American Legion Post 295 hosted a critical community meeting concerning the
future of Mickie Gordon Memorial Park. Over 200 concerned citizens packed Patriots Hall,
highlighting the community’s strong interest in the park’s development plans.
The meeting, led by Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director
Steve Torpy, addressed the controversial proposal to convert Mickie Gordon Memorial
Park into a three-pitch cricket competition center. The session was filled with passionate
discussions as neighbors and town leaders voiced their objections to the plan. Concerns
included increased traffic, light pollution, construction impacts, and the potential loss of
the park’s historical significance as a baseball center.
Throughout the 90-minute session, community members stressed the need for a balanced
solution that would accommodate the cricket community’s needs while preserving the
park’s legacy and maintaining its current facilities. Middleburg Mayor Bridge Littleton
emphasized the town’s commitment to finding a win-win solution, ensuring that both the
cricket community and local residents’ interests are addressed.
The strong turnout and spirited dialogue underscored the community’s dedication to
preserving Mickie Gordon Memorial Park’s historical and recreational value. The county
parks department pledged to reassess the plans, taking into account the feedback and
concerns expressed during the meeting, and to work towards a solution that benefits
everyone.
The park, named after Mickie Gordon, due to his extensive involvement of Babe Ruth
Baseball in Loudoun County, has deep ties to American Legion Post 295. Mickie Gordon
and his brother Jack Gordon, a past Commander of the Post, were both dedicated
members. During the community meeting, one Legionnaire, Mike Merritt, was
empowered, hearing the passionate calls from the crowd to restore the baseball field. Mr.
Merritt stood and pledged his commitment to starting a Legion Baseball team if the
community is willing to support the endeavor.