Welcome to the City of Leesburg Recreation Website
Mission Statement:
"The Recreation Department's mission is to enhance the quality of life for Leesburg citizens by providing affordable, high quality recreation facilities, programs and services."
| The City of Leesburg offers a variety of parks and recreation opportunities for the entire family. Visit any of the City's many parks facilities or participate in our wide selection of recreational and sport activities. There is always something to do in Leesburg! Whether you want to join one of our many sports leagues, visit our top-notch parks and swimming pools, or catch a summer collegiate baseball game on a warm summer night, this updated user friendly website is designed to highlight the countless opportunities for everyone in Leesburg. The City of Leesburg Recreation Department is always looking for new programming opportunities. If you have a special skill and would like to partner with the City to offer classes in yoga, dance, painting, exercise, etc. please contact the Recreation Department. Leesburg offers fun and recreation for the entire family. Facilities are open days and evenings, and many are available for rental. |
Announcement
NCAA Division I Softball returns to Leesburg
Northern Lights/Southern Nights Invitational set for February 2022
LEESBURG, FL – Division I softball is returning to Leesburg’s Sleepy Hollow Sports Complex in February, 2022. The inaugural Northern Lights/Southern Nights Invitational will be held February 10-13, 2022, opening weekend of women’s college softball.
The twelve-team field represents six different conferences and will include three teams who made it to last year’s super-regional finals and three other 2021 tournament participants. Programs coming to Leesburg for this event are Missouri, Virginia Tech, Kentucky, Northwestern, Liberty, Eastern Kentucky, Wisconsin, UConn, Pitt, Iowa, Hofstra and Michigan State.
Although Women’s college softball is a spring sport, the season actually starts in winter putting northern teams at a disadvantage. The Northern Lights/Southern Nights tournament’s goal is to offer a level playing field by matching top teams that are unable or only occasionally able to practice outdoors at the beginning of the season due to weather.
“Leesburg is excited to once again host these Division I athletes at our Sleepy Hollow facility,” said Mayor John Christian. “We look forward to a great tournament and welcoming all the athletes, their families and fans to our city.”
Tickets for the Northern Lights/Southern Nights tournament are now on sale on the event website at www.northernlightssoftball.com.
Leesburg is a progressive city of more than 23,000 residents in northwest Lake County. The city government serves twice as many people with its electric, gas, water and wastewater public utilities. Leesburg is also a central hub for commerce, attracting 50,000 people to work each weekday. For more information, visit www.leesburgflorida.gov.
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Leesburg Parks & Recreation receives Excellence in Sports Tourism award
LEESBURG, FL - Leesburg’s Parks and Recreation Department received the 2020 “Excellence in Sports Tourism, Small Market” award from the Florida Recreation and Parks Association. The award, accepted by Parks and Recreation Director Travis Rima at the FRPA Awards and Installation Banquet on September 2, recognizes the city’s efforts to support sports tourism.
Leesburg was nominated for the award by the Greater Orlando Sports Commission. The nomination form cited the city’s $11.2 million investment in upgrades to Venetian Gardens which has helped make Leesburg one of the top venues in the southeast for hosting local, regional, and national fishing events. The commitment of time and resources by staff to ensure the expectations of event organizers are met and the importance of the partnership between the elected officials of Leesburg and Lake County was also noted.
“This award is a great achievement for not only the Leesburg Recreation Department, but for the entire City of Leesburg. Attracting and retaining sports tourism events is a team effort that starts with the leadership from the Mayor and Commissioners and our City Manager, Al Minner,” said Rima. “The Lake County BOCC, Greater Orlando Sports Commission and Visit Lake are also an integral part of the process.”
In the last fiscal year the city partnered with Visit Lake and the Greater Orlando Sports Commission to host seven fishing tournaments that generated nearly $5 million in economic impact to the area. In the coming months, additional major fishing events are scheduled to take place at Venetian Gardens and the Harris Chain of Lakes including the 2020 Carhartt Bassmaster College Team Championship and the 2020 Bassmaster Team Championship.
“On behalf of our staff and board of directors, we offer a heart-felt congratulations to the City of Leesburg’s Parks and Recreation Department that was recognized by their industry peers who voted on this prestigious award,” says Jason Siegel, President & CEO of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission. “It is a well-deserved win for their outstanding and dedicated team led by Parks Director Travis Rima. We look forward to continuing our relationship with the Parks Department and the City of Leesburg to bring events, visitors and economic impact to the region.”
Rima commended the numerous city staff members from Recreation, Public Works, IT and Leesburg Police and Fire departments who put in countless hours to ensure the success of these events. He added that the welcoming attitude from the community is crucial. “The residents of Leesburg and Lake County along with our businesses, hotels, etc. are the icing on the cake that continues to bring fishermen/women from across the globe to our city,” said Rima.
The Harris Chain of Lakes spans over 50,000 acres and includes lakes Dora, Eustis, Griffin, Harris, Little Harris, Carlton and Beauclair. These lakes make up some of Florida’s most popular sailing, boating and water-skiing destinations and are also home to some of the top bass fishing not only in Florida, but the country.
Leesburg is a progressive city of more than 23,000 residents in northwest Lake County. The city government serves twice as many people with its electric, gas, water and wastewater public utilities. Leesburg is also a central hub for commerce, attracting 50,000 people to work each weekday. For more information, visit www.leesburgflorida.gov.
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Gym Hours
Open Gym - Monday-Friday - 8:00am-6:00pm
Pickleball - Tuesday and Thursday - 10:00am-12:00pm
Department Contact Information
Phone: 352-728-9885
Recreation Department Email
Department Staff
Travis Rima - Director of Recreation
Brian Andreichuk - Recreation Manager
Marcus Niblack - Recreation Supervisor
Brittany Haller - Athletic Supervisor
TéRella Coleman - Administrative Assistant II
Gramir Vélez - Administrative Assistant I
Joshua Hester - Recreation Aide
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@leesburgrecreation @leesburgrecreation
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