VIRGINIA AQUARIUM & OWLS CREEK AREA

TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM VOLUME 1 : TASK 1 OCTOBER 2011 “Owls Creek is the heart and life line of the surrounding natural systems and communiti es. It is woven into the environmental fabric of the area, and it has the potenti al to become an integral part of the City of Virginia Beach’s urban park system.” VOL. 1 Prepared For DATA COLLECTION & CONCEPTUAL MASTER PLAN

Contents Executi ve Summary...... 1 Context...... 3 Local Heritage...... 5 Design Process...... 9 Project Schedule...... 10 Guiding Principles...... 11 Prepared By Focus Areas...... 12 Sustainable Sites Strategies...... 13 Existi ng Reports...... 15

Workshop I Summary ...... 21 Site Tour...... 23 Existi ng Conditi ons / Inventory...... 25 Site Analysis...... 27 Infrastructure Analysis...... 31 Natural Resources Inventory...... 33 Case Studies...... 37

Worshop II Summary...... 41 Children’s Workshop...... 43 Public Meeti ng Summary...... 45 Worshop III Summary...... 47 Program Elements...... 50 Preliminary Concepts...... 51 Land Use Comparison...... 55 Preferred Master Plan...... 56 Conceptual Secti ons...... 57 Character Images...... 61 Economic Evaluati on...... 63 Fundraising & Grant Assessment...... 67 Executive Summary

The study will defi ne a 20 year master plan for the Virginia shares common themes with the Virginia Aquarium and that Aquarium & Owls Creek area connecti ng the site as it benefi ts the community both socially and economically. The relates to the theme of marine science in Virginia Beach. Virginia Aquarium & Owls Creek Area will consist of multi ple The six main focus areas to be included are: Recreati on, venues all with a common purpose related to marine and Research & Technology, Educati on, Entertainment, Economic inshore environment educati on and entertainment. Elements Development, and Exhibits. The focus areas are listed in order of the area may include: of implementati on to allow the City to build momentum with projects that are within reach fi nancially. These focus areas  Virginia Aquarium (Existi ng with potenti al for future will be integrated into the Master Plan to create a place that expansion) embodies the southern charm of Virginia Beach and leaves  Marine Research faciliti es in some partnership with higher a legacy of preservati on that can be embraced by future educati on generati ons.  Recreati on & Entertainment  Provide “multi -day” visit opportuniti es for the Planning Approach and Objectives community and guests of Virginia Beach  Contribute to the Virginia Beach Parks and Recreati on Our approach to planning has been tested and successful in system to provide public nature experiences projects of all types. Understanding the culture, the site and  Develop a “locals only” pass system similar to Disney the goals are the basic principles of design. Over the years or Atlanti s to increase visitati on of public/private our team has developed the ability to walk on a site and att racti ons immediately envision the potenti al. We believe that a good  Introduce a collecti on of land and sea acti viti es to the plan fl ows naturally from a thorough understanding of the community and local beach front businesses needs of the user, a detailed analysis of the land and infl uences  Develop nature inspired entertainment that will that will aff ect its successful development and operati on. foster environmental appreciati on  Educati on Faciliti es City of Virginia Beach Mission Statement The approach to this parti cular master plan began with  Children’s Environmental Acti vity Center “The City of Virginia Beach exists to enhance the economic, educati onal, social and physical quality of the community; and listening carefully to many residents, stakeholders and city  Early Childhood Development Center with an provide services that are valued by its citi zens.” staff over a period of 3 months. The data gathering process environmental educati on theme was the key to understanding the community. Next the team  High School Honors summer resident program center documented the existi ng conditi ons and analyzed the cultural  Shoreline habitat area that showcases the natural Virginia Aquarium Mission Statement and environmental aspects of this place. We even reviewed habitat of this area and provides environmental everything from the existi ng economic conditi ons to the social conservati on learning opportuniti es “The mission of the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is to inspire conservati on of the marine environment through aspects. The heritage and culture of Virginia Beach was also very educati on, research and sustainable practi ces.” helpful to understand because this formed the development Desired Outcome for the Aquarium & Owls Creek Area patt erns that we see today. The team conti nued the process We understand that this plan is essenti al for Virginia Beach to by developing an initi al vision and guiding principles that will capitalize on real estate opportuniti es and partnerships that Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation Mission Statement be uti lized to keep the planning in focus. During the process will foster ongoing economic development. We believe the • Deliver parks, recreati on programs and public spaces that refl ect the prioriti es of our community the team met with residents in two public meeti ngs to gather City of Virginia Beach is in a unique positi on to build upon the • Support ti ered levels of service that recognize the diverse needs of our community additi onal informati on from a broader group. This session 2007-2008 Resort Area Master Plan and develop a holisti c • Focus on sustainability of core programs, services and faciliti es through effi cient and eff ecti ve business practi ces was amazing with over 100 parti cipants that provided ideas, approach to the acti viti es that will sustain the future for this historical perspecti ves of the area and a deeper understanding wonderful City. “The goal is to create a nati onally-recognized of Virginia Beach. Finally, all of this input was synthesized to center of excellence (“place making”) for programs relati ng to Purpose of the Study Master Plan is intended to encourage development or develop initi al concepts and a preferred conceptual master the coastal and marine environment through a process that redevelopment of regional signifi cance by preserving existi ng plan. The conceptual master plan is just the beginning and will will become a nati onal model for land use development.” The purpose of the study is to compose a community and community and heritage, protecti ng the natural environment, be refi ned with comments from future public workshops and tourism-based Master Plan providing all relevant informati on facilitati ng a mix of land uses, encouraging transportati on meeti ngs. These outcomes must come out of a plan which is both necessary to create a unique desti nati on integrati ng heritage, connecti vity, enhancing the character, providing incenti ves for visionary and achievable. land use, transit, tourism, and environmental stewardship. quality development and giving defi niti on to the Aquarium & The creati on of an Aquarium & Owls Creek Area involves the Owls Creek Area. The benefi t of the study will translate into land surrounding Owls Creek which borders and is defi ned The Master Plan will include three chapters that document The Master Plan is a 10 month, multi -step process that will be short and long term goals for implementati on. This master by Norfolk Avenue to the north, South Birdneck Road to the each task. As each task is completed the informati on will generated with the input of residents, stakeholders, the City plan is intended to be a “living document” that is fl exible to west and General Booth Boulevard to the east connecti ng up be compiled in the same format to conti nue the story. This of Virginia Beach and the Virginia Aquarium. The plan will be changes in the economy, new opportuniti es and cutti ng edge to Pacifi c Avenue. Essenti ally this is the watershed of Owls initi al document outlines the results of Task 1 “Data Collecti on inclusive and serve as a community master plan. The conceived technology. Creek and all the surrounding properti es that infl uence its – Conceptual Master Plan” and will form the foundati on environment. The area will encourage development that for the future tasks of the study. Task 1 has included the

1 Virginia Aquarium & Owls Creek Master Plan Octoberr 2011 data collecti on, existi ng conditi ons inventory, site analysis, water to be fl ushed and remain navigable. Then, over ti me the for implementati on. However, although technology is being the ideas can be implemented. In support of the preferred infrastructure analysis, natural resources analysis, three creek became the place to fi sh, crab and gather oysters. The embraced, it is being tempered with the desire for human concept, conceptual site secti ons and character images provide workshops, a public brainstorming session, preliminary natural environment fl ourished with fauna and fl ora. There interface with the natural environment. The Aquarium’s more explanati on of the ideas. Also, the team’s economic concepts, land use comparisons, the preferred conceptual are rare birds and fi sh found in the creek’s ecosystem. Bald Marine Animal Care Center is also a link to getti ng the public and fundraising consultants developed an evaluati on of the master plan, conceptual secti ons, economic evaluati on, eagles are among some of the watchable wildlife in the inlet. in touch with marine species and we know that this is a major existi ng conditi ons with suggesti ons for steps towards building and fundraising and grant assessment. Our main goals and Some of the older residents we interviewed reminisced about contributor to awareness of the ecosystem. the fi nancial model for implementati on. objecti ves for Task 1 include: the ti mes they fi shed on the creek as children. Owls Creek is truly a special place with unmistakable charm and character. During the month of January 2011 we conti nued to learn Task Goals There is an enviable amount of pride and loyalty in the area. about the community and develop preliminary concepts in  Listen to ideas from the community Workshop III. We met with more stakeholders and residents  Collect data The master plan process began in November of 2010 with the that gave input on a variety of topics relati ve to the master  Learn about the community aspirati ons for the area Task 1 Workshop I - kick-off meeti ng, team introducti ons, site plan. We also conducted the fi rst public meeti ng at Seatack  Develop a remarkable vision tours and data gathering interviews. The result of this fi rst Elementary. There will be more opportuniti es for public input visit allowed the team to get familiar with the area and the during Task 2 and Task 3. The Task 1 public meeti ng allowed Task Objecti ves potenti al. One of the major revelati ons of the sessions was the residents and stakeholders to brainstorm and generate  Create a sustainable framework that contributes to the the importance of the “Creek” to this ecosystem, land use and discussion about several topics. Aft er individual and group success of the Community. culture of this part of Virginia Beach. We quickly deduced that brainstorming sessions, the consensus of the group generated  Place the most importance on collaborati on as the key to Owls Creek is the heart of the area. three top words that defi ned the area: Community, Heritage sustaining the future growth of Virginia Beach. and the Environment. Based on all the informati on gathered  Introduce “smart growth” principles that protect the In the month of December the team gathered in Virginia the team developed the initi al concepts. Community, improve transportati on connecti vity and Beach for Workshop II to interview more stakeholders, refi ne enhance the aestheti c character. the inventory and begin to analyze the informati on. These There are 3 conceptual master plan alternati ves that vary based  The design team will uti lize input & expectati ons from meeti ngs focused on a common vision for the place. The on land use and the environment. The concepts are illustrated stakeholders & community members to develop the vision is based on preservati on of the heritage and marine ideas from a broad perspecti ve on the potenti al for the land. vision of the project. environment of Owls Creek. Stewardship of the creek was The master plan team respected the existi ng residenti al in all a key point and focus of the group. We also developed the concepts because the neighborhoods are very established Task Expectati ons initi al guiding principles for the master plan to keep desired and they give the area a strong local character. In Concept A,  Dream big outcomes clear during the process. the team focused on the existi ng zoning and land ownership.  Broaden our percepti ons The City-owned property at the corner of General Booth Blvd.  Believe in the possibiliti es The idea of a “central urban park” in the heart of Virginia and S. Birdneck Road was identi fi ed as a great opportunity  Prioriti ze our initi ati ves Beach was highly discussed topic that began to unify the for redevelopment. In Concept B, the team explored the  Focus on the implementati on groups. The urban park would be an additi on to the Virginia possibility of encouraging the government owned property to Beach park system and off er trails, ball fi elds and boardwalks remain preserved and that development would be restricted Subsequent tasks include; Task 2 – Preliminary Master Plan in the natural environment. There could also be a boat launch on this site to retain the natural environment and maintain and Task 3 – Final Master Implementati on Plan. These phases to allow small water craft to enter Owls Creek. Preserving the mission of NAS Oceana. Finally Concept C captured will also allow for input from all interested parti es during the this environment for future generati ons through educati on the best ideas from the 2 previous concepts generati ng a process and will be iterati ve in nature so that everyone’s ideas and awareness discussed in meeti ngs during the day led to a new concept. This concept explored research opportuniti es, will be considered in the master plan. kid’s workshop to talk about the future in the aft ernoon. We redevelopment of entertainment areas and a heritage center met with children of Aquarium staff and members to get an dedicated, owned and operated by the Seatack community. Master Plan understanding of how the Aquarium’s future demographic All three plans were compared and graded for strengths and (young mothers and children from ages 4 – 12) perceived the weaknesses. This master plan has evolved through the desire to create Aquarium and Owls Creek. What we learned was that the a nati onally-recognized center of excellence relati ng to children wanted more acti viti es and interacti on with marine Aft er review of potenti al program elements and the preliminary the coastal and marine environment. The goals that have animals. concepts, the team developed a preferred conceptual master emerged through this collaborati on include sustainable plan that will be reviewed by plan committ ees, stakeholders, site development, heritage preservati on, transportati on The introducti on of technology was very integral to all of residents and City staff . The conceptual ideas included connecti on improvements, and economic development within the discussions. Some ideas included geo-caching and smart Marshview Park, Seatack Heritage Center, Collaborati ve the area. It is not diffi cult to understand the tremendous phone applicati ons that would link you to educati onal topics Research Center on Owls Creek, redevelopment of Motor potenti al for this place. At one point in history the area was related to the environment. Quick Response (QR) readers World and Ocean Breeze, Virginia Aquarium Research and not so desirable. It was a marshy mosquito ridden low land were also menti oned as a tool to download informati on Exhibit expansion, proposed Residenti al near General Booth that kept most people away. In response to cleaning up the from a stati on along a trail in the environment. The idea of a Blvd., Marina District improvements and a water taxi system environment and replenishing the oceanfront beach, the City digital treasure hunt to introduce learning in a natural setti ng to provide more connecti vity. The ideas generated in this opened Rudee inlet and dredged Owls Creek. This allowed the using technology is one of the concepts that will be tested concept are pragmati c and visionary, but most importantly

2 Location

State of Virginia Hampton Roads City of Virginia Beach Area: 42,774.2 sq. mi Area: 3639.6 sq. mi Area: 497.3 sq. mi Water Area: 7.4% Populati on: 1,672,319 (2010) Water Area: 50.0% Populati on: 8,001,024 (2010) Density: 2647 / sq. mi Populati on: 437,994 (2010) Density: 202.6 / sq. mi Largest City by Populati on: Virginia Beach Density:1,712.8 / sq. mi Largest City by Populati on: Virginia Beach

3 Virginia Aquarium & Owls Creek Master Plan Octoberr 2011

N Lake Project Location Holly Atlantic CHESAPEAKE FORT STORY Ocean BAY MILITARY RESERVATION Virginia Aquarium and the Owls Creek area is just over 1,200 SHORE DR Norfolk Avenue acres and located within the greater Hampton Roads area, FIRST LANDING STATE PARK Lake in Virginia Beach, Virginia. It is connected to the Atlanti c Seatack Holly Ocean waters by way of Lake Rudee and Rudee Inlet. The BROAD BAY site is adjacent to the south end of the City of Virginia Beach Shadowlawn

ATLANTIC AVE Beach oceanfront by Pacifi c Avenue. LYNNHAVEN N GREAT NECK RD BAY

Lake VE Owls Creek is approximately 30 minutes from the Norfolk Rudee LITTLENECK airport by road. To get there, travel 64 south to 264 east CREEK ATLANTIC OCEAN LINKHORNHORN ti ll the expressway ends and take Pacifi c Avenue South. As BAY OCEANFRONT/ RESORT AREA Pacifi c Avenue turns into General Booth Boulevard it enters

Lake the Northeast corner of the project area. The project area Wesley is bordered by Norfolk Avenue to the north, South Birdneck HWY 264 NORFOLK AVE Owls Road on the west and General Booth Blvd. on the east. OWLS CREEK Creek

OCEANA NAVAL AIR STATION BIRDNECK RD MORE South Birdneck Road Croatan RK Beach CAMP PENDELTON

lv Lake h B Aquarium Christine oot B DAM NECK RD FLEET COMBAT GEN BOOTH BLVD TRAINING CENTER ATLANTIC General Booth Blvd. Motor World Ocean Camp Breeze Pendelton TennisTeT i Seatack CeCCenter Elementary South Birdneck Road

