News: Opening Ceremony for Bolen Park Set for June 4

The Loudoun County Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services will hold a grand opening ceremony for the Philip A. Bolen Memorial Park on Saturday, June 4, 2011, at 10:00 a.m.

The public is invited to attend the grand opening ceremony and community celebration featuring first “pitches and throws” by members of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, marching bands, music, performances, concessions, giant moon bounces, games, and bus tours of the property. Bolen Park is located at 42405 Claudia Drive, Leesburg, VA 20175.


Construction of the first phase of the master plan is completed. The site includes a visitors’ center, maintenance facilities and the following lighted athletic fields: four (4) 300-foot softball fields; two (2) 90-fooot baseball diamonds with 300-foot fences; two (2) skinned baseball diamonds with 200-foot fences; one (1) grass infield diamond with 200-foot fence; six (6) large soccer fields; and two (2) football/lacrosse fields. Future development plans include picnic areas, trails, and approximately 200 acres of natural woodlands.

Limited parking is available at the event site. Complimentary shuttle bus service will operate from the Leesburg Park & Ride lot located at 19730 Sycolin Road, across from the Leesburg Airport.

For more information, send email inquiries to prcs@loudoun.gov or call 703-771-5351. In case of inclement weather, call 703-777-0456 after 8:00 a.m. on the event day.

Background:

Philip A. Bolen, former Loudoun County Administrator and the man many call “Mr. Loudoun County”, began his 30-year career with the County Government as a teacher and coach at Loudoun Valley High School from 1961 to 1967. He transferred to the Department of Parks and Recreation in 1967 where he served as Director until 1971. During his tenure, the department organized summer recreation programs, developed the first parks and recreation plan, and began converting old schools into community centers. He was named County Administrator in 1971 and served in that position for 20 years before retiring in 1991.