Resident Demonstrates Disc Golf Noise Ahead of Westpark Vote

By Valerie Cury

During its April 21 business meeting, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors approved key design elements for the Westpark Property Improvements project in Leesburg, advancing plans to convert the 134-acre former golf course into a passive park.

The proposal calls for preserving much of the site’s natural landscape while adding amenities such as walking trails, parking areas, restrooms, pavilions, a disc golf course, and water quality improvements.

As part of its approval, the board also directed several modifications to the design, particularly related to the planned disc golf course and its proximity to nearby homes.

These include establishing a minimum 100-foot setback—and in some areas 125 feet—between disc golf baskets and adjacent residential properties.

Additional changes call for adding native plantings near baskets within 125 feet of homes and increasing buffer landscaping between parking areas and neighboring properties.

The board also directed staff to explore alternative basket materials, sometimes referred to as “quiet baskets,” instead of traditional heavy metal chain designs that generate noise.

Landscape buffers along residential property lines at both parking lots will be increased from a Screen 2, Type B buffer to a Screen 3, Type C buffer under the Town of Leesburg’s zoning ordinance before final design is completed. Type C buffer is the highest level of screening that the Town ordinance allows.

Supervisor Kristen Umstattd (D-Leesburg) said, “We have worked hard with staff and staff has done the heavy lifting to try to address the concerns that some of the neighbors have had about these stations being too close to their homes.” 

She said the proposal incorporates a 100-foot separation and requires additional screening plantings within 125 feet of residential property lines to help address community concerns—and the extra protections will protect the residents who live along the course.

Chair Phyllis Randall (D-At Large) made a friendly amendment to direct staff to research having quieter basket options. 

Supervisor Juli Briskman (D-Algonkian) said the changes are a nice compromise and that there is demand for disc golf. She emphasized that the park is intended to remain passive.

Randall said she would not want the noise from a disc golf course near her home and noted that residents rely on existing conditions when they choose where to live.

Randall said the project does not reflect what residents expected when they purchased their homes and added that she did not hear support for it from any residents. 

The motion passed 8-0-1 with Supervisor Sylvia Glass (D-Broad Run) absent.

The April 21 vote follows weeks of debate over the project, with much of the concern focused on the proposed disc golf course and its proximity to nearby homes. Residents have raised issues about noise, safety, and increased activity, particularly along Clubhouse Drive and surrounding neighborhoods.

At a March committee meeting, county staff said some disc golf baskets could be as close as 75 feet from residential property lines, prompting concerns from residents who described opposition as widespread and well documented. 

Supervisors acknowledged receiving more than 140 public comments, many focused on concerns about the location of the course and related amenities, including parking areas, restrooms, and a pavilion.

Those concerns carried into the April 21 meeting, where supervisors said they received more than 140 public comments, many focused on the location of the course and related amenities, including parking areas, restrooms, and a pavilion. Several residents also spoke in opposition during the meeting.

Richard Jackson said, “I am here to express our continued strong opposition to the proposed disc golf and parking lots in Westpark.” 

He said the proposed location is in the middle of an established neighborhood and it raises significant concerns about safety, noise, traffic and long-term disruption to the character of the area. 

“Residents of the surrounding area have expressed substantial and well documented opposition to the proposed insulation of the disc golf course and the parking lots,” said Jackson.

Karen Pantas said her home abuts a parcel where seven disc golf holes are planned. “I have been deeply opposed to this portion of the project since the plans came out,” she said.

To illustrate her concern about noise, Pantas brought a disc golf basket into the boardroom and, while speaking, struck it several times with a frisbee, demonstrating the sound she and nearby residents would hear.

“The noise is extremely disturbing,” she said. She added, “Westpark is in a neighborhood surrounded by homes,” where residents have built their lives and expect peace. “You would not want this near your home. I don’t want it near mine.”

Resident Noel Green said the proposed pavilion raises serious concerns. “We already experience problems with late night activity in the area and adding a pavilion will add another gathering place that may worsen those existing problems. 

“Additionally, Loudoun County has indicated this will be an unstaffed park and that raises serious concerns about maintenance, supervision, and accountability.”

Construction is expected to begin in fall 2026, with completion anticipated by spring 2028.