PURCELLVILLE, Va. (March 2026) – After nearly a decade of planning, revisions, and site changes, Loudoun County officials have approved the design framework for a major recreation complex in western Loudoun, advancing one of the region’s largest capital projects.
The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors’ approval allows the project to move into its next phase on a 142-acre site located between Purcellville and Round Hill, just outside town limits.
A Project Years in the Making
The concept of a western Loudoun recreation center has been discussed for years as part of the county’s Capital Improvement Program. Earlier visions for a facility were once centered at Franklin Park, reflecting long-standing interest in expanding recreational access in the western part of the county.
Separate from the recreation center concept, proposals for athletic fields were previously considered near Woodgrove High School. Those plans were ultimately not pursued following community concerns and discussions with the Town of Purcellville.
In 2023, the county moved forward with purchasing a large parcel of farmland for a centralized recreation complex. The decision drew mixed reactions. Some residents raised concerns about cost and location, while others supported the investment as a needed expansion of recreational infrastructure in western Loudoun.
What the Project Includes
The approved design outlines a regional facility intended to serve a growing population with limited access to indoor recreation amenities.
At the center of the project is a roughly 96,000-square-foot indoor facility featuring:
•A full gymnasium and fitness area
•An indoor walking and running track
•Multi-purpose rooms and classrooms
•Community gathering and event spaces
•Administrative offices
Plans also now include a teen center, added in response to a recognized gap in facilities and programming for that age group.
Aquatics are a major component of the design. The facility will include a competition pool capable of hosting swim meets, along with a separate leisure pool and family-oriented water features. County planners say the layout is intended to support both competitive athletics and general community use.
Outside, the site is designed as a multi-use park with up to 10 athletic fields, courts, pavilions, and supporting amenities such as restrooms and concessions. Space has also been reserved for a future public library, signaling long-term plans for the property as a broader community hub.
Addressing a Western Loudoun Gap
County officials have pointed to a long-standing imbalance in recreation access between eastern and western Loudoun. While the eastern portion of the county has multiple established recreation centers, western residents often travel significant distances for indoor facilities.
The need is especially evident in aquatics. Local swim teams and athletes have reported limited lane availability, with some practices scheduled late at night due to overcrowding.
The new complex is expected to help relieve those constraints while providing expanded space for youth sports, fitness programming, and community events.
Design and Community Considerations
Planners have emphasized efforts to balance development with environmental preservation. Current plans include buffers from neighboring properties, protection of wooded areas and wetlands, and lighting designed to reduce impact on surrounding communities.
Public input has played a role throughout the process, with residents providing feedback during board meetings and county outreach efforts as plans evolved.
What Comes Next
With the design framework approved, the project will move into more detailed planning and engineering. Construction could begin as early as 2026 or 2027, with completion expected later in the decade.
The estimated cost of the project is currently $261,072,000, reflecting the size of the facility, supporting infrastructure, and environmental considerations.
Looking Ahead
While debate over cost, location, and long-term impact has followed the project since its early stages, the latest vote signals continued progress toward a centralized recreation destination in western Loudoun.
If completed as planned, the complex would represent one of the largest public recreation investments in the region, significantly expanding access to sports, fitness, and community space for residents in and around Purcellville.
