The Hal and Berni Hanson Regional Park project includes the design and construction of a new 257-acre regional park located on Evergreen Mills Road in Arcola, between the Brambleton and Willowsford communities.
The owner of the land -- Haldore ‘Hal’ Hanson, a writer, state department official and non-profit leader -- died in 1992.
In keeping with the wishes of Hanson and his wife Berni, the Hanson Family Partnership agreed to sell the land to Loudoun County only for use as a park.
The property was acquired in 2009 through negotiations with the Hanson family, Dominion Power and the National Park Service as a part of a United States Department of Interior program.
The public helped shape the park’s features, and skate park designer Wally Holladay served as a design consultant.
The project also includes road improvements to Evergreen Mills Road, which bisects the park, including a turn lane and a stop light at the entrance of the park.
The park will include 17 athletic fields with lighting, and over 75 acres of passive recreational space and infrastructure.
Construction Progress Photos
Including:
Ten multi-purpose soccer fields
Four baseball/softball fields
Cricket field
Four tennis courts
Two artificial turf fields
Outdoor basketball court
Two playgrounds with rubberized surface
Batting cages
Splash pad and playground with inclusive features
Skate plaza
Grandstands
Historic Lee-Hanson House renovation
Five ponds and integrated irrigation system
Fishing piers
Lodge and nature center
Picnic pavilions
Amphitheater
Off-leash areas for dogs
Disc golf course
Paved and natural surface trails
Regional maintenance compound
Administrative building
Concession/restroom buildings and pavilions
An equestrian facility is included in the master plan for future development, but is not currently funded.
The park will be operated by the Loudoun County Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services.
Construction is expected to be complete by spring of 2022.
Current Status: June 2021
Construction crews are working on the various structures throughout the park, including the installation of masonry walls, stonework, timber, siding and trim, windows, roofing, fire protection, utility rough-in and ductwork. Where walls and ceilings are complete, interior painting has begun.
At Hanson House, crews are demolishing the existing roof and chimney stonework in preparation for reconstruction.
Over the next several weeks, work on park features will include the construction of boardwalks/piers, mulching at trails, playground equipment installation, athletic field irrigation and lighting, and concrete formwork at the splashpad.
Ongoing work throughout the park includes earthwork, asphalt paving, curb and gutter installation, and the spreading of topsoil, mulch and seeding.
For safety and as this is an active construction site, no trespassing during construction. Security cameras were installed on the project due to evidence of construction site trespassing.
