NOVA Parks News
THROWBACK THURSDAY—NOVA PARKS--THE WOMEN OF RED ROCK
Throughout its existence, NOVA Parks has always worked hard towards many things. Two endeavors that are on the top of the park authority’s list are the conservation of natural landscapes and the preservation of historic sites throughout the Northern Virginia Region. Whenever an opportunity has come around to acquire land which offers the chance to do both of those things, NOVA Parks has always been prepared to do so. But when such acquisitions happen through a donation from a long-time resident of the region, the resulting parkland becomes a special part of the park authority’s holdings.
In the late 1970s, just such a thing happened for NOVA Parks.
Mrs. Frances V. Speek, (pictured above at the Red Rock ribbon-cutting ceremony), was a resident of the Northern Virginia region and wanted to give back to the citizens of the place she called home for so long. Originally from the state of New York, she was a woman who loved both the nature of Northern Virginia and also its historical past. In the summer of 1977, Speek began talks to donate land situated along the Potomac River on the outskirts of Leesburg and, by 1978, her gift had become part of NOVA Parks and had been named Red Rock Overlook Regional Park.
Today, the regional park consists of 67 acres of mostly wooded land. The destination offers numerous hiking trails over hills and through the woods to panoramic views of the Potomac. Another interesting feature are ruins of several historic buildings, which inhabit the grounds; structures that date back to the antebellum period of the region and were built by industrialist-turned-farmer Charles Paxton.
It is always a great thing when people give back to their community in any way. NOVA Parks is proud to have worked with all the former and current residents of the region who have donated land for the park authority’s use and care. Mrs Frances V. Speek will always be remembered fondly for both her love of nature and her involvement with Red Rock Overlook. The citizens of the region thank her every day with each step they take when utilizing the grounds she so graciously donated for them.
