HomeMy Public PortalAboutTOL PR 2018-07-16 Foxridge Park grant
Town of Leesburg
News Release
For Immediate Release
July 16, 2018
Media Contact:
Betsy Arnett, Public Information Officer
barnett@leesburgva.gov 703-771-2734
Foxridge Park Selected as National Demonstration Site for
Universal Design Playgrounds
Town of Leesburg received $25,000 grant from GameTime, in partnership with
the Virginia Recreation and Park Society, to upgrade playground equipment.
Leesburg, VA (July 16, 2018) – In the coming months, the playground equipment at Foxridge
Park will be replaced with new structures that incorporate inclusive playground design
principles for ages 2 through 12.
The Leesburg Parks and Recreation Department received a $25,000 grant from GameTime, a
leading manufacturer of commercial playgrounds, through the Virginia Recreation and Park
Society’s (VRPS) state-wide training and funding initiative to promote best practices for play
and recreation.
“The current playground equipment, installed in 1999, does not have a lot of play
components,” explains Lisa Hamaker, Leesburg’s Programs and Fitness Manager. “The new
playground, created with universal design in mind, has components that are playable for all. In
addition, the overall design has more a natural feel, with a treehouse look to the siding and
color scheme. The overall look, as well as components like the balance log and mushrooms,
help tie the active and passive areas of the park together .”
The total project cost is $86,824 and includes improved drainage, engineered wood fiber
ground cover, installation of the new equipment, and installation of a new concrete ramp into
the play area. The existing swing set will remain as part of the play area. The installation is part
of a two-phase project with the second phase focusing on nature ground elements by bringing
more shade and landscaping to the area.
Once completed, the playground at Foxridge Park will serve as a National Demonstration Site
for promoting physical activity, nature engagement, and inclusion. Town staff will provide
information about the new play area’s use to VRPS for in a white paper that will be shared with
at the VRPS annual conference.
The new playground is expected to be installed by the end of October 2018.
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