Vicinity Virginia Aquarium & Owls Creek Project Site Locati on: 36º49’38” N/ 75º59’00”W Area: 1200 Ac (1.87 sq. mi) Dimensions: 7300’ (EW) x 9725’ (NS) Water Area: 10.9% Populati on: 6,300 Density: 3,369.0 / sq. mi

4 Local Heritage

HISTORICAL PROGRESSION Owls Creek & Rudee Inlet

• Pre-Colonial Era 1585 • Owls Creek & Rudee Inlet The history of Owls Creek and Rudee Inlet opening may • War of 1812 have been in place as early as 1585 per a USA French map • Deadrise Fishing Boat 1781 – showing a sizeable inlet in the vicinity. The map • First Resort Hotel indicates Owls Creek as one of the 4 following inlets: • Tourism & Princess Anne Hotel 1. Owls Creek • Life Saving Stati on 2. Lake Rudee • Surfi ng History 3. Lake Wesley • Seatack Elementary 4. Lake Holly • Ice House Restaurant At one ti me Rudee inlet was just a small winding ti dal • Neighborhoods swale draining a small marsh and was only subject to the • Military / Naval Base History natural forces of ti des, storms, and shift ing sands. Over the years the inlet has been impacted by human development Native Americans in many ways; from dredging for mosquito control, to the constructi on of bridges, to dredging for beach Pre-Colonial Era replenishment, to development along the waterfront. The Chesepians were the Nati ve American’s of the Virginia Beach area prior to the arrival of English sett lers in 1607. War of 1812 They occupied an area that is now the citi es of Norfolk, Portsmouth, Chesapeake, and Virginia Beach. The main 1812 village, Skicoak, was located in present day city of Norfolk. The name Seatack fi rst came about in 1813 when the They had two other towns one of which was Chesepioc, Briti sh fl eet was anchored off what is now Virginia Beach located in the present day Great Neck area of Norfolk. and parti es of sailors were sent ashore to rummage for There have been numerous arti facts (arrowhead, stone food. The vessels set up a protecti ve bombardment to axes, pott ery, beads, and skeletons) recovered where cover the fi eld in the att ack, and the Seatack area marked Chesepioc once was. The Chesepians were part of the the farthest point inland where the great iron cannon balls Carolina Algonguian group of Nati ve Americans. They ate fell. Meanwhile, a messenger ran to tell the American corn, and relied much on fi shing and shellfi sh gathering. soldiers that the Briti sh were att acking by sea. For many The Chesepians suff ered heavy losses in a batt le against the years the area was called “sea att ack,” although over ti me Powhatan Confederacy. They were completely wiped out it was gradually shortened to “Sea’tt ack,” and then, fi nally, to disease and att riti on around this ti me period. to what the area is know as today, “Seatack.”

Lifesaving Service Princess Anne Hotel

5 Virginia Aquarium & Owls Creek Master Plan Octoberr 2011 Local Heritage

Tourism & the Princess Anne Hotel Seatack Station United States Lifesaving Service 1884 At the end of the 19th century a small resort area grew 1903 along the coast of today’s Virginia Beach. The fi rst “resort” Seatack, Virginia was located in Princess Anne County hotel opened aft er a 19 mile-long narrow gauge railroad was which is now Virginia Beach, and more specifi cally, the built from Norfolk in 1883. The hotel was remodeled and Oceanfront resort strip. The 1903 Seatack Stati on of the renamed in 1888 as the “Princess Anne Hotel,” a massive United States Lifesaving Service is now the Old Coast Guard 2 block wooden facility, which att racted vacati oners from Stati on Museum located at 24th street adjacent to the considerable distances. At the turn of the century there boardwalk. was a boom in constructi on of hotels and cott ages for all the of visitors fl ocking to the area in the summerti me. 1915 Glimpses into the past can sti ll be seen today at the Cavalier The United States Lifesaving Service became the United Hotel which dates back to 1927. Over the years the grand States Coast Guard. The area’s lifesaving history along the old hotels and cott ages have given way to today’s high coast line of the Graveyard of the Atlanti c is commemorated rise hotels and motels in today’s Oceanfront Resort Area. at the Old Coast Guard Stati on Museum which has arti facts Today Virginia Beach is the largest pleasure beach in the from the shipwreck of the Dictator, displays of period world according to the Guinness Book of World Records. lifesaving equipment, and educati onal programs. Cavalier Hotel Surfing History

1963 The City of Virginia Beach also has signifi cant surfi ng history. The East Coast Surfi ng Championships have been held in Virgina Beach since 1963, and it is the oldest running Seatack Stati on surfi ng competi ti on in North America. Today it is a major professional and amateur event for the United States Surfi ng Federati on with several hundred contests each year. Other festi viti es complement the surfi ng, including skimboarding, volleyball, a 5k run, live music, and street skate and ramp contests. Lifesaving Service

East Coast Surfi ng Championship Dredging Lake Rudee

6 Local Heritage

Seatack Elementary Ice House Restaurant Shadowlawn The neighborhood of Shadownlawn is on the south side of 1900s 1910 Norfolk Avenue and east of Pacifi c Avenue with some homes There were no schools for African American children in The Icehouse Restaurant has been around for almost 100 bordering the shoreline of Owls Creek. Shadowlawn consists the early 1900s. Mount Olive Bapti st Church housed two years, and has been a Virginia Beach Landmark since 1910. of mostly single family homes and maintains a Civic League that classes for several years. When enrollment exceeded the It was originally an icehouse for rail shipped deliveries. The works to unite the community and keep it safe and beauti ful. capacity of the rooms, Mr. Enoch Morgan donated two “South End” as it has always been called is where the trains The Civic League hosts various acti viti es and programs such as rooms from a building previously uti lized as a general store. from Norfolk ended. The stati on was just across the street. creek clean up days, helping elderly citi zens with yard work and Morgan and his brother, Americus, provided transportati on The water tower, many warehouses and service business home repairs, and family oriented acti viti es. for the students during inclement weather. Several years for the resort area were located in the area. Single family later, due to growing enrollment the school was moved to homes were built to house the workers and families of the Saltmarsh Point Old Seatack School a three-room building along South Birdneck Road. area. The Icehouse Restaurant was a meeti ng place for all This community is located south of Norfolk Avenue in the the local fi shermen and workers at the South End and it has Northeast region of the overall project area. The neighborhood 1952 conti nued being a meeti ng place in South Virginia Beach consists of single family and multi -family homes and apartments. In March 1952, Great Neck, Oceana and Seatack schools for decades. were consolidated into Seatack Elementary. The property Seatack was purchased by funds raised by local African American Neighborhoods The neighborhood of Seatack dates back to the turn of the parents, community leaders, and School Board funds. century. Princess Anne Hotel workers resided in the Seatack The three-room building is now known as the Seatack As the city of Virginia Beach conti nued to develop over ti me, area. At that ti me the community extended much farther Community Center, located in one of the oldest conti nuous more neighborhoods and communiti es began to take shape. north. The last remaining piece of this community is located sett lements in the northeast porti on of Virginia Beach. Today there are several vibrant neighborhoods within and on the Southeast corner of South Birdneck Road and Norfolk Shadowlawn neighborhoood The new school was built in 1952 at a cost of $360,000.00. around the Owls Creek area including but not limited to Avenue. The neighborhood is primarily single family homes

Seatack Elementary was the last all African American school Shadowlawn, Seatack, Saltmarsh Point, Rudee Heights, and with some multi family homes and apartments. The community Shadowlawn neighborhoood in Virginia Beach City Public Schools to be completely Croatan Heights. They all have their own stories about how maintains an acti ve Civic League that meets at the Seatack integrated. It was integrated during the 1971-1972 school they came about as well as unique atmospheres that set Community Center. year. each apart from one another. However, they all combine to become an even greater community as the shepherds Croatan 2000 of Owls Creek. From the weekend kayaker to the nightly The recorded history of Croatan dates back to 1774 when a few In March 2000, Seatack Elementary moved to a new state- fi sherman, and from the shoreline residents to those who men owned all the land. The land changed owners several ti mes of-the-art building. The new school is located on South enjoy the natural peacefulness of the area, they all get to with owners that had large plans that never quite materialized. Birdneck Road near the intersecti on of General Booth Blvd. enjoy the creek in many ways and they also infl uence the Eventually, The land was aucti oned off and Croatan was slow creek with their acti ons. to grow for a while. Today, it is a great beach community of predominantly single family homes. The Croatan Civic League conti nuously strives to improve the neighborhood. They organize social events and neighborhood clubs, promote safety, and community.

PrincessIcehouse Anne Restaurant Hotel

7 Virginia Aquarium & Owls Creek Master Plan Octoberr 2011 Local Heritage

as a rifl e range for state troops. During WWII the facility Military / Naval Base History was used as a Coast Arti llery Training Center. Temporary batt eries were set up on the beach during the beginning of Through the years the Port of Hampton Roads has become the war. Many of the WWII-era barracks are sti ll there today. known as “the world’s largest natural harbor,” and a Today, the State Military Reservati on covers 325 acres, and number of Naval Commands have been located in the area. is used for the training of personnel and organizati ons of In fact, the Hampton Roads area is essenti ally the world’s the Virginia Nati onal Guard, Nati onal Guard units from largest naval base, with 36,000 acres of naval property and other states, and some U.S. Armed Forces. There have more that 6,750 buildings. The military presence in the been some requests by the City of Virginia Beach to convert City of Virginia Beach grew signifi cantly during the Second the Reservati on into a State Park. However, it is planned to World War (WWII). The local landscape and culture is sti ll remain a training facility for the foreseeable future. It has largely infl uenced by four military installati ons developed also been placed on the historic register. during WWII: Fort Story, Naval Air Stati on (NAS) Oceana, Dam Neck Fleet Combat Training Center, and the State Naval Air Stati on Oceana Military Reservati on (Camp Pendleton). NAS Oceana is in Orignally, Naval Air Stati on (NAS) Oceana was a small close proximity to the project area and Camp Pendleton auxiliary airfi eld built in 1940. The airfi eld conti nued to is adjacent to the Southeast porti on of the project area grow with Naval Aviati on unti l it was too large to remain across Birdneck Road. They promote low intensity an “auxiliary” airfi eld. In 1952, Oceana changed its Plane over Oceana development near their faciliti es. In doing so, they also designati on to Naval Air Stati on. Through the years NAS promote preservati on of natural areas making the Navy Oceana has seen many new types of aircraft and with environmental stewards of Owls Creek. new aircraft there was also increase of operati ons. Today they operate F/A-18 Hornets that perform air combat Camp Pendleton maneuvering training. The Stati on is also home to Fleet The State Military Reservati on was established in 1912 Logisti cal Support Squadron Five Six (VR-56), as well as Oceana’s Center for Naval Aviati on Technical Training Units. Planes over Oceana

Pilots at Oceana

Old tower at Oceana

Camp Pendleton

8 Design Process

Purpose of Design Process Just as important as what we produce is how we produce. A fundamental part of a successful design depends on the informati on we gather. As site planners, we approach design thinking in three phases:

Inventory: the collecti on of raw data and informati on Analysis: organizing the data into informati on that is useful Design: creati ng soluti ons that adhere to intended goals Site The design process is cyclical in nature and thus the analysis Inventory never stops. From our analysis we are able to bett er identi fy (Physical) the issues to address. Those issues translate into identi fying our goals. We then search for soluti ons, document the Programming soluti ons, and evaluate those soluti ons based on how well they meet the goals. This evaluati on leads to a refi nement of the analysis and the cycle conti nues. Site Site Concept Master Construction Project Collaborative Design Approach Inventory Analysis Development Planning Documents Implementation With the many stakeholders, community members, (Biological) and business owners that are infl uenced by the Virginia Aquarium and Owls Creek area, it was important to gather Site as much input and views from them as possible. Through Selection the several stakeholder interviews, committ ee meeti ngs, and public workshops, the design team gathered their opinions and ideas. This informati on was fused with the Site physical and cultural analysis of the site and provided a Inventory strong directi on for the design. (Cultural)

Project Objectives The following document includes the beginnings of the design process unique to Virginia Aquarium & Owls Creek. We strive to ensure that the informati on we have Land Planning & Design Process analyzed and the opportuniti es we have identi fi ed through - Site Analysis, James A. LaGro, Jr. - this phase will result in realisti c, att ainable, economically feasible ideas.

9 Virginia Aquarium & Owls Creek Master Plan Octoberr 2011 Project Schedule

2010 2011

NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG TASK #1 KICKOFF VISIONING WORKSHOP PUBLIC WORKSHOP PRELIMINARY MASTER PLAN DEFINITION TASK #2 KICKOFF PUBLIC DESIGN WORKSHOP PRELIMINARY MASTER PLAN REFINEMENT PUBLIC INFORMATIONAL WORKSHOP TASK #3 KICKOFF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REVIEW FINAL MASTER PLAN DATA COLLECTION GUIDING PRINCIPLES STAKEHOLDER INTERVIEWS PROGRAM REFINEMENT PRELIMINARY MASTER PLAN REFINEMENT PRELIMINARY MASTER PLAN REFINEMENT STEERING COMMITTEE REVIEW FINAL PRESENTATION STAKEHOLDER INTERVIEWS CONCEPTUAL MASTER PLAN COMMITTEE REVIEWS PLANNING & CITY COUNCIL REVIEW IMPLEMENTATION PLAN REFINEMENT TO STEERING COMMITTEE

NOTES: 1. Schedule subject to change 2. Planning Commission & City Council presentati ons for fi nal approval & Comprehensive Plan amendment to occur in fall during scheduled sessions

Project Definition Project Analysis Preliminary Concept Master Plan Refinement Final Master Plan Report For the initi al step in the Planning During step two of this process, the team The data acquired during the Analysis During the Master Plan Refi nement The fi nal report will include sketches Process, the project team works together performs physical and qualitati ve analyses to Phase provides the basis for initi al Stage, the physical and economic plans and images for design character. Phasing to outline project objecti ves and gather determine development opportuniti es and land use diagram alternati ves and are combined to refi ne a design directi on plans and large scale plans of specifi c the initi al data and informati on to be project feasibility. development models. Concepts that meets the functi onal, aestheti c and development areas will also be prepared. used in the Analysis Stage. generated begin to establish a vision for economic requirements of the project. A summary of the market reports will development and locati ons for project also be included. elements.

10 Guiding Principles

Project Statement

“Capitalizing on the essence of Owls Creek by preserving its future through conservati on, progressive planning, educati on, and environmental stewardship that enhances the local communiti es as well as serving as a legacy for future generati ons”

Preserve and ensure the security, tranquility, character and sancti ty of the communiti es within the area.

Promote the social, environmental, educati onal, and historical att ributes of Owls Creek.

Integrate research, marine conservati on and recreati on along with the many facets of culture and nature found in the area to create an unparalleled locati on to visit, live, work, learn and play.

Facilitate connecti vity between the Oceanfront Resort Area to provide incenti ve for quality development and economic return.

Formulate a concept that enhances the vision for alternati ve transportati on modes by both both land and water.

Maximize return on investment for the area while ensuring economic, social, and environmental stainability.

Enhance existi ng faciliti es through restorati on and expansion to promote the conti nuous expectati on of new improvements.

Create a nati onally recognized area where coastal and marine science enhance the surrounding community.

Produce an authenti c blend of military, ecotourism, recreati on, scienti fi c research, commerce, and educati on.

Promote year round internal and external tourism through a variety of local one-of-a-kind experiences and acti viti es.

Attract grants and funding sources with well planned development opportuniti es.

Establish a phasing plan that is implementable and achievable over a realisti c ti me frame.

Develop a concept focusing on recreati on, research & technology, educati on, entertainment, economic development opportuniti es, and exhibits.

