In mid-January 2024, Loudoun County’s consultant began performing a comprehensive tree survey to identify large trees on and near the Westpark property as part of the project design process. This survey consists of a team of certified arborists identifying existing trees that are 12 inches and larger in diameter, within a 25-foot distance of the project limits. This range could include some trees outside of the project boundary.
Some of those trees may be tagged and others will be assessed visually and may not have a tree tag. The numbered tags used for marking the trees are aluminum and will not harm the tree. Tree survey work of approximately 1,400 trees will continue through early April.
Inventory information gathered by the team will include size, surveyed location, species and tree condition. After the information is gathered, the inventory information will be analyzed in conjunction with ongoing design efforts for the property to develop a Tree Inventory Plan. This plan will:
- Show the existing surveyed locations of large trees relative to the property boundary.
- Determine which trees are invasive species and trees in poor health that need to be removed.
- Preserve the health of trees in and near the property boundary.
The presence of a numbered tag on a tree does not indicate whether the tree will be preserved or removed. The county will only remove trees that are located on the county’s property.
Once completed, the Tree Inventory Plan will be posted to the project page.
Ongoing Tree Removal
The Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS) continues to cut and remove dead trees on Westpark Property as needed. As this area is considered a natural area, dead or dangerous trees are cut down to remove the risk to people using the trail or to neighbors close to property lines.
Residents should know that the large cut wood that cannot be chipped is purposely left at the stump. The tree stumps assist in marking areas where crews should not mow due to the potential for equipment damage. If the accepted design requires stump removal, the removal will be handled by the contractor at the time of construction.
Town of Leesburg Sanitary Sewer Lining and Rehabilitation Project
Restoration of the areas of the Westpark Property impacted by the Town of Leesburg sewer lining and rehabilitation project is forthcoming. Crews will be re-grading and seeding grassland areas, cleaning, and re-paving trails where needed to restore the property to its original condition. Weather permitting, all work associated with this project is anticipated to be completed in spring 2024.
If you have questions about the Sanitary Sewer Lining and Rehabilitation Project, please contact the Town of Leesburg Utilities Project Manager, George Brant, P.E., PMP, by email or call 703-771-6743.
About the Loudoun County Westpark Property Project
In August 2022, Loudoun County purchased 134 acres of the former Westpark Golf Course that was located along Country Club Drive in Leesburg. The county-owned land has been placed into a conservation easement, which will preserve the natural landscape. The Westpark Improvements project includes the design and construction of a passive park. A typical passive park may consist of walking and biking trails, disc golf areas, and include many natural and minimally disturbed areas.
Funding for the project in the amount of $13.4 million is included in the county's Capital Improvement Program (Fiscal Year 2023 - Fiscal Year 2028) with completion of the passive park construction expected in spring 2028.
More information—including a link to sign up for email and text updates on the project—is posted on the Loudoun County website at loudoun.gov/westparkproperty.