A slate of community groups presented plans on Nov. 20 for recreational and educational uses of unimproved county land behind the new Lancaster County high school, and the Board of Supervisors gave broad, nonbinding support to proceed with memoranda of understanding.

Brett Dawson outlined a not-for-profit plan for River Roots Discovery Gardens, roughly 14 acres, emphasizing wetland learning, outdoor classrooms and a phased master plan. Consultant Sarah Monroe said the group is finalizing an MOU and plans stakeholder outreach in early 2026.

David Du of the Northern Neck Racket Association proposed six tennis courts and six pickleball courts adjacent to the botanical garden, describing the association’s 501(c)(3) status, fundraising plans and a time-sensitive United States Tennis Association grant application with a potential $250,000 award and an application deadline of Nov. 30. Du asked the board for a general consensus to allow the association to proceed with grant applications and MOU negotiations; multiple supervisors verbally indicated support.

Deadrise Disc Golf asked for access via an MOU to use county property (and some adjacent privately offered land) to relocate a community course. The presenters said their current course is closing for redevelopment, that a full 18-hole PDGA-style course typically needs 15–20 acres, and they requested limited county assistance with maintenance tasks (mowing, equipment use) rather than direct financial support.

Presenters and board members repeatedly described the proposals as complementary and emphasized that terms, operating hours, noise mitigation, lighting and long-term county needs would be negotiated in MOUs. Supervisor questions on noise and lighting prompted presenters to describe windscreens and focused LED fixtures as mitigation options. Staff said any MOU will preserve county flexibility and allow the county to reclaim property with notice.

The board did not sign or adopt any MOUs at the meeting; it provided a consensus to permit staff and the county attorney to draft and refine MOUs and to allow applicants to pursue grant applications and fundraising.