11 Virginia Aquarium & Owls Creek Master Plan Octoberr 2011 Focus Areas

Recreation is a key component Research & Technology Education is the foundati on Entertainment venues Economic Development Exhibits are the main features of of communiti es and tourist desti nati ons fuel the growth of society through for growth and progress. Well provide leisure acti viti es for locals the Aquarium. With each additi onal Opportunities can encourage contributi ng to the health and well innovati on and economic opportuniti es. implemented educati onal programs can and guests while generati ng revenue investment in new businesses and exhibit, the mission [To inspire being of locals and visitors alike. The plan will lay the framework for lead to job creati on and a producti ve and sti mulati ng the economy. The technologies that create a more conservati on of the marine environment The plan will include human scale, marine research faciliti es in partnership community. This plan will create study will examine current nearby sustainable economy and can sti mulate through educati on, research and pedestrian-friendly experiences by with higher educati on insti tuti ons. It will a sti mulati ng framework for a life- off erings, including the Motor World job creati on. They also provide a sustainable practi ces] reaches more incorporati ng existi ng and planned also recognize the planned Aquarium long learning community, potenti ally park and Ocean Breeze water park. suitable adjacency to educati onal and guests. One key component of the plan shared-use pathways. It will highlight Marine Animal Care Center (MACC) as including a children’s environmental It will also propose locati ons, types, preservati on land uses. The plan will is to identi fy a locati on and scale for open space preservati on areas and an exhibit support facility for future acti vity center. Environmental learning and scale of additi onal family-friendly determine locati ons for alternati ve another exhibit building in order for the view sheds, and provide a harmonic exhibit buildings, as well as a place for opportuniti es through outdoor, hands- entertainment opportuniti es which energy and green businesses. There is Virginia Aquarium to reach the nati onal linkage to the oceanfront area, all research opportuniti es. Technology on learning for all ages will be provided complement similar faciliti es existi ng potenti al for many synergies throughout benchmark of 1 million annual guests. while complementi ng the surrounding integrati on will embrace the upcoming throughout. and planned within Virginia Beach and the area, such as linking the marina physical environment as well as tech-savvy generati ons. the region. The proposed plan will area with the resort area through providing a platf orm for a multi ple day compliment the adjacent Oceanfront connecti ons between the areas. guest experience. Resort Strategic Growth Area.

12 Sustainable Development Strategies

Site Selection Solar & Wind Local Materials Rainwater Transportation Developments impact land consumpti on, ecosystems, natural Orientation & Vegetation Runoff Systems Decisions made in site planning By selecti ng locally harvested The environmental eff ects of resources and energy use. When and building orientati on will have and manufactured materials, the Reduction automobile use include vehicle 1 selecti ng a site, preference should 5 2 3 4 In areas where aquifers cannot impacts on the energy performance of buildings amount of energy for producti on, transport, emissions that contribute to smog and air be given to sites and land use plans that preserve meet the needs of the populati on economically, over their enti re life cycle. For most regions, and operati on is reduced, thus greenhouse polluti on as well as environmental impacts from natural ecosystem functi ons and enhance rainwater can be a less expensive alternati ve opti mum façade orientati on is typically south. gas emissions can be decreased. Purchasing oil extracti on and petroleum refi ning. The use the surrounding community, neighborhoods, source of water. Reducing potable water use also To take advantage of north–south daylighti ng, regionally manufactured materials also supports of private vehicles can be reduced by creati ng infrastructure, and transportati on networks. reduces water bills, and the need for new water buildings may be oriented along an east–west the local economy. Ecological site damage carpooling initi ati ves, public transportati on, Give preference to sites that do no include treatment plants. Rain barrels and cisterns axis. But this may be counter to street lines and which oft en occurs during site development bicycle paths and storage, and pedestrian sensiti ve site elements and restricti ve land types are low-cost water conservati on devices that other site considerati ons. Wind will aff ect tall can be reduced by restoring nati ve and adapti ve pathways. Minimizing parking lots reduces the (such as wetlands, parklands, fl oodplains, and reduce runoff volume and can store untreated buildings more than low structures. Design for vegetati on. Nati ve and adapti ve planti ngs building footprint and sets aside more space for threatened or endangered species habitats.) On ‘soft water’ for gardens and other non-potable wind directi on—admitti ng favorable breezes and typically reduce maintenance costs over their natural areas or greater development densiti es. each site, suitable building locati ons should be needs. Treated and properly stored rainwater shielding from storms and cold weather winds. lifeti me by minimizing inputs of ferti lizer, Impervious surfaces like asphalt increase storm selected with minimal footprints to minimize can be used for consumpti on. Rain barrels are pesti cides, and water. water runoff while contributi ng to urban heat site disrupti on. mostly for residenti al uses, while cisterns are for island eff ects. both residenti al and commercial applicati ons.

* Strategies in order by priority

13 Virginia Aquarium & Owls Creek Master Plan Octoberr 2011 Sustainable Development Strategies

Building Solar Thermal Gray Water Environmental Indoor / & Photovolatics Education Outdoor Operations Water from showers, dishwashers, Owners and operators can have a Solar Thermal Energy (STE) is a Focused educati on eff orts are and other sources can be treated Spaces 6 reduced impact on the environment 7 technology for harnessing solar 8 9 geared toward teaching how 10 Indoor/Outdoor spaces are minimally and used for sewage conveyance or by implementi ng building operati ons energy for thermal energy (heat). Applicati ons natural environments functi on and, parti cularly, as cooling tower make-up water. Gray water use designed to use a variety of methods to keep the that are sustainable. Some systems include for acti ve Solar Thermal Energy include providing how human beings can manage their behavior for sewage conveyance requires each building space comfortable throughout the year. Human waste stream management, gray water systems hot water, heati ng swimming pools, space and ecosystems in order to live sustainably. to have two supply pipes and two return pipes comfort is a functi on of four primary variables: air and reuse, and energy effi cient systems. For heati ng, and preheati ng air in both residenti al Environmental educati on is a learning which increases plumbing costs. Less potable temperature, air movement, humidity, and the example, a central plant is more reliable than and commercial buildings. STE systems reduce process that increases people’s knowledge water volume is required, and less volume is mean radiant temperature of interior surfaces. single-building systems since it contains more fossil fuel use and emission of ozone-depleti ng and awareness about the environment and directed into the sewer, which reduces operati on Natural venti lati on is an energy effi cient way redundancy. Other mechanical strategies gases. STE is diff erent from Photovoltaics associated challenges; develops the necessary costs for both. The payback period for a double- to increase human comfort and reduce the size such as heat recovery and solar-themed-ti ed (PV), which convert solar energy directly into skills and experti se to address the challenges; piped system varies but is generally more then and/or need for cooling equipment and energy absorpti on chillers can be explored further into electricity. PV requires litt le to no maintenance, and fosters atti tudes, moti vati ons, and 15 years. use. Set building orientati on to receive prevailing the design process. Recycling is a key component makes no polluti on, does not deplete materials, commitments to make informed decisions breezes and provide vegetati ve shading to cool of modern waste management and waste and reduces electricity costs. and take responsible acti on (UNESCO, Tbilisi air fl ow into spaces and protect against direct reducti on. It reduces the consumpti on of raw Declarati on, 1978). sunlight and glare. Well-controlled daylight materials, reduces energy usage and polluti on, harvesti ng can reduce the amount of arti fi cial and produces less greenhouse gases than virgin lighti ng needed, and modify temperatures producti on. during heati ng and cooling seasons.

14 Existing Reports Summary

Resort Area Strategic Plan LASKIN GATEWAY - With direct access to the oceanfront along Laskin Road, this key gateway anchors the northern Virginia Beach’s Oceanfront Resort Area is poised to end of the Resort Area. successfully transiti on from a seasonal vacati on spot to a year round, world class urban resort desti nati on for MARINA AREA- Marking the southern ti p of the Resort recreati on, entertainment, and conventi ons, along with a Area, the Marina District’s excepti onal locati on is an dedicated, acti ve local community that adds unique local untapped asset waiti ng to be transformed into an area with fl avor in the form of restaurants, bars, shops, and boati ng generous access to the water. acti viti es. RUDEE LOOP - This area has the greatest potenti al in the With a vision fully supported by the community, the plan long term for large scale mixed-use development to create identi fi es the potenti al for three great areas at Laskin a major anchor at the southern end of the beachfront and Gateway, Central Beach, and Rudee Marina, each with create a connecti on with the Virginia Aquarium disti ncti ve identi ti es to complement the Resort Area. While the beach is a successful desti nati on in and of This plan develops synergies between the cultural and itself, the plan is a practi cal vision for enhancing the area commercial life of the Resort Area, the recreati onal and by extending the energy at the beach into the adjoining natural life along the water, and an overall focus on drawing blocks of the Laskin Gateway Area and the Central Beach residents and visitors into the area, creati ng confi dence for through streetscape improvements, connecti ve uses, and investment, and focusing public investments. Implementi ng view corridors. Marina District is envisioned as a new this project over the next two decades will raise the image desti nati on that takes advantage of its unique setti ng, of the Resort Area within the City and the region and put waterside restaurants, and working waterfront. the Oceanfront on the map for quality of life, real estate land values and civic pride. The City’s dedicati on and the community’s passion for this extraordinary area will have a remarkable eff ect on transforming the image of the Resort Area into a vibrant diverse neighborhood and desti nati on.

15 Virginia Aquarium & Owls Creek Master Plan Octoberr 2011 Existing Reports Summary

Virginia Beach Outdoors Plan

The Virginia Beach Outdoors Plan (herein “the Plan”), the City’s guidance document for open space acquisiti on and outdoor recreati onal planning, has helped set the framework for an outdoor recreati onal system of parks and athleti c faciliti es; cultural and natural areas; public access to greenways, beaches and scenic waterways; and trail linkages for all kinds of users. The recommendati ons from the original 1994 Plan and its 2000 Update as well as the eff orts of many other generati ons have created the extraordinary outdoor recreati onal network of land and faciliti es previously menti oned. However, there is sti ll more work to be done. The existi ng outdoor recreati onal network needs to be properly managed and maintained and planning and acti on items need to be identi fi ed for the benefi t of future generati ons.

The 2008 version of the Plan is acti on-oriented and uti lizes a cross-secti on of community prioriti es, stati sti cal analysis and equity mapping as a practi cal formula for developing its recommendati ons. The Plan is an integral part of Facility and Public Space Planning component of the Department of Parks and Recreati on Strategic Plan. It seeks to build upon the successful implementati on of its former iterati ons and progress even further in its outdoor recreati onal planning and analysis.

The Plan will detail the recommendati ons relati ng to future open space acquisiti ons as well as plans for future outdoor recreati onal assets that have been identi fi ed to meet the projected need and stated desires of Virginia Beach residents by 2026. It is important to note that the Plan provides for a fi scally-responsible funding strategy which relies upon existi ng and conservati vely-projected revenue to accomplish recommendati ons.

Aft er this plan was completed, the Virginia Beach Parks & Recreati on Department purchased the Marshview Property with available open-space funds. The property is located in the Northwest region of the Virginia Aquarium & Owls Creek project site.

16 Existing Reports Summary

Primary Network The primary network builds upon existi ng and programmed faciliti es and forms the framework of the bikeways and trails system. It consists of a number of City streets and other rights of way designated as bikeways and trails. Chosen desti nati on points range from urbanized locati ons, such as the developing Town Center and Princess Anne Commons, to rural locati ons such as Munden Point Area Park and Back Bay Nati onal Wildlife Refuge. Bike & Trails Plan Secondary Network The purpose and intent of the 2004 Bikeways and Trails The secondary network forms the inner web of the overall Plan is to identi fy a prioriti zed, conti nuous, safe, and bikeways and trails system, providing access to desti nati ons coordinated system of bikeways and trails to serve a variety such as community parks, recreati on centers, libraries, and of user types and to recommend various implementati on neighborhood commercial areas. and funding strategies to ensure the ulti mate realizati on of a comprehensive bikeways and trails system. Initi al steps Specialized Faciliti es included a complete inventory and analysis of existi ng Standards are included for the four types of on-road faciliti es and the administrati on of a Citi zen Bike Survey. faciliti es - bike lane, paved shoulder, wide outside lane, and The following three goals were established to guide the bike route - and one type of off -road facility - shared use development of the network. path. These standards are considered sound guidelines for • Establish Virginia Beach as the premier biking and the development of safe bicycle and shared use faciliti es. trails desti nati on in the mid-Atlanti c region of the United States. The recommended use of the diff erent facility types varies • Establish connecti vity throughout the City with the within the City due to diff erent development patt erns, designati on and implementati on of a safe, conti nuous, planned land uses, and environmental (physical, social, and coordinated system of bikeways and trails that & cultural) characteristi cs. To ensure appropriate and provide access to recreati onal, employment, and practi cal expectati ons, the City has been divided into three commercial acti vity centers. areas: the urban north, the developing Princess Anne/ • Provide a variety of faciliti es (on-road, off -road, and Transiti on area, and the rural south. shared use) to sati sfy the transportati on and recreati on needs of diff erent user types and abiliti es.

The recommended network is comprised of three system components; a primary network, a secondary network, and specialized faciliti es. Each of these system components forms an important part in meeti ng the goals stated above.

17 Virginia Aquarium & Owls Creek Master Plan Octoberr 2011 Existing Reports Summary

Virginia Beach Comprehensive Plan There are four patt erns or forms of land use in Virginia The 2009 Comprehensive Plan is the sixth such plan for the Beach: natural environment; rural; suburban; and urban. City of Virginia Beach – the fi rst Plan was adopted in 1979. The suburban and the urban forms are further divided Even though there have been fi ve previous Plans, with the into a low-density/intensity and a high-density/intensity. potenti al for each to be vastly diff erent than the others, This transiti on from the City’s natural environment to the all of the Plans have shared a common vision: creati on of highly urbanized forms of the Oceanfront and Town Center a place where people enjoy working, living, playing, and is known as the Transect. Each division of the Transect has learning in an environment of unparalleled quality and its own unique characteristi cs. Streets, drainage, lighti ng, opportunity. The following are the fi ve desired outcomes relati onship of building to street, and signage diff er from of the Plan: one Transect Zone to another.

• We want Virginia Beach to be a city of sustainable Strategic Growth Areas development, economic vitality, and lifelong learning. • We want Virginia Beach to present a broad appeal for The City has identi fi ed Strategic Growth Areas (SGA) in people of all ages and cultural backgrounds. order to: • We want Virginia Beach to be a city whose public services and faciliti es work to sati sfy the needs of our • provide opportuniti es for conti nued physical and citi zens. economic growth • We want Virginia Beach to be a city of physical beauty • help prevent urban sprawl with great appeal. • protect our established residenti al neighborhoods and • We want Virginia Beach to be a city of strong rural areas from incompati ble development due to neighborhoods. growth pressures • maximize infrastructure effi ciency In the 1970s and 1980s, change was fast, as the City • create unique and exciti ng urban desti nati ons underwent a rate of growth that was, at ti mes, the highest in the United States. Today, the change is somewhat slower. Most of these areas will integrate a diverse cluster of It is vital that we constantly understand what forces are att racti ve, more compact but compati ble uses of land causing or may cause change. Such forces include the including offi ce, retail, service and, where appropriate, following: residenti al and hotel. The Strategic Growth Areas identi fi ed COMPREHENSIVE PLAN MAP in the 2009 Comprehensive Plan are: • The Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) decision and the revisions to the list of land uses compati ble SGA 1: Burton Stati on with the AICUZ. SGA 2: Centerville/Regent • The ability to develop renewable sources of energy due SGA 3: Newtown to the locati on in an area where there are resources, SGA 4: Pembroke such as wind, that are readily available. SGA 5: Rosemont • Both the changes in our climate and the need to uti lize SGA 6: Lynnhaven renewable energy sources to transport ourselves, as SGA 7: Hilltop well as goods and services. SGA 8: Resort Area • The conti nued development of the City’s broadband Internet infrastructure by the private sector, is criti cal to the future of the City of Virginia Beach.

