.
“This property is perfectly in line with our mission, and we’re pleased to be able to offer this land to residents of our region for recreation,” he said.
The purchase would fall nearly in line with the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War, with which White's Ford has a link.
“During the Civil War, [Confederate Lt. Col. Elijah V.] White owned the property as a farm,” Gilbert said. “On the way to the Battle of Antietam, a large contingency camped on the property.” The Battle of Antietam was fought near Sharpsburg, Md.
Gilbert said before choosing land for a regional park, the authority looks at historic significance and natural features. White's Ford, he said, has both.
Also, he said, having regional park status would offer some protection from houses being built at the park site.
White's Ford is located about one mile from Temple Hall Farm Regional Park, host to the annual Corn MAiZE and just north of White's Ferry.
Gilbert said the park will have no effect on the ferry, which would lie outside of park grounds.
For more information about the White's Ford Regional Park plans or the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority, visit www.nvrpa.org .
Contact the reporter at hhobbs@timespapers.com.
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