Daisies in the Animal Park

In Loudoun, we have a few petting zoos including two that are rather popular. Since I live in Leesburg, my family frequents the one here just outside of town, Leesburg Animal Park. It’s about 10 minutes from my home.

There, the you can see monkeys, huge tortoises, goats, emus, a camel, donkeys, bison and a other exotic creatures. Last year, they were temporarily

housing white tigers for the national zoo, drawing a lot of press.

My family frequently visits at Easter, and nearly all locals attend “Fort Pumpkin” (a Halloween themed event) in the fall; we’ve even had my daughter’s birthday party there. Our most recent visit was with our Daisy troop; a group of 5-7 year old girls;

who were spending through their “cookie money” (funds earned by selling Girl Scout cookies this year), and throwing themselves an end of year bash.

The girls got to see, feed, hold and pet an assortment of strange and exotic animals, picnic, play on the playground, and go on a wagon ride. For the girls, the highlights of our visits were the lorikeet encounter and the pony rides. Every little girl loves a pony ride.

We visited during low attendance days on purpose and kept our party brief, but weekends often feature special events like the fishing derby; and camel rides are offered Fridays-Sundays. Leesburg Animal Park does offer birthday party packages on site, and group rates, as well as "Zoo to You" and "Learning Safari" programs, where they will bring the animals to your event or school. For more information, visit: http://www.leesburganimalpark.com/

***

This animal park used to be much larger and was located in Reston, but due to disputes with the landowner, they were forced to downsize and move. A couple decades ago, I worked at that parkfor a summer. I have wonderfully entertaining stories about the jealous elephant who cried REAL tears, and tried to attack me for dating her trainer; the time I was attacked by the white handed gibbon (a small ape), who was ironically named Fannie Mae (ironic to me now since I am a real estate agent, and in some ways I feel like Fannie Mae has attacked me recently, too!); the time I helped to amputate a fallow deer’s leg to free her from rocks; the times we had to bottle feed a lion cub, who greatly enjoyed snuggling just like any domestic cat; and the list goes on….Tough, dirty, exhausting job. Great stories. If we end up getting to know each other well, ask me about them. I love having unique experiences to share; and I am so glad I worked there that summer.

New Water Park at Ida Lee

Have you heard? There's a new outdoor water park open on Ida Lee grounds in Leesburg. It's name, the A.V. Symington Aquatic Park, is in honor of the late philanthropist who donated $5million for the project. While admirable, I doubt that will ever be the common name, because it is so long. Most people are referring it to the Ida Lee water park.

This opening is particularly significant because of the ugly history with the last public outdoor pool in Leesburg. Decades ago, there was an outdoor pool, and when the Town was ordered to racially integrate; the town opted instead to fill in, and close the pool. It's a sad and shameful part of our history. But, it is all the more reason to celebrate the progress made in this town and in the world, since that time.

And, celebrate, we are! I am happy to report I observed people from many nationalities and races, all equally enjoying the pool, and with nary a thought to the past. I wondered if anyone there recognized the historical significance. When I looked around, all I saw was a community, playing and laughing and enjoying each other and the surroundings, together.

The park really does have a little something for everyone. No matter what type of water activities you like, I am certain you'll find something to catch your fancy.

There's a great "beach area" for the little ones. Although not a wave pool, the gradual slope allows for use by people of all sizes, and there are fountains along the edge enticing littles ones to play with the water.

There's a roped section of 10 to 12 inch depth, perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. They'll enjoy climbing on the whale, and sliding down the size appropriate water slides.

There are 7 slides throughout the park, and they vary in range from "baby slides" to significant body flumes and slides, including a couple reserved for people 6 years or older, and at least 48 inches tall.

There are lap lanes, and plenty of open swim area. There's a floating snake that the older kids flock to. They'll also find floating lilly pads to assist them with walking on the water. It looked like great fun, and I think next time I will try it.

There is plenty of seating, including places for the sun worshippers; and there are plenty of shaded places to sit (in the water or out) for those of us with fairer skin.

If you're chasing little ones like I was, you better put on double the sunscreen! As a red head, who hasn't been in the sun much this year, I definately look different today than before my visit. I used to be white with alburn hair. Now I am hot pink with strawberry blonde hair.

My personal favorite feature at the park is the 600 foot lazy river. Given the chance, I could lay there all day if they'd take those silly "dumping" features away - those are the features that poor water on you just as you are about to drift off to sleep. Perhaps keeping you awake is the point.

Compared to similar regional water parks, this one is a true value. Town residents get a little discount on passes, and more importantly, they get in an hour early to reserve their seats, a luxury I enjoyed greatly. On the day of our visit there were seats available throughout the day; and I was pleasantly surprised that it was not busier.

There's a concession stand offerring affordable lunch and snack options, although our family brought a picnic lunch for our trip. You can bring in your own food, just nothing from a restaurant.

Not only does the water park make for great family time, but the lifeguards call an adult only swim time for 15 minutes of every hour! And, based on the people watching I did, it seems it is even a pretty good place for a date!

Have a happy summer!

* * *

For more information on AV Symington Aquatic Park, please visit:

http://www.leesburgva.gov/index.aspx?page=99