18 Existing Reports Summary

Each installati on’s AICUZ program implementati on is Naval Station Norfolk Chambers Field NAS Oceana Air Installations Compatible Use Zones Chambers Field consists of two heliports, four helipads, and an 8,000-foot runway. Commissioned in 1918, Chambers Field supports transport, surveillance, helicopters, and attack aircraft. Its current inventory includes: the E-2 Hawkeye, the C-9 Apollo Soucek Field Skytrain, the C-12 Super King Air, the C-2 Greyhound, the CH-46 Sea Knight, the CH-53 Sea Stallion, the CH-53E Super Stallion, the H-3 Sea King, and the H-60 Seahawk. In addition, Chambers Field is home to the Air Mobility Command (AMC) In 1940, the Navy acquired the land that would eventually become Naval Air Station Passenger and Air Cargo Terminal located on the south side of the airfield. The AMC Terminal processes 12,000 passengers (NAS) Oceana. At that time, the surrounding area was mainly farmland. NAS and more than 800 tons of cargo each month for military missions worldwide. The passengers and cargo are transported on Oceana has grown to become one of the largest and most advanced air stations in L-1011, 747, C-5, C-17, and C-141 aircraft. the world, with an area of 5,331 acres and an additional 3,680 acres in restrictive a conti nuous eff ort. Local command representati ves easements. Its runways, measuring 8,000 feet and 12,000 feet, are designed for (AICUZ) Program Procedures And The airspace under control tower jurisdiction and immediately adjacent to the runways is defined by the FAA as “Class D” high-performance aircraft. NAS Oceana's primary mission is to train and deploy the airspace. The Chambers Field Class D airspace is defined by a 5-mile radius from the center of the airport, except that portion Navy's East Coast Strike/Fighter squadrons–the F-14 Tomcats (until their retirement southeast connecting with Norfolk International Airport airspace, from the surface up to, but not including, 2,000 feet above in 2006) and the F/A-18 Hornets and Super Hornets. ground level. The pattern altitude at Chambers Field is 1,000 feet. The airspace under control tower jurisdiction and immediately adjacent to the runways is defined by the FAA as “Class D” airspace. At NAS Oceana, conti nually work toward achieving compati bility between Hours of Operation Class D is that airspace from the surface to 2,500 feetabove ground level within a NAS Oceana, NS Norfolk Chambers Field, and NALF Fentress are open 24 hours a day, and aircraft operations are 5-mile radius from the center of the airport. The pattern altitude at NAS Oceana is Guidlines For ‘Department Of The Navy 1,000 feet. Flight operations that are conducted into and out of NAS Oceana as part frequently conducted at night and on weekends. NAS Oceana's Web site,www.nasoceana.navy.mil , publishes expected hours of operations for NALF Fentress on a monthly basis. This schedule is subject to change due to a variety of factors, of the typical training syllabus for flight crews include departures, arrivals, touch- and-go landings, practice radar approaches, flights to and from NALF Fentress, and including weather and world situation. flights to and from offshore training areas. Flights operating within NAS Oceana's Class D airspace may be routed anywhere within the 5-mile radius at Air Installations’* the air installati on and its neighboring communiti es, an altitude above 1,000 feet, or lower when necessary for takeoff or landing. NALF Fentress The Naval Auxillary Landing Field (NALF) Fentress is located approximately 7 miles southwest of NAS Oceana. It was established in 1940 and comprises 2,560 acres, primarily through local land use controls. Land use controls with an additional 8,780 acres in restrictive easements. NALF Fentress has one 8,000-foot runway equipped to simulate an aircraft carrier flight deck. Squadrons stationed at NAS Oceana and NS Norfolk Chambers Field utilize NALF Fentress for Field Carrier Landing Practice (FCLP) operations. These operations are intended to familiarize pilots with carrier landings and must be conducted under both daytime and nighttime operational conditions. Prior to deployments, the local community may experience increased operations as pilots complete training exercises. The The purpose of the AICUZ program is to achieve outside the air installati on, which are criti cal to limiti ng pattern altitude at NALF Fentress is 800 feet. Hours of Operation LEGEND NAS Oceana, NS Norfolk Chambers Field, and NALF Fentress are open 24 hours a day, and aircraft operations are frequently conducted at night and on weekends.NAS Oceana's Web site, www.nasoceana.navy.mil, publishes expected the number of people exposed to excessive noise and the ACCIDENT POTENTIAL NOISE LEVELS hours of operations for NALF Fentress on a monthly basis. This schedule is subject compati bility between air installati ons and neighboring ZONES to change due to a variety of factors, including weather and world situation. Greater than 75 DNL Clear Zone 70-75DNL APZ 1 potenti al for accidents, are under the exclusive control of 65-70DNL APZ 2 communiti es by: Less than 65 DNL (All Areas Outside 65 DNL Contour)

EDGEWATER Subdivision/Neighborhood state and local governments, and local commands act only GOLF COURSE Landmarks A. Protecti ng the health, safety, and welfare of civilians Municipal Boundaries Military Installation/ Municipal Airport Boundary Class D Airspace Boundary in an informati onal role. Railroad and military personnel by encouraging land use which Roadway/Highway 010.5

MILES SCALE 1:384 , 00 is compati ble with aircraft operati ons; (1 inch equals 3,200 feet) Note: The boundaries of the Noise Zones and Accident Potential Zones (APZs) represented on this brochure have not changed from those represented on the AICUZ B. Protecti ng Navy and Marine Corps installati on Land acquisiti on is considered only in criti cal situati ons Pamphlet published by the U.S. Navy in 1999. investment by safeguarding the installati on’s where State and local governments are unwilling or unable JLUS/AICUZJLUS/AICUZ P Planninglanning M Mapap Joint Land Use Study (JLUS) Noise Metrics to enact land use controls to achieve land use compati bility The JLUS for the Hampton Roads region was initiated in 2004 as part of the Department of Defense (DoD) nationwide JLUS program. It addresses land use compatibility issues among Noise is unwanted sound. Sound is all around us; sound becomes noise when it interferes with normal activities three jurisdictions – the cities of Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Norfolk – surrounding the three Navy airfields in the region. such as sleep or conversation. The main sources of noise at airfields are flight operations, which include take-offs, operati onal capabiliti es; landings, touch-and-go operations, and engine maintenance activities. A discussion of how the effect of noise on the The objective of the Hampton Roads JLUS is to provide recommendations regarding compatible land development policy and implementation responding to the Navy's air mission in the region. For more information on JLUS, refer to the study, 2005 Hampton Roads JLUS Report, located athttp://www.hrpdc.org/JLUS or at local libraries or the city planning department. environment is quantitatively measured is provided below. Decibels (dB) AICUZ Program A dB is a logarithmic unit that measures the intensity, or loudness, of sound. A sound level of 0 dB is approximately within the AICUZ or where long-term land use controls the threshold of human hearing and is barely audible under extremely quiet listening conditions. Normal speech Overview has a sound level of approximately 60 dB. Sound levels of about 130 dB are felt in the human ear as discomfort and C. Reducing noise impacts caused by aircraft operati ons pain. For Further Information: All airports attract development. People who work at the airport want to live nearby, and businesses are established to cater to the airport and its employees. As development encroaches AICUZ: In measuring community noise, sound frequency is taken into account by adjusting the very high and very low upon the airfield, more people experience the noise and other impacts associated with aircraft operations. NAS Oceana AICUZ Office frequencies to approximate the human ear's lower sensitivity to those frequencies. This is called "A-weighting" and The Noise Control Act of 1972 declared that it is the policy of the United States to promote an environment for all Americans free from noise that jeopardizes their health or welfare. This (757) 433-3158 act also excluded military weapons or equipment that are designed for combat use. In response to the Noise Control Act of 1972, the Department of Defense (DoD) established the Air is commonly used in measuring community noise levels. An A-weighted decibel (abbreviated dBA) is a unit of sound Installations Compatible Use Zones (AICUZ) Program to balance the need for aircraft operations and community concerns. Individual services, in turn, adopted the program. The Navy's pressure with a greater intensity than the ambient, or background, sound pressures that best reflect the range of Flight operations recording for FCLP and are considered to be tenuous. Interests in land may be guidance on AICUZ may be found in Chief of Naval Operations Instruction (OPNAVINST) 11010.36B and is available for viewing on the Navy's web site of directives, human hearing. Table 2 shows the typical A-weighted sound levels of common sounds and noise environments. flight demo at NAS Oceana/NALF Fentress: http://neds.daps.dla.mil/Directives/11010_36b.pdf. The goal of the AICUZ Program is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of those living near a military airport while The minimum change in sound level of individual events that the average human ear can detect is about 3 dB. On (757) 433-3733 while meeti ng operati onal, training, and fl ight safety preserving operational assurance for the flying mission. AICUZ guidelines define zones of high noise and accident potential and recommend uses compatible within these zones. average, a person perceives a change in sound level of about 10 dB as a doubling of the sound's loudness. Local governments are encouraged to apply these guidelines in their land-use decision-making processes. Noise Concerns: Day-Night Average Sound Level (DNL) NAS Oceana/NALF Fentress Noise Concern Hotline Noise Zones The DNL noise metric is based on the number of aircraft operations that occur on an average annual day or average Under the AICUZ Program, DoD provides noise zones as a planning tool for local planning agencies. Noise exposure is measured using the day-night average sound level (DNL). For a (757) 433-2162 busy day over a 24-hour period. The DNL includes a 10 dB adjustment, or penalty, for aircraft noise occurring detailed discussion of DNL, refer to the Noise Metrics section. The DNL contours on the AICUZ maps reflect the noise exposure in the surrounding communities and the fact that noise acquired via several methods. Land acquisiti on, for which impacts diminish with distance from the airfield. DNL contours do not reflect the noise of individual aircraft events. DNL contours are used to assess average long-term noise exposure between 10:00 pm and 7:00 am because people are more sensitive to noise during normal sleeping hours, when NS Norfolk Chambers Field rather than the impact of a single event. background noise levels are lower. DNL has become the standard metric used by many government agencies and Operations Office requirements, both on and in the vicinity of air organizations, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and FAA, for assessing aircraft noise. The (757) 322-3429 Accident Potential Zones DNL for the community is depicted as a series of contours that connect points of equal value, usually in 5 dB Norfolk International Airport The DoD provides Accident Potential Zones (APZs) as a planning tool to local land use agencies. APZs are areas where an aircraft accident is likely to occur if one occurs. They do not increments. DNL noise contours for NAS Oceana, NALF Fentress, and Chambers Field are shown on the maps reflect the probability of an accident. APZs follow arrival, departure, and pattern flight tracks and are based upon analysis of historical data. The AICUZ map defines three APZs - the included in this pamphlet. Noise contours are not exact measurements. Noise levels inside a contour may be (757) 857-3351 Clear Zone, APZ 1, and APZ 2. The Clear Zone extends 3,000 feet beyond the runway and has the highest potential for accidents. APZ 1 extends 5,000 feet beyond the Clear Zone, and similar to those outside a contour line because the change in noise levels occurs gradually. Federal Loan Guarantees: Congressional authorizati on is normally required, usually APZ 2 extends 7,000 feet beyond APZ 1. If an accident occurs, it is more likely to occur in APZ 1 than APZ 2 and more likely to occur in the Clear Zone than in eitherAPZ1orAPZ2. U.S. Department of Housing and As stated above, APZs follow arrival, departure, and pattern flight tracks.APZs are not roadways in the sky. Weather conditions, wind, pilot technique, and other air traffic will cause Sound Exposure Level (SEL) Urban Development installati ons; and some lateral deviation within the landing pattern around an airport. SEL is a composite metric that represents both the intensity of a sound and its duration. Individual time-varying (800) 842-2610 noise events (e.g., aircraft overflights) have two main characteristics—a sound level that changes throughout the event and a period of time during which the event is heard. The SEL provides a measure of the net impact of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs entire acoustic event, but it does not directly represent the sound level heard at any given time. During an aircraft (800) 933-5499 Compatible Development flyover, it would include both the maximum noise levels and the lower decibel levels produced during onset and Real Estate Disclosure: ® Certain land uses are not compatible with military flight operations. Modifications to proposed land developments near the airfield can help resolve concerns between the community recess periods of the overflight.SEL levels may exceed the peak noise for an event. Table 3 presents Hampton Roads REALTORS Association involves undeveloped land. The air installati on initi ally representative SEL values for aircraft on approach, departure, and in the Field Carrier Landing Practice (FCLP) or and the military. In general, DoD recommends that noise-sensitive uses (e.g., houses, churches, amphitheaters, etc.) be placed outside the high noise zones, that people-intensive uses (757) 473-9700 (e.g., regional shopping malls, theaters, etc.) not be placed in APZs, and that sound-attenuating methods be incorporated into building design and construction. For further information touch-and-go pattern. D. Informing the public about the AICUZ program and Planning Departments: on local land use guidelines, please consult the appropriate city planning department. The DoD recommendations are intended to serve only as guidelines. Local governments alone are responsible for regulating land use. City of Virginia Beach (757) 427-4621 City of Chesapeake (757) 382-6176 Land use development should be compatible with noise zones and APZs around a military airfield. Although the military can serve in an advisory capacity, local governments control development beyond the boundaries of the military airfields. Table 1 shows the Navy's recommendations for land use development in noise zones and APZs. Further information on land City of Norfolk (757) 664-4752 use guidelines is available in the 2005 Hampton Roads JLUS Report and the OPNAVINST 11010.36B. Web Sites: Table 2 TYPICAL A-WEIGHTED SOUND LEVELS OF COMMON SOUNDS AND NOISE ENVIRONMENTS ensures chain of command support from the appropriate Development should also be compatible with flight safety. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the DoD encourage local communities to restrict development or land NAS Oceana uses that could endanger aircraft in the vicinity of the airfield, including: NOISE SOURCE A-WEIGHTED SOUND http://www.nasoceana.navy.mil seeking cooperati ve eff orts to minimize noise and NOISE ENVIRONMENT (at a given distance) LEVEL SCALE (dBA) • Lighting (direct or reflected) that would impair pilot vision; City of Virginia Beach • Towers, tall structures, and vegetation that penetrate navigable airspace or are to be constructed near the airfield; Civil Defense Siren (100 ft) 130 Carrier Flight Deck http://www.vbgov.com/aicuz • Uses that would generate smoke, steam, or dust; Threshold of Pain City of Chesapeake • Uses that would attract birds, especially waterfowl; and http://cityofchesapeake.net/services/ • Uses that would produce electromagnetic interference with aircraft communication, navigation, or other electrical systems. 120 Chief of Naval Operati ons or the Commandant of the depart/planning/planning.html The FAA and the DoD established height standards within aircraft approach and departure zones for military and commercial airfields. These standards are presented in the U.S. Code of aircraft accident potenti al impact by promoti ng Federal Regulations, Title 14, Part 77, “Objects Affecting Navigable Airspace.” The cities of Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Norfolk review building permits in the approach and departure City of Norfolk zones to ensure compliance with these height standards. The FAA must be notified of any development that is not consistent with the height standards. Pile Driver (50 ft) 110 Rock Music Concert http://www.norfolk.gov Jet Fighter Departure (1,000 ft) 108 Jet Fighter Arrival (1,000 ft) 104 Hampton Roads Planning District Commission (1) KEY: Table 1 LAND USE COMPATIBILITY WITHIN NOISE ZONES AND APZS Ambulance Siren (100 ft) 100 http://www.hrpdc.org/JLUS Printing Press Plant Conditionally 96 ® Compatible Incompatible Noise Zones APZs Newspaper Press (5 ft) Hampton Roads REALTORS Association Marine Corps resource sponsor, and then submits a land Compatible Power Lawn Mower (3 ft) http://www.centerforrealestate.com Less Greater Clear Motorcycle (25 ft) 90 Boiler Room (1) Land Use than 65-70 DNL 70-75 DNL than APZ 1 APZ 2 Prop. Plane Flyover (1,000 ft) 88 compati ble development in the vicinity of military air Table 1 shows the Navy's recommendations for land use development 65 DNL 75 DNL Zone Diesel Truck, 40 mph (50 ft) 84 in noise zones and APZs. This table is a general guide to land use compatibility around military airfields and should not be used as the Outdoor Amphitheaters Garbage Disposal (3 ft) 80 High Urban Ambient Sound basis for land use decision making. Further guidance on land use Passenger Car, 65 mph (25 ft) 77 compatibility is provided in OPNAVINST 11010.36B, including detailed Residential Living Room Stereo (15 ft) 76 land use compatibility recommendations. This document is available Vacuum Cleaner (3 ft) 70 for viewing athttp://neds.daps.dla.mil/Directives/11010_36b.pdf . For acquisiti on request via its chain of command for inclusion Transient Lodging further information on local land use guidelines, please consult the Electronic Typewriter (10 ft) Hampton Roads Joint installati ons. appropriate city planning department. Normal Conversation (5 ft) 60 Data Processing Center Churches, Schools Air Conditioning Unit (100 ft) Department Store Land Use Study (JLUS)/ Commercial, Retail, Services Light Traffic (100 ft) 50 Private Business Office Air Installations Real Estate Wholesale, Manufacturing Bird Calls (Distant) 44 on the Military Constructi on Integrated Priority List. 40 Lower Limit of Urban Disclosure Agriculture, Public Rights-of-way Ambient Sound Compatible Use Zones LEGEND Soft Whisper (5 ft) 30 Quiet Bedroom (AICUZ) Planning Map Most areas of Hampton Roads, to a greater or lesser extent, experience aircraft noise and overflight. Property owners, renters, and lessees need to be aware of whether their property is Recording Studio ACCIDENT POTENTIAL NOISE LEVELS located within a noise zone or APZ. Virginia law requires that any person marketing property for sale, rental, or lease within a noise zone or APZ provide written disclosure to For ZONES all prospective purchasers, renters, or lessees that such property is located within a noise zone or APZ. The Hampton Roads REALTORS® Association also encourages its members 20 Greater than 75 DNL to provide written disclosure in all real estate transactions and advise their clients to verify whether property is located within a noise zone or APZ, especially in property transactions with Naval Air Station Oceana non-members. Clear Zone Apollo Soucek Field 70 - 75 DNL Restrictive Easements Noise Zones Accident Potential Zones 10 Just Audible Each Navy and Marine Corps air installati on designated by Virginia Beach, Virginia The Navy owns restrictive easements on 3,680 acres of land The appropriate noise zone from the list below should be The appropriate APZ from the list below should be APZ 1 near NAS Oceana and 8,780 acres near NALF Fentress. These included in all real estate disclosure documents: included in all real estate disclosure documents: 65 - 70 DNL easements restrict new incompatible development and certain 0 Threshold of Hearing Including • Greater than 75 DNL • Clear Zone uses of existing property, as outlined in the specific easement, APZ 2 • 70to75DNL • APZ 1 Less than 65 DNL near the airfields. All of the easements are recorded to deed in For specific aircraft, see Table 3. Naval Auxiliary Landing • 65to70DNL • APZ 2 (All Areas Outside Virginia Beach or Chesapeake. Alternati vely, Encroachment Partnering with eligible • Less than 65 DNL • None (outside APZs) Field Fentress 65 DNL Contour) Chesapeake, Virginia Noise contours and APZs are subject to change. The noise contours and APZs will be periodically updated in association with mission changes at the airfield and/or master plan updates. the Chief of Naval Operati ons or the Commandant of the EDGEWATER Subdivision/Neighborhood Questions concerning details relating to AICUZ easements or the location of a particular property within a noise zone or APZ should be directed to the NAS Oceana AICUZ Naval Station Norfolk GOLF COURSE Landmarks office. Questions pertaining to AICUZ-related provisions of local government policies and ordinances should be directed to the planning office of the appropriate locality. Chambers Field Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) mortgage guarantee eligibility may be affected for homes in certain noise zones and APZs. Contact the FHA Table 3 Comparison of Representative SEL Values (dB) for Aircraft on Approach, Municipal Boundaries Departure, and in the FCLP or Touch-and-Go Pattern Norfolk, Virginia or VA for more information. Military Installation/ enti ti es, defi ned as states, counti es, citi es, and Non- The City of Virginia Beach’s eMapping web site allows users to locate properties on a map by entering an address, street name, or geographic parcel identification number (GPIN). This Municipal Airport Boundary Altitude tool provides property-specific information, including: Operation (ft AGL) F-14 B/D F/A-18 C/D F/A-18 E/F E-2/C-2 C-5A H-60 H-53 This brochure is the product of the Joint Land Use Study Marine Corps has an AICUZ study which includes a detailed prepared under sponsorship of the Hampton Roads Class D Airspace Boundary • AICUZ Noise/APZ Maps Approach 1,000 87 109 114 82 110 85 97 Planning District Commission and the cities of Virginia • Floodplains and Flood Zones Beach, Chesapeake, and Norfolk. Technical information Railroad Departure 1,000 108 117 117 94 114 79 96 • Real Estate Assessments was provided by the U.S. Navy for the JLUS effort. Roadway/Highway • Virginia Beach Land Records FCLP* This planning map was prepared under contract with the • School Locations Hampton Roads Planning District Commission with 010.5 Governmental Organizati ons, enables the Navy to leverage 1,000 95 108 113 87 109 83 92 To find more information about AICUZ and access the eMapping site, go tohttp://www.vbgov.com/aicuz . financial support from the Office of Economic Adjustment, analysis of aircraft noise, accident potenti al, land use 800 97 109 115 89 109 86 93 Department of Defense. The content reflects the views of MILES The City of Chesapeake also has a web site that provides a substantial amount of background information on various related topics. This information can be found at: the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission and the http://cityofchesapeake.net/services/depart/planning/planning.html. This useful web site provides such information as: SCALE 1:36,000 * FCLP or touch-and-go pattern altitude reflects the highest Key: jurisdictions involved and does not necessarily reflect the (1 inch equals 3,000 feet) views of the Office of Economic Adjustment. • NALF Fentress AICUZ Noise Zone Map altitude of the downwind leg of the pattern. AGL– Above Ground Level • NALF Fentress Navy Purchased Easement Map Note: The boundaries of the Noise Zones and Accident • 2026 City Land Use Plan SEL values for helicopters is given for level flight. FCLP– Field Carrier Landing Practice Potential Zones (APZs) represented on this brochure have available funds to acquire interests in land (usually in the • 2050 City Master Transportation Plan • Chesapeake Open Space and Agriculture Preservation Program not changed from those represented on the AICUZ compati bility, operati onal alternati ves, and recommended • Citywide Floodplain Maps 2005 Pamphlet published by the U.S. Navy in 1999. strategies to address existi ng and potenti al incompati ble form of a restricti ve use easement) to establish compati ble development in the vicinity of the air installati on. All buff ers around the air installati on. initi al AICUZ studies have been completed and approved and are now updated when circumstances require such *Excerpt from U.S. Navy OPNAV Instructi ons 11010.36C acti on. AICUZ areas depicted in these studies are not to be modifi ed without Chief of Naval Operati ons or the Commandant of the Marine Corps approval.

