About Us
L.O.R.D.A. (Lansdowne Outdoor Recreational Development Association)
is the first park specifically for senior citizens and disabled
persons in North America. The organization was registered in
1986 as a charitable non-profit organization and has been in
operation ever since.
Driven by their passion for the wilderness, hunting and fishing,
the Leese family of Westville, NS had a vision of creating
a park to serve special persons, one that would extend the
simple pleasures of nature to those who be unable to enjoy
them without the benefit of such a facility. Joe Leese, at
the age of 83 in 1986, and his son Dave donated their land,
time and money to develop what has become a first-class outdoor
recreational park, based on its wilderness location, visited
and delighted in by challenges, and other shut-ins are able
to enjoy what many of us take for granted, free of charge
. The p ark
operates exclusively on donations, and are able to offer charitable
receipts for most donations received.
The creation of this park was not an easy task. Joe, Dave
and his son David, together with a small group of interested
and dedicated volunteers spent countless hours developing
the land and preparing the facility to receive their first
visitors in 1986. Since then, every year has presented another
opportunity for more improvements, and today the facility
boasts numerous recreational activities amid a peaceful. tranquil
setting.
Together with the Leese family, the Board of Directors for
the organization oversees the operation of the park. This
board consists of Dave's wife Lenora, his daughter Wanda,
and many local citizens who are active in supporting the park's
operation's and promoting both the awareness and use of the
facility.
Our list of volunteers and donors is getting too large to
mention. However, an honor hut is located in the park which
identifies significant contributors to the park's operations.
In addition, the Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries supplies
the park with fish each year, and other the Federal and Provincial
governments favor the park with student employees for the
summer months. In addition, Municipal, Provincial, and Federal
grants have been given to the organization when available
to assist the park with making capital improvements to the
facility.
Each year the park is the host to several
annual events, as follows:
Annual Fishing Derby and Barbeque for the Mentally
Challenged
- hosted by the United Commercial Travelers Pictonian Council
879, the Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and LORDA, this
event takes place on the first Saturday in June which coincides
with Atlantic Sports Fishing Weekend
Annual Fishing Derby and Barbeque for the Children
of Chernobyl
- hosted by LORDA in conjunction with the UCT and numerous
local businesses and volunteers who donate both their products
and time to make this day a success
Please make a visit to the park to see the results of volunteers,
dedication, hard work and a vision. We are confident once
you come you will become a regular!
Dave
Leese
dave@lorda.org
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