19 Virginia Aquarium & Owls Creek Master Plan Octoberr 2011 Existing Reports Summary

Hampton Roads Navy Air Installati on Compati bility Use Zone (AICUZ) policy Joint Land Use Study as the guide for land use decisions, the assessment of jurisdicti on policies and future military operati ons focuses The citi es of Chesapeake, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach have on minimizing additi onal community impacts through partnered with the U.S. Navy to conduct the Hampton guiding incompati ble uses away from acti ve airfi elds. Roads Joint Land Use Study (JLUS). The study explores Generati ng the most concern with encroaching community opportuniti es to reduce noise impacts on communiti es development is land use policy around NAS Oceana, the surrounding Naval Air Stati on (NAS) Oceana, Naval Auxiliary Master Jet Base for the eastern United States. Landing Field (NALF) Fentress, and Chambers Field while accommodati ng necessary growth and maintaining Large scale development within the vicinity of NAS Oceana regional economic sustainability. Balancing community began in the City of Virginia Beach over 30 years ago. interests with the military mission in Hampton Roads is Since the dialogue on land use compati bility/development the goal of this JLUS, with local policies recommended for between Virginia Beach and the Navy began in the 70’s, jurisdicti on implementati on to achieve this balance. development has been proposed and approved within areas that the Navy agrees should be developed. In other The three military airfi elds that are part of the JLUS cases, the City has modifi ed or rejected development contribute billions of dollars annually to the regional proposals to address the Navy’s concerns. Confl icts have economy, making these installati ons crucial elements of the repeatedly arisen over land use proposals between the community fabric. As major contributors to the economy two parti es. Varying planning and land use policies were and military mission of the U.S. Navy, the operati ons of adopted by the City to address this problem. The diff erences these airfi elds are criti cal to maintain at levels necessary to between the two parti es became more pronounced during train pilots for their assigned missions. the basing decisions for the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornets and new Navy regulati ons about AICUZ land use compati biliti es Acti ve airfi elds have been part of the landscape in during 2002 and 2003. This JLUS eff ort in 2004-5 is a Hampton Roads since the early 20th century. The growth direct consequence of these diff ering atti tudes towards of communiti es surrounding these military assets began development in NAS Oceana’s AICUZ. aff ecti ng operati ons decades ago, spurring initi al eff orts at partnership between the military and jurisdicti ons to Additi onal Note: control growth. Past eff orts have targeted land use policy Separate from the JLUS report, the City has a land lease and densiti es, responding to Navy guidance on compati ble agreement with Camp Pendleton thus allowing Aquarium densiti es and land use types around the installati ons. patrons to park on the Camp’s property. By using this Increasing growth in the recent past, however, has area as a parking lot, it encourages a low density use of necessitated an updated assessment of how well the developable space near the NAS Oceana property. The current policies are managing growth and community Navy also provides a nature corridor called the, “Watchable quality of life within the vicinity of the airfi elds. Using the Wildlife Area” on its property within the study area.

20 Workshop I Summary

Date Initial Discussions Stakeholder Interviews Key Points continued: November 19-22, 2010 The purpose of these discussions was to defi ne the existi ng These interviews brought out the point of views from key • Rudee inlet separates yet identi fi es the gateway to character of the study area, discuss key elements and individuals linked to the project. They gave the design the project area Attendees recommendati ons noted in current plans and policies team and the clients a unique insight into what the users • Potenti al to give identi ty to the project area through • Virginia Aquarium Representati ves aff ecti ng the Virginia Beach area. These talks generated and owners value about the area and what they would “branding” • Parks & Recreati on Representati ves the initi al opportuniti es and constraints for the project and like to see it become in the future. The insight from these • Desire to ti e all the aspects of the area together in • Leadership Team began the discussion that would later lead into the guiding interviews led to changing the study name from “District” the plan • Stakeholders principles for future development. to “Area.” • Aquarium could be a top ti er aquarium in 10-15 • Design Team years Key items discussed: Key Points: • Families with children under 12 are main aquarium Location • Heritage • Five positi ve aspects guests Virginia Aquarium • Environment ◊ Adjacent to beach • There are no evening acti viti es in the area 717 General Booth Boulevard • Relati onships ◊ Aquarium is in the area • Storm water management is important Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451 • Connecti ons ◊ Owls Creek • Transportati on ◊ Concentrated development opportuniti es Overview • Foundati ons ◊ City owned properti es The primary goal of the fi rst workshop was to establish a • Tourism • Natural areas are untouched ameniti es creati ve working relati onship between the client and the design team that focused on an objecti ve assessment of design purpose and gathering informati on. A site tour and working sessions where preliminary site inventory and analysis was generated were also a part of this workshop.

21 Virginia Aquarium & Owls Creek Master Plan Octoberr 2011 Workshop I Summary

EXISTING VIEWS Working Session The purpose of this session was to translate the initi al site inventory and analysis onto paper, for the design team to have an overview of all the cultural and environmental factors aff ecti ng the project site, and to determine the most suitable areas for development. The image to the left is one of the drawings produced during the work session. This physical inventory allowed the team to gain a true sense of the land. For more of the drawings and further developed site inventories and analysis see pages (21-28).

Opportunities • The unique heritage of the area and communiti es • The multi ple stories occurring in the area (personal / local / global) • Developing relati onships with foundati ons and universiti es • Environmental preservati on occurring in the area • Owls Creek as the life line of the area • Close proximity to beach

Constraints • Development restricti ons on certain areas • Lack of connecti vity within the study area • Parking near the aquarium is insuffi cient • Lack of transportati on connecti ons

0 200’ 1000’ 2000’ 4000’

1”=2000’-0”

22 Site Tour

13 LAKE HOLLY NORFOLK AVENUE 11

12 15 LAKE 14 HOLLY ATLANTIC OCEAN

1 3 4

2 Attendees LAKE • Virginia Aquarium Representati ves RUDEE RUDEE • Parks & Recreati on Representati ves INLET • Design Team

Overview LAKE OWLS WESLEY The site tour provided att endees an opportunity to observe CREEK the site from a more objecti ve perspecti ve. Touring the project area by land and water, we were able to sense the scale and potenti al of this site in its larger context and SOUTH BIRDNECK ROAD 5 its relati onship to adjacent areas such as the Oceanfront 10 Resort Area, Naval Air Stati on - Oceana, Camp Pendleton, and neighboring residences. The fi rst part of the tour was by boat. The team departed from the Aquarium and navigated Owls Creek, Lake Rudee, and Lake Wesley. Next, the land tour began at the Aquarium heading south on General Booth Blvd. We followed the perimeter of the site LAKE 8 CHRISTINE traveling up South Birdneck Road east along Norfolk Avenue 7 and south again along General Booth Blvd., and returning CAMP PENDLETON

to the Aquarium. As we approached the diff erent locati ons GENERAL BOOTH BOULEVARD within of the study area, the tour transiti oned into the 6 specifi c neighborhoods, business areas, preserved areas, 9 and municipal zones providing insight into the character of these area and how they relate to one another as a whole. SOUTH BIRDNECK ROAD 0 150’ 750’ 1500’ 3000’

1”=1500’-0” * Numbers on map reference photos on page 22

23 Virginia Aquarium & Owls Creek Master Plan Octoberr 2011 Photo Inventory

01 02 03 04 05

There are two existi ng restaurants on the west end On the south bank of Lake Rudee are several Condominiums are an existi ng residenti al component The Aquarium fronts Owls Creek and has direct access Several whale and dolphin watching and fi shing tours of the Marina Area and other restaurants which are condominium developments with boat docks and within the Marina Area. The residents have several to the water via boat docks and an adjacent public leave out of the dock at the east end of the Marina cornerstones for both the locals and tourists. piers that have a direct view of the Marina Area. ameniti es in walking distance. access boat ramp. Area. The marina is fi lled with local and visitors boats.

06 07 08 09 10

Ocean Breeze water park is a summer ti me att racti on There are magnifi cent views looking northeast from Miniature Golf and Motor World are other att racti ons, Seatack Elementary also in the southern area was Light industrial faciliti es have access along Birdneck for locals and visitors within the region. The the southern most ti p of Owls Creek. The land is and there is potenti al to make a stronger connecti on recently constructed, built about 10 years ago. It is in Road and house services for some of the hoteliers in entertainment component has growth potenti al. currently being under uti lized as a parking lot. with the wilderness with amusement venues. close proximity to the Aquarium Marsh Pavilion. the area.

11 12 13 14 15

The Virginia Aquarium Marine Animal Care Center is The Seatack Community Center was constructed Mount Olive Church is one of the oldest churches in The Shadowlawn neighborhood is located on the There are several existi ng residenti al communiti es in on the opposite side of Birdneck Road which doesn’t recently by the City of Virginia Beach. The Center the area and was the site of the fi rst African American north side of Owls Creek and the Marina Area, it is the study area including Seatack, Saltmarsh Point, and provide them with direct water access. houses a pool and basketball courts. school in the region. also bordered by Norfolk Avenue to the north and Shadownlawn. Pacifi c Avenue to the East.

24 Site Inventory

Overview Transportation Through the initi al inventories, the project team gathered Connecti vity and circulati on are major factors infl uencing informati on on the major cultural and physical infl uences the accessibility of an area, as well as major determinants on the site. During the fi rst Workshop much of this raw of opti mal land uses. The road system, bike network, and data was transferred to large scale overlay drawings. waterways aff ect how the urban form is shaped. There This “fi rst glance” gave insight into the complexiti es and are current opportuniti es for greater connecti vity through opportuniti es of the study area presented here. current infrastructure such as:

Neighborhoods / Land Use / Ownership / • Bikeways / shared use paths (connected to greater Military Virginia Beach and within the study area) As populati on, acti viti es, and comfort demands grow, it • Roadway system (currently below capacity) becomes important to evaluate land use patt erns, thus • Waterways / boat access (alternati ve transportati on ensuring a harmonious relati onship between diff erent uses opti on) EXISTING NEIGHBORHOODS EXISTING OWNERSHIP that results in a whole greater than the sum of its parts. The Owls Creek area is composed of roughly 1200 acres Environment with a diverse mix of land uses with great potenti al for Climate, hydrology, and other natural systems can many synergies to occur such as: signifi cantly aff ect the potenti al for development in an area on a macro and micro scale. Proper site selecti on and • Aquarium / Entertainment (marine theme synergies) land use selecti on by accounti ng for these factors can help • Public Parks / Navy AICUZ / Undeveloped Areas / improve the building systems effi ciency, lower constructi on Residenti al (recreati on and preservati on synergies) costs, and help preserve the natural beauty and life of the • Oceanfront / Marina District / Owls Creek (tourism area. The Owls Creek area has several environmental synergies) factors that should be taken into account such as:

• Undeveloped areas • Marshlands EXISTING TRANSPORTATION CLIMATIC INFLUENCES • Nati ve fl ora & fauna • Water quality & rainwater runoff • Floodplains

EXISTING LAND USE MILITARY INFLUENCES

25 Virginia Aquarium & Owls Creek Master Plan Octoberr 2011 Site Inventory

Detailed Site Inventory The Existi ng Land Uses, Ownership, and Zoning provide the informati on necessary to determine which areas have the most potenti al for development. The Navy AICUZ informati on was also overlaid on the site, as the military development restricti ons are a key component in all decisiona.

Existing Land Use Existing Ownership Existing Zoning

65-70 DNL 70-75 DNL 70-75 DNL 65-70 DNL

70-75 DNL 65-70 DNL

>75 DNL >75 >75 DNL >75 Hwy. 264 Hwy. 264 Hwy. 264 DNL >75 Pacifi Pacifi Pacifi

c Avenue c Avenue APZ 1 APZ 1 APZ 1 c Avenue

65-70 DNL 65-70 DNL Virginia Beach Boulevard Virginia Beach Boulevard Virginia Beach Boulevard 65-70 DNL

APZ 2 APZ 2 APZ 2

North Birdneck Road North Birdneck Road

North Birdneck Road Lake Lake Lake APZ 1 Atlantic APZ 1 Atlantic APZ 1 Holly Holly Holly Atlantic Ocean Ocean Ocean

Norfolk Avenue Norfolk Avenue Norfolk Avenue 2 Ac

2 Ac 349 Ac

Beach Beach Beach

13 AAcc

124 Ac Lake Lake Lake Rudee Rudee Rudee 6 Ac

31 Ac

47 Ac 40 Ac 5 Ac Lake Lake Lake Wesley Wesley Wesley 27 Ac Owls Creek Owls Owls 2 Ac Creek Creek 30 Ac 3 Ac 107 Ac APZ 2 APZ 2 3 Ac APZ 2

South Birdneck Road South Birdneck Road 6 Ac South Birdneck Road 29 Ac

3 Ac 206 Ac 8 Ac

Lake Lake Lake Christine Christine Christine

36 Ac 19 Ac l a r

General Booth Boulevard 28 Ac 12 Ac General Booth Boulevard General Booth Boulevard 18 Ac Camp Camp Camp Pendelton Pendelton 15 Ac Pendelton

18 Ac 11 Ac

South Birdneck Road South Birdneck Road South Birdneck Road

70-75 DNL 70-75

70-75 DNL 70-75

>75 DNL >75

70-75 DNL 70-75

>75 DNL >75 >75 DNL >75

LEGEND 0 100’ 500’ 1000’ 2000’ LEGEND 0 100’ 500’ 1000’ 2000’ 0 100’ 500’ 1000’ LEGEND Aquarium Undeveloped (57 Ac) Light Industrial (3 Ac) Private Parcels Virginia Aquarium & MSC Business Zoning Residential Zoning Apartment Zoning 1”=500’-0” 1”=500’-0” 1”=500’-0” B-1 Neighborhood Business Districts R-7.5 Medium Density Single Family A-12-18 Variety of Denisity (Adequate Facilities) Residential Parcels (456 Ac) City Recreational (25 Ac) Entertainment (46 Ac) City Property Publc Schools B-2 Community Business Districts R-5D Duplex & Semidetached Dwellings A-24 24 Dwellings Per Acre B-4 Mixed Use Business Distritcts Navy Undeveloped (206 Ac) Aquarium (20 Ac) Seatack Elementary (18 Ac) Ocean Breeze City Recreation Areas Resort Tourist Zoning Preservation Zoning Industrial Zoning Private Undeveloped (100 Ac) Mixed Use (13 Ac) City Facility (3 Ac) Motor World Owls Creek 9 ACRES RT-1 High Density Hotels & Related Needs P-1 Protected Wilderness Areas I-1 Light Industrial Uses 9 ACRES 9 ACRES City Undeveloped (144 Ac) Commercial (2 Ac) U.S. Navy Tralls RT-3 Mixed Use Complementary to Resorts

26 Site Analysis

Overview

The factors that contribute to the development potenti al within the Owls Creek area mainly fall in two categories: natural and cultural. Cultural factors are created by human infl uences, while natural factors are created by environmental infl uences. By combining the data, these two analyses provide a comprehensive view of the opportuniti es and constraints to the project from separate view points.

Cultural Influences: • AICUZ development restricti ons on west part of site • Bike network provides external connecti vity • Residenti al areas make up majority of project area • Project area is surrounded by major roadways

Natural Influences: • Owls Creek is the heart of the area • Conti nuous internal preserved natural network • Coastal winds are prevalent • Waterways connect much of the area • Tidal marshes weave into residenti al areas

LEGEND Cultural AnalysisLEGEND Natural Analysis Major Roadways Prevailing Summer Winds Shared Use / Bike Pathway Prevailing Winter Winds Lakes / Creek Solar Angle Property Areas 0 200’ 1000’ 2000’ 4000’ Lakes / Creek 0 200’ 1000’ 2000’ 4000’ APZ 2 Boundary (AICUZ) Green Network >75 dB Boundary (AICUZ) Forested Marsh 1”=2000’-0” 1”=2000’-0” 70-75dB Boudary (AICUZ) Tidal Marsh

27 Virginia Aquarium & Owls Creek Master Plan Octoberr 2011 Site Analysis

Overview The SWOT Analysis presents the factors aff ecti ng the project area, within as well as outside, the project boundaries. STRENGTHS WEAKNESS It presents another perspecti ve on site conditi ons and development possibiliti es. 1 Owls Creek “life line” 1 Multi ple property ownership 2 Ample open space 2 Most acti viti es cost money 3 Proximity to Oceanfront 3 Lack of awareness of Owls Creek 4 Rich history 4 Connecti vity within site 5 Acti ve waterfront 5 Access to natural areas 6 Green network 6 Development restricti ons INTERNAL

3

4 5

6 2 5 6 4 OPPORTUNITIES THREATS 1 3

3 6 1 Naval presence 1 Lack of regional identi ty 3 5 6 1

2 University presence 2 Limited funding 5 3 Proximity to Resort Area 3 Light industrial presence 4 2 4 ‘Open space fund’ 4 Weak transit connecti ons

5 ‘Underdog status’ 5 Disconnected from beach 2 1 4 EXTERNAL

KEY MAP * Not all items shown on plan

28 Site Analysis

GIS Overlay Analysis The development suitability overlays created in GIS revealed the areas most and least suitable for development based on diff erent site infl uences. We determined the most relevant aspects to analyze based on their importance to development from environmental and cultural perspecti ves. Although one area may be suitable for development based on one aspect it may be unsuitable based on another.

Environmental Analysis Of all the environmental factors, hydrology and elevati on were determined to be the most infl uenti al on development suitability.

Hydrology: Wetlands, Waterways, Low Impact Develpment (LID) Soils HYDROLOGY ELEVATION ENVIRONMENTAL Elevati ons: Elevati on, Floodplain (100yr)

Cultural Analysis Of all cultural factors, Naval AICUZ and existi ng development were determined to be the most infl uenti al cultural factors on development suitability.

AICUZ: Naval “Accident Potenti al Zones” (APZ) (dB noise restricti ons not shown, see note on pg 28) Existi ng Development: Ownership, Current Development

LEGEND

Suitable

Unsuitable

0 300’ 1500’ 3000’ 6000’

1”=3000’-0” AICUZ EXISTING DEVELOPMENT CULTURAL

29 Virginia Aquarium & Owls Creek Master Plan Octoberr 2011 Site Analysis

Composite Overlay LEGEND The composite overlay took both the cultural and environmental aspects and combined them into one diagram to determine the locati ons that have the most potenti al for development based on all considered factors. The darkest green sites are the most suitable for development and the lightest green sites area Sites 1-4 the least suitable. The numbered sites were determined to be the most suitable based on the criteria presented on the previous pages. + Hydrology (suitable) + Elevati on (suitable) NORFOLK AVENUE + AICUZ (suitable) + Existi ng Development (suitable)

ATLANTIC Sites A-H OCEAN A. Marshview property is suitable for recreati onal purposes. B. Some areas within Seatack are undeveloped and zoned residenti al, yet they are subject ATLANTIC to Navy restricti ons. OCEAN C. Motorworld and Ocean Breeze have great potenti al for redevelopment. APZ 1 D. City tennis courts are under uti lized and could be relocated to allow another use to be H A introduced on the prominent corner property. LAKE E. The Aquarium Marsh Pavilion is disconnected and could be redeveloped to grow future RUDEE RUDEE outreach opportuniti es. INLET F. The current Aquarium parking area is waterfront land that deserves another use. G. The Aquarium parking on Camp Pendleton should have a safer above ground connecti on 1 directly into the Aquarium and could site a new mixed-use research building. H. The Marina District off ers great potenti al for an improved restaurant /entertainment area B OWLS that connects to the beach and could be an anchor point for the water taxi service. CREEK 4 Composite Suitability Highly Suitable for Development (No Restricti ons)* SOUTH BIRDNECK ROAD F Suitable for Development (With Restricti ons) G Suitable for Re-development (Existi ng Developed Properti es with Restricti ons) APZ 2 2 Unsuitable for New Development C (Government Owned Property, Wetlands) Highly Unsuitable for New Development E CAMP PENDLETON (AICUZ, Water Bodies, Wetlands, 100yr Flood Plain)

3 * Naval development recommendati ons apply to most of the project area outside of APZ 2 as determined by AICUZ dB levels D GENERAL BOOTH BOULEVARD

0 150’ 750’ 1500’ 3000’

>75dB 70-75dB 60-65dB 1”=1500’-0”

30 Infrastructure Assessment Plan

Utilities Inventory LAKE ATLANTIC HOLLY OCEAN Being in an urban area, much of the Owls Creek Area NORFOLK AVENUE has suffi cient water, water distributi on, and sanitary connecti ons. There is potenti al for expansion to this LAKE infrastructure to supply future development. HOLLY

Legend

Water Distribution Sanitary

LAKE RUDEE

LAKE WESLEY OWLS CREEK

SOUTH BIRDNECK ROAD

LAKE CHRISTINE

CAMP PENDLETON GENERAL BOOTH BOULEVARD

SOUTH BIRDNECK ROAD 0 150’ 750’ 1500’ 3000’

1”=1500’-0”

31 Virginia Aquarium & Owls Creek Master Plan Octoberr 2011 Infrastructure Assessment Plan

Roadway inventory Pacific Avenue Norfolk Avenue

The Owls Creek site is triangular in shape and bordered • Doesn’t directly infl uence the traffi c to the site but • 2 lane undivided with on street parking from Pacifi c by several roadways that infl uence the ingress and egress carries majority of traffi c from the Oceanfront to this Avenue to Balti c Avenue to the site. The site is served by General Booth Boulevard area of the City. • 3 lane undivided from Balti c Avenue to Birdneck Road and Pacifi c Avenue/Atlanti c Avenue on the east and south, • 4 lane undivided from 5th Street north • East/West connecti on between Birdneck Road and the Norfolk Avenue to the north, and Birdneck Road to the • 4 lane divided with a raised concrete median from 5th Oceanfront west and south. There are numerous local streets that Street south • Carries roughly 10,000 vehicles per day. exist within this footprint but none that directly impact the • Becomes General Booth Boulevard on Rudee Inlet • 10’ multi -use asphalt path/10’ concrete sidewalk along accessibility of the site. The above roadways are generally Bridge. the north side of the road described below. • Carried roughly 20,500 vehicles per day • Pedestrian bridge across lake from 5th St. to Norfolk Virginia Beach Boulevard (Route 58) General Booth Blvd. Intersecti on at Virginia Aquarium General Booth Boulevard Ave, west of Pacifi c Ave • Alternate route from I-264 to Oceanfront • Main frontage for the site and current entrances to the Atlantic Avenue • 4 lane divided by raised concrete median from Birdneck Virginia Aquarium and Ocean Breeze Waterpark are Road to Birch Lake Drive off of General Booth Boulevard • Doesn’t directly infl uence the traffi c to the site but • 4 lane undivided from Birch Lake Drive to Atlanti c • 4 lanes divided from Croatan Road to the north by a carries traffi c along Oceanfront. Avenue raised concrete median. • 4 lane undivided • Carries roughly 12,000 vehicles per day • 4 lanes divided from Croatan Road south by a • Dedicated trolley lane both NB & SB depressed, planted median. • Transit opportuniti es to link the site with the A planning level analysis was performed on the main two • Carries roughly 20,000 vehicles per day Oceanfront routes serving the site: General Booth Boulevard and • 10’ multi -use asphalt path along the west side of the • Very pedestrian oriented facility Birdneck Road. Generally, Highway Capacity Soft ware road from Birdneck Road to the north property line of • Carries roughly 7,000 vehicles per day was used to analyze these two faciliti es as uninterrupted the Aquarium site faciliti es. These roadways were signifi cantly under capacity • Multi use path converts to a 5’ concrete sidewalk along Birdneck Road and demonstrated levels of service of A or B during peak the west side of the road north of the Aquarium South Birdneck Rd. along West side of Study Area hours. This means that the roadways serving the project • Small wooden pedestrian bridges • Newly constructed 2009 area will only require very minor enhancements, if any, • 5’ concrete sidewalk from Headquaters Rd north along • 3 lane divided from Virginia Beach Boulevard to Lorett a and should not pose a concern with respect to capacity the east side of the road Lane by raised median directly adjoining the site. Further analysis can and should • 5’ Concrete sidewalk on west side of Rudee Inlet • 2 lane undivided from Lorett a Lane to Jackson Street be conducted along General Booth Boulevard and Birdneck Bridge. 5’ concrete sidewalk and 10’ concrete sidewalk • 4 lane divided by raised concrete median from Jackson Road as the characteristi cs of the site become more on the east side of the Rudee Inlet Bridge. Street to General Booth Boulevard defi nable. Additi onally, Norfolk Ave, Pacifi c Avenue and

• Carries majority of the traffi c from the Conventi on Atlanti c Avenue will require a more detailed analysis due Center and points west to the site area. Interstate 264 to the vast number of intersecti ons along their respecti ve is way signed directi ng traffi c south on Birdneck Road routes if they are deemed to infl uence the site traffi c to the Aquarium. generati on or vice versa. • Carries roughly 13,000 vehicles per day • 5’ concrete sidewalk from Norfolk Ave to General Booth Blvd. along the west side of the road • 10’ multi -use asphalt path from Norfolk Ave to General Shared Use path along General Booth Blvd. Booth Blvd. along the east side of the road

32 Natural Resources Assessment

Topography Soils Potentially Suitable for Low Norfolk Avenue Impact Development (LID) Stormwater The project area ranges from approximately mean sea level Management Practices (MSL) to 15’ above MSL. Approximately 15% of the study area consists of open water, namely Lake Rudee and Owls Low impact development (LID) stormwater integrated Creek. The western edge of the project area is relati vely management practi ces (IMPs) can be implemented in places fl at, along Birdneck Road and the western half of the Area where soils have high infi ltrati on rates and the groundwater Birdneck Road is predominately forested and gently sloping, draining to table is at an adequate depth from the ground surface for Lake Rudee via Owls Creek and several tributaries. The the LID practi ce to functi on. LID IMPs provide water quality eastern half of the Area is predominately developed, fl at, improvement and reduce the volume of stormwater runoff and drains to Lake Rudee, which outf alls to the east directly reaching receiving waters such as Owls Creek. LID IMPs into the Atlanti c Ocean via Rudee Inlet. All streams and include infi ltrati on trenches and rain gardens. Study area drainages are generally low gradient and slow fl owing. soils were determined to be potenti ally suitable for LID Many of these waterways are bordered by ti dal marsh and IMPs (without soil manipulati on) if: 1) the fl oor of the other wetlands. The steepest slopes can be found along infi ltrati on faciliti es will be an absolute minimum of two (2) the top of banks and shores directly bordering Owls Creek feet above the seasonal high groundwater level, and 2) the and Lake Rudee. underlying soil will have an infi ltrati on rate (Ksat) of at least one-half (0.5) in./hr. (City of Virginia Beach Public Works Watersheds Specifi cati ons and Standards-Storm Water Management 02/2003). Much of the area is not conducive to LID The vast majority of the Owls Creek Watershed is located practi ces due to relati vely high seasonal groundwater levels in the Area and is generally bounded by 19th Street to and poorly drained soils. There are some opportuniti es to the north, Atlanti c Avenue to the east, General Booth introduce LID stormwater practi ces in areas located along Boulevard to the south, and Birdneck Road to the west. the southern shore of Lake Rudee and Owls Creek. Areas The watershed also contains some lands outside the study of existi ng development consist primarily of fi ll soils and area including porti ons of the Shadowlawn and Seatack are generally not supporti ve of LID infi ltrati on practi ces neighborhoods, wooded and light industrial lands to the without soil amendment (NRCS Soil Survey City of Virginia west of Birdneck Road, and porti ons of Camp Pendleton. Beach, Virginia.) Applicati on of LID practi ces can be uti lized The primary watershed can be divided into fi ve sub- elsewhere in the study area should further investi gati on General Booth Blvd. watersheds to more easily understand the aff ects of land prove adequate depth to groundwater, and soil suitability Legend use on the environment. These fi ve sub-watersheds can be or that soils will be amended where they are not adequate. Project Area characterized by their central features, namely: Lake Holly Sub-Watershed Areas in the northeast, Lake Rudee in the center, Marshview in Primary Watershed the northwest, Dredging Operati ons in the mid-west, and Tributaries Owls Creek/Virginia Aquarium in the southwest. Each sub- 100-Year Floodplain watershed has diff erent types and densiti es of land cover. Soils potentially suitable for LID The opportunity exists to educate the public about the Estuarine and Marine Deepwater Tidal Marsh diff erent types of land cover within each sub-watershed, Non-tidal Emergent Wetland and what eff ects these might have on water quality and 0 150’ 750’ 1500’ 3000’ Non-tidal Forested/Shrub Wetland aquati c habitat. NOTE: Wetlands shown hereon are based on the National Wetlands Inventory, and Freshwater Pond 1”=1500’-0” are for planning purposes only. Lake

33 Virginia Aquarium & Owls Creek Master Plan Octoberr 2011 Natural Resources Assessment

Wetlands FEMA Floodplains

Preliminary mapping of wetlands in the study area is based Flood zones are geographic areas that the Federal on informati on from the Nati onal Wetlands Inventory, Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has defi ned and no wetland areas have been fl agged in the fi eld or according to varying levels of fl ood risk. Each zone refl ects confi rmed. Consequently, this informati on is for preliminary the severity or type of fl ooding in the area. The 100-year planning purposes only. Owls Creek and Lake Rudee are fl ood is the fl ood having a one percent (1%) chance of being estuarine water bodies. Owls Creek and the tributaries to equaled or exceeded in any given year. The map shows the Lake Rudee are typically bordered by robust ti dal marsh 100-Year fl oodplain, from which base fl ood elevati ons (BFE) and mud fl ats along their banks. Streams and ditches in are provided. The BFE is the regulatory requirement for the the study area generally originate as a headwater wetland elevati on or fl oodproofi ng of structures. In communiti es with litt le or no defi ned channel, draining to a more defi ned that parti cipate in the Nati onal Flood Insurance Program channel with some wetlands within the channel, and fi nally (NFIP), mandatory fl ood insurance purchase requirements broadening into a ti dally infl uenced, low gradient system apply to development within the 100-year fl oodplain. bordered by ti dal marsh and mud fl ats. Wetlands in the western porti on of the study area are generally non-ti dal forested/shrub wetlands. View sheds along streams and wetlands off er prime opportuniti es for nature enthusiasts and bird-watchers. Streams may present opportuniti es for enthusiasts to access wetlands and parts of the study area not accessible by land. Wetlands and ti dal marshes serve many important functi ons such as fl ood att enuati on, fi ltering of runoff , food chain producti on, and nesti ng, spawning, and rearing habitat.

NOTE: Wetlands shown hereon are based on the National Wetlands Inventory and are for planning purposes only.

Legend

Project Area Tributaries Wetland Type Estuarine and Marine Deepwater Tidal Marsh Non-tidal Emergent Wetland Non-tidal Forested/Shrub Wetland 0 150’ 750’ 1500’ 3000’ Freshwater Pond Lake 1”=1500’-0”

34 Flora & Fauna Inventory

Mammals Black crowned night heron (Nycti corax nycti corax) Willet (Catoptrophorus semipalmatus) Cott ontail rabbit (Sylvilagus fl oridanus) Black duck (Anas rubripes) Yellow crowned night heron (Nycti corax violacea) Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus) Black skimmer (Rynchops niger) Gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) Bonaparte’s gull (Larus Philadelphia) Fish Harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) Brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) American eel (Anguilla rostrata) Meadow vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus) Buffl ehead (Bucephala albeola) Atlanti c silverside (Menidia menidia) Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) Canada goose (Branta canadensis) Atlanti c spadefi sh (Chaetodipterus faber) Nutria (Myocastor coypus) Canvasback (Aythya valisineria) Bay anchovy (Anchoa mitchilli) Opossum (Didelphis virginiana) Catt le egret (Bubulcus ibis) Blenny (species unknown) Raccoon (Procyon lotor) Clapper rail (Rallus longirostris) Bluefi sh (Pomatomus saltatrix) Red fox (Vulpes vulpes fulva) Common loon (Gavia immer) Butt erfi sh (Peprilus triacanthus) Rice rat (Oryzomys palustris) Common tern (Sterna hirundo) Cobia (Rachycentron canadum) River ott er (Luntra canadensis) Double-crested cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) Coronetf ish (Fistularia) White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) Forster’s tern (Sterna forsteri) Crevalle jack (Caranx hippos) Glossy ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) Croaker (Micropogonias undulates) Reptiles Great black-backed gull (Larus marinus) Feather blenny (Hypsoblennius hentz) American toad (Bufo americanus) Great blue heron (Ardea herodias) Great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) Atlanti c loggerhead turtle (Carett a c. carett a) Great egret (Ardea alba) Gray trout (Cynoscion regalis) Box turtle (Terrapene carolina) Greater scaup (Aythya marila) Harvestf ish (Peprilus alepidotus) Brown water snake (Natrix taxispilota) Green heron (Butorides virescens) Herring (several species) Diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) Herring gull (Larus argentatus) Hogchoker (Trinectes maculates) Eastern garter snake (Thamnophis s. sirtalis) Hooded merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) Horse-eye jack (Caranx latus) Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) Horned grebe (Podiceps auritus) Inshore lizardfi sh (Synodus foetens) Kemp’s ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempii) Killdeer (Charadrius vociferous) Kingfi sh (Menti cirrhus sp.) Northern water snake (Natrix sipedon sipedon) Laughing gull (Larus atricilla) Lookdown (Selene vomer) Snapping turtle (Chelydra serpenti ne) Least tern (Sterna anti llarum) Mangrove snapper (Lutjanus griseus) Southeastern fi ve-lined skink (Eumeces inexpectatus) Lesser scaup (Aythya affi nis) Menhaden (Brevoorti a tyrannus) Litt le blue heron (Egrett a caerulea) Moonfi sh (Selene setapinnis) Raptors Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) Mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus) Bald eagle, (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) Pied-billed grebe (Podilymbus podiceps) Naked goby (Gobiosoma bosc) Cooper’s hawk, (Accipiter cooperii) Red-breasted merganser (Mergus serrator) Northern pipefi sh (Syngnathus fuscus) Northern harrier (marsh hawk), (Circus cyaneus) Redhead (Aythya americana) Northern puff er (Sphoeroides maculates) Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) Red-throated loon (Gavia stellata) Northern searobin (Priontotus carolinus) Red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) Ring-billed gull (Larus delawarensis) Northern sennet (Sphyraena borealis) Sharp-shinned hawk, (Accipiter striatus) Royal tern (Sterna maxima) Orange fi lefi sh (Aluterus schoepfi ) Snowy egret (Egrett a thula) Oyster toadfi sh (Upsanus tau) Waterbirds Tricolored heron (Egrett a tricolor) Permit (Trachinotus falcatus) American oystercatcher (Haematopus palliates) White Ibis (Eudocimus albus) Pigfi sh (Orthopristi s chrysoptera) Belted kingfi sher (Ceryle alcyon) White pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) Pinfi sh (Lagodon rhomboids)

35 Virginia Aquarium & Owls Creek Master Plan Octoberr 2011 Flora & Fauna Inventory

Red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) Mud snail (Nassarius sp.) Shrubs Seahorse (Hippocampus erectus) Nudibranch (species unknown) Blueberry (Vaccinium sp.) Silver perch (Bairdiella chrysoura) Oyster (Crassostrea virginica) Groundsel tree (Baccharis halimifolia) Skilletf ish (Gobiesox strumosus) Oyster drill (Urosalpinx cinerea) Marsh elder (lva frutescens) Speckled trout (Cynoscion nebulosus) Periwinkle (Litt orina irrorata) Marsh mallow (Kosteletskya virginica) Spot (Leidstomus xanthurus) Purple marsh crab (Sesarma reti culatum) Sweet pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia) Spotf in mojarra (Eucinostomus argenteus) Sea grape (Molgula sp.) Wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera) Spott ed hake (Urophycis regia) Sea nett le (Chrysaora quinquecirrha) Wild azalea (Rhododendron canescens) Striped burrfi sh (Chilomycterus schoepfi ) Sea roach (Ligia exoti ca) Striped killifi sh (Fundulus majalis) Sea whip (Leptogorgia virgulata) Grasses Striped mullet (Mugil cephalus) Sea star (Asterias forbesii) Salt grass (Disti chlis spicata) Summer fl ounder (Paralichthys denatus) Skeleton shrimp (Caprella sp.) Saltmarsh bulrush (Scirpus robustus) Tonguefi sh (Symphurus) Soft -shelled clam (Mya arenaria) Saltmarsh cordgrass (Sparti na alternifl ora) Tripletail (Lobotes surinamemsis) Sponge (various species) Saltmarsh glasswort (Salicornia sp.) White perch (Morone americanus) Striped hermit crab (Clibanarius vitt atus) Saltmeadow hay (Sparti na patens) Windowpane fl ounder (Scophthalmus aquosus) Wharf crab (Sesarma cinereum) Vines Invertebrates Insects Poison ivy (Rhusradicans) Atlanti c ribbed mussel (Geukensia demissa) Long-horned grasshopper (Family Tetti goniidae) Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) Black-fi ngered mud crab (Panopeus herbsti i) Wolf spider (Lycosa sp.) Yellow jessmine (Gelsemium sempervirens) Blue crab (Callinectus sapidus) Orb-weaver spider (Argiope) Brief squid (Lolliguncula brevis) Saltmarsh mosquito (Aedes sollicitans) Bryozoan (various species) Saltmarsh dragonfl y (Erythrodiplox berenice) Wildflowers Clam worm (Nereis sp.) Atamasco lily (Zephranthes atamasco) Comb jelly (sp. Unknown) Trees Beauty berry (Callicospa americana) Commercial shrimps (Penaeus sp.) American holly (llex opaca) Bee balm (Monarda didyma) Fiddler crab (Uca sp.) Dogwood (Cornus fl orida) Blue fl ag iris (Iris virginica) Ghost anemone (Diadumene leucolena) Loblolly bay (Gordonia lasianthus) Cardinal fl ower (Lobelia cardinalis) Golden star tunicate (Botryllus schlosseri) Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) Catt ail (Zypha lati folia) Grass shrimp (Palaemonetes sp.) Red maple (Acer rubrum) Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum) Hairy sea cucumber (Sclerodactyla briareus) Sassafras (Sassafras albidum) Marsh marigold (Caltho palustris) Hard tube worm (various species) Serviceberry (Amelanchior canadensis) May apple (Podophyllum peltatum) Hydroid (various species) Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboretum) Queen Anne’s lace (Daucus carota) Ivory barnacle (Balanus eburneus) Southern red oak (Quercus falcata) Saltmarsh aster (Aster terinfolius) Lady crab (Oralipes ocellatus) Sweetbay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana) Seaside goldenrod (Solidago sempervirens) Litt le gray barnacle (Chthamalus fragilis) Yaupon holly (llex vomitoria) Swamp rose mallow (Hibiscus palustris) Long-clawed hermit crab (Pagurus longicarpus) Wavy leafed aster (Aster undulates) Manti s shrimp (Squilla empusa) Moon jelly (Aurelia aurita)

36 Case Studies

Monterey Bay Aquarium / Cannery Row Statistics:

Cannery Row’s buildings are updated, shinier versions of • Monterey Bay Aquarium Annual Visitors: 1,883,671 turn-of-the-century canneries. They house an eclecti c (2005) blend of specialty shops, local arti sts’ galleries, and more • Aquarium has 623 separate named species on display than 25 restaurants and world-class att racti ons that make • City of Monterey Populati on: 30,250 Cannery Row a top tourist desti nati on. • Peak season is summer: June through September • Off shore Marine Sanctuary The main att racti on on Cannery Row, and a favorite for visitors to the Central Coast, is the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Key Elements: Constantly surprising with new exhibits and programs, and with a steadfast dedicati on to marine educati on • Integrati on and preservati on of historic legacies and conservati on, the aquarium is consistently ranked • Mixed use areas with restaurant, retail, etc... among the top att racti ons in the world. The Monterey Bay • Connecti ons to other local areas Aquarium maintains a close relati onship with the Monterey • University and Aquarium synergisti c relati onship Bay Aquarium Research Insti tute. • Marine preservati on is a focal point of the tourism aspect Cannery Row’s dining draws crowds with its complete spectrum of taste off erings. Enjoy area seafood favorites, legendary fi ne dining, and lively nightlife at Cannery Row restaurants.

Take in the wonders of the Monterey Bay Nati onal Marine Sanctuary by scuba diving with the Sea stars, kayaking with the sea ott ers or bike riding from beach to beach along the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreati onal Trail on a bicycle rented from Bay Bikes.

37 Virginia Aquarium & Owls Creek Master Plan Octoberr 2011 Case Studies

Navy Pier, Chicago Statistics:

Located on Lake Michigan, just East of Chicago’s Downtown, • 50 acres of parks, promenades, gardens, shops, and Navy Pier has been a Chicago landmark since it fi rst opened eateries in 1916. Navy Pier is the place where all of Chicagoland and • 8.6 million visitors a year tourists from around the world have come together since • Midwest’s #1 tourist and leisure desti nati on 1995 to enjoy the beauty of a day on Lake Michigan. The • 3,300-foot long pier on the shoreline of Lake Michigan Pier has rides, restaurants, exhibiti ons, entertainment, shopping dining cruises and tour boats. Key Elements:

Navy Pier off ers dining opportuniti es as diverse as Chicago • Capitalizing on unique setti ng itself. Dine at one of the fi ne restaurants or sample a variety • Mixed use areas with Restaurant, Retail, Att racti ons, of great tastes to be found at the food court in the Family Parks Pavilion. You can fi nd everything from bikes to books and • Recognizable architectural elements - historic from souvenirs to sunglasses at the retail shops in the character Family Pavilion which is open year-round.

38 Case Studies

Chicago Park District/Nature in the Parks Statistics:

The Chicago Park District is the oldest and one of the • 7600+ Acres of Parkland (8.2% of total City) largest park district in the United States. The city devotes • 220 faciliti es 8.2% of its total land acreage to parkland, ranking it ninth • 570 total parks among high density citi es in 2008. Many special use • 50 designated nature areas faciliti es are dispersed among the 570 parks for acti viti es • Height of events during summer months such as boati ng, dog walking, sports, music, and arts. • Lincoln Park is Chicago’s largest urban Park (1,208 Ac.) The Chicago Park District holds thousands of community, holiday, nature, sports, music, art, and cultural events and Key Elements: festi vals throughout the year. There are performances and workshops by the nati onally recognized “Art Partners” • Nature in the City Program works well in an urban setti ng including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. The majority • Several parks with Public Art installati ons of the events occur during the peak tourist season in the • The Park system is a hallmark element of the City summer months. • Events att ract residents and guests to parks • Parks also serve as a draw for tourism Chicago’s Nature in the Parks Program off ers residents and • Bird & butt erfl y sanctuaries in nature areas guests many opportuniti es to explore and appreciate the beauty of the local natural areas. There are more than 50 designated nature areas in Chicago’s Park District from .25 acres to 57 acres with habitat for many signifi cant plant and animal species. The nature area include various habitats such as dunes/beaches, lagoons, prairies/grasslands, river edges, wetlands, shrublands, and savannas/woodlands. There are over 1200+ stewardship volunteers, over 90 annual gardens, 22 prairies/grasslands, and 11 savannas/ woodlands, and 17 historic lagoons. The Nature Oasis program brings the wonder of nature into the city for Chicagoans to enjoy. It’s geared to culti vate environmental awareness by providing a wide range of nature-based programs throughout the seasons across the city for all ages. Other programs off ered include the Urban Campers and the Harvest Garden program.

39 Virginia Aquarium & Owls Creek Master Plan Octoberr 2011 Case Studies

Boston Parks The Emerald Necklace Conservancy was created to protect, Emerald Necklace & Conservancy restore, maintain and promote the landscape, waterways, and parkways of the park system. The organizati on The Emerald Necklace is a chain of parks linked by parkways advocates in support of the Olmsted legacy. They conti nue and waterways in Boston and Brookline, Massachuesett es. to promote the renewal of the historic landscape, and an The parks make up 1,100 acres of park area and comprise environmental and cultural treasure. The Conservancy’s half of the City of Boston’s and Brookline’s park acreage. The programs focus on restorati on, maintenance, educati on, park system is the only remaining linear park designed by publicati ons, and acti viti es among other things. Frederick Law Olmsted (America’s fi rst landscape architect) that is sti ll intact. The original vision was for a linear park of Statistics: walking paths along a gentle stream connecti ng numerous small ponds. Several components of the Emerald Necklace • 1,100 total acres of parkland predate the original plans. The linkages are also ecologically • Created in 1860’s important as “urban wilds” that provide nesti ng place for • Operated by Emerald Necklace Conservancy migratory birds and improve urban air quality. Over the • Chain of 9 parks past decade capital improvements have begun to address • Master plan updated in 1996 & 2001 the 50 years of deteriorati on of the parks. • Open year round

Key Elements:

• System of connected parks create a natural network • “Urban wilds” preserved in park system design • Locati ons of parkways and paths along waterways

Other Notable Locations: • Faneuil Hall, Boston (htt p://www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com) • Riverwalk, San Antonio (htt p://www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com) • Times Square, New York City (htt p://www.ti messquare.com) • Pikes Place Market, Seatt le (htt p://www.pikeplacemarket.org) • Central Park, New York (htt p://www.centralparknyc.org) • City Walk, Universal Studios (htt p://www.citywalk.com) • Historic City Market, Charleston (htt p://thecharlestoncitymarket.com) • Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta (htt p://www.georgiaaquarium.org) • Centennial Olympic Park, Atlanta (htt p://www.centennialpark.com)

40 Workshop II Summary

Date Leadership Committee Discussions Stakeholder Interviews Working Session November 19-22, 2010 The purpose of these discussions were to present the goals The second round of these discussions brought out the In this session the design team began to put together the and objecti ves of the project generated during the fi rst views of additi onal key individuals linked to the project. initi al list of potenti al program elements based on the Attendees workshop to the Aquarium & Owls Creek Area Leadership They gave further insight into the area’s assets and comments received thus far. The initi al list included the • Virginia Aquarium Representati ves Committ ee and receive their input as to the directi on and development possibiliti es. following: • Parks & Recreati on Representati ves possibiliti es for this study. • Team Leadership Committ ee Key Points: • Owls Creek - heart of the area • Children User Group Key Points: • Possibly draw boaters into the area to enjoy the • Marina District - connecti on to the oceanfront • Stakeholders • Celebrate the “local style” and encourage “traveling natural setti ng • Aquarium - guides and stewards of the creek • Design Team like a local” • Alternati ve transportati on methods (ie. water taxi) • Entertainment Area - place to celebrate the creek • Embrace the good life in Virginia Beach - “Live the • Core values of the area should be based on marine • Water School - providing acti ve recreati on & educati on Location Life” sciences • Educati on Center - interprets systems of the creek Virginia Aquarium • Focus on environmental, technology, research, and • Potenti al synergies with school and Aquarium • Park Network - essence of the creek 717 General Booth Boulevard acti ve recreati on. marine sciences • Public Faciliti es - civic elements Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451 • Incorporate technology and web-based connecti ons • Preserve Seatack heritage and way of life • Military - cultural cornerstone & land preservati onists • Aquarium seems disconnected from the beach • Adjacent Camp Pendleton is on Historic Register • Light Industrial - economic component Overview • Integrate historical informati on into plan • Residenti al communiti es value Rudee Inlet • Circulati on System - enables explorati on & discovery The goal of the second workshop was to further develop • Incorporate water school / outf itt ers into plan • Navy is a key parti cipant to determine development the project directi on and to gather more input and • Preserve, protect, conserve, and celebrate the possibiliti es informati on from key user groups and property owners. shoreline habitat • Military acti viti es and nature areas have mutually This workshop also included an interacti ve session with • Focus on the marine environment benefi cial relati onships the children of several Virginia Aquarium employees and • Military is a part of the area’s culture and traditi on members and working sessions where program elements and their character were defi ned.

41 Virginia Aquarium & Owls Creek Master Plan Octoberr 2011 Workshop II Summary

42 Children’s Workshop Summary

Attendees Questionnaire Results • Aquarium Representati ves What are your personal interests, hobbies, and aft er school • Parks & Recreati on Representati ves acti viti es? • Children User Group (ages 7-12) • Singing, acti ng, hanging out with friends • Design Team • Playing soccer, football, and other sports • Smoothing and polishing rocks Location Where is your favorite place, and why? Virginia Aquarium • Camp Silver Beach, it’s a sleep away camp with tons 717 General Booth Boulevard of acti viti es Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451 • Hawaii, just because Overview What is your favorite place in Virginia Beach, why? The objecti ve of this workshop and interacti ve session • Ocean Breeze, because of all the water slides was to gain insight into the likes and dislikes of a primary • Croatan Beach, it’s on the oceanfront user group of the Aquarium - children and their parents. • Going to the beach on the Chesapeake Bay This produced useful informati on to determine what What do you like to do outside? program elements would be the most benefi cial, as well • Play hide and seek, manhunt, sardines, fl ashlight as possible synergies between the Aquarium and schools. tag, etc... The workshop started with a brief presentati on on what • Play sports, ride bikes, dig up bugs the study was about, followed by a discussion of the questi onnaire that the children had fi lled out prior to the What do you like to do in the winter months? work session. They were then asked to draw their favorite • Go somewhere where it feels like summer place or acti vity. The workshop concluded with a discussion • Playing Nintendo wii, Nintendo ds, watching movies about their favorite ideas and what they would like to see here in the future.

43 Virginia Aquarium & Owls Creek Master Plan Octoberr 2011 Children’s Workshop Summary

Interactive Session In this porti on of the workshop the kids were asked to draw their favorite place or acti vity. Then, a group discussion followed, about what they drew, why it was important to them, and what improvements they would like to see in the future in the project area and at the Aquarium.

Favorite places & acti viti es: • Beach, surfi ng, sun • Aquarium, harbor seals at main entrance, live animals • Musical theater

Ideas: • Snorkeling with dolphins, turtles, fi sh • Zip line across the creek • Night water rides to show the moon / ti de eff ects • Submarines in the creek • Aquarium circus show and bird show • Movies outside at night

44 Public Workshop Summary

Attendees Questionnaire Discussion 10-15 year vision: Positi ves: • Virginia Aquarium Representati ves What character means to you: • Preserve Seatack and environment • Safety • City of Virginia Beach Representati ves • Community to call Home • Avoid increased commercial • Great schools • Community Members • Unity • History of Seatack displayed • Good uti liti es • Design Team • Heritage • Community • Safe Desired Business: • Family oriented Location • Family • No business needed • Love Seatack Elementary School • Religion • Att ract marine oriented business • Patriarchs of community 912 South Birdneck Road • Museum near historic areas • Ocean access Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451 Likeable Places: • No industrial or hospitality • Interstate access Overview • New York • Amusement park • Healthy distance from resort area The workshop was a creati vity “brainstorming” session • Florida • No 12 month tourism • Parks and recreati on for the community. It included a brief introducti on to the • Where it’s quiet • Owls Creek project and the team and a review of the inventory and • Detroit How they want outsider’s percepti on to be: • Water views analysis that had been gathered previously. There were • Atlanta • Historic area • Culture and character two brainstorming exercises to help the att endees express • Charlott e • Family oriented place • Preservati on areas and natural resources their ideas more clearly. First there was an interacti ve • Charleston • Commemorate heritage • Residenti al areas discussion focused around a questi onnaire that was handed • Welcoming • Community heritage out. Secondly, there was a creati ve brainstorming session • Clean and neat • Areas for community use involving a word relati onship / prioriti zati on acti vity and a • Light rail follow-up discussion.

Negati ves: • No lighti ng • Not enough sidewalks • Drainage problems • No historical cues • No signage • Apartments • Parking structures • Storage faciliti es • Light rail parking • Industrial • Misunderstood community • No public transit • Divided community • Grid lock during special events

45 Virginia Aquarium & Owls Creek Master Plan Octoberr 2011 Public Workshop Summary

Possible Program Items Word Relationship These words drawn from the preliminary guiding principles were • Street and pathway lighti ng ranked in the following order from most important to least important. • Sidewalks Synonyms for each of the words were selected from the groups to • Curbs for drainage show what each word means to them. • Historical markers • Improve signage WORD SYNONYM • Community connecti ons 1. Community family, unity • Basketball courts at park 2. Heritage preserve, traditi on, legacy, Seatack • Additi onal shelter at park 3. Environment clean, tranquil, safe, healthy • Parking at park 4. Jobs opportunity, self-sustained, money, living • Senior citi zens center 5. Preservati on maintain, consistency, save, Seatack • More accessible recreati onal center 6. Educati on learning, advancement, knowledge

Word Rose This diagram show the importance of these words for the community. The more white area the greater the importance the words have. ACTIVITIES = SPORTS COMMUNITY = FAMILY CONSERVATION = SAVING PROPERTY EDUCATION = KNOWLEDGE LEARNING ENTERTAINMENT = FAMILY GATHERING ENVIRONMENT = SAFE + HEALTHY EXHIBITS = SHOWCASE HISTORY = SEATACK HERITAGE = SEATACK JOBS = SELF SUSTAINED PRESERVATION = SEATACK

46 Workshop III Summary

Attendees • Virginia Aquarium Representati ves • Park & Recreati on Representati ves • Community Members • Stakeholders • Design Team

Location Virginia Aquarium 717 General Booth Boulevard Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451

Overview The goal of the third workshop was to reach out to the surrounding communiti es and the general public as well as gather additi onal informati on from key stakeholders. This workshop also included a design team session where preliminary concepts were developed incorporati ng the comments received thus far.

Stakeholder Interviews The third round of these interviews brought out opportuniti es and constraints from the point of view of the users and local representati ves. They gave further insight into what the users and owners value about the area and what they would like to see it become in the future.

Key Points: • Protect “our water” (the creek) and its natural beauty • Existi ng balance between the residenti al area and the beach • Parks should be open for car shows • Growth is good but should not destroy the existi ng positi ve qualiti es of the area today • Connect Aquarium to Marshview & Norfolk Ave • Core values of the area should be based around marine sciences • The Aquarium provides jobs and benefi ts to the area • The character of the area should be preserved over ti me • Dredging and dumping in creek spoils the water quality • Create a place for kids

47 Virginia Aquarium & Owls Creek Master Plan Octoberr 2011 Workshop III Summary

Working Session The purpose of the working session was to translate the ideas and concepts that had been received through the public workshop, various stakeholder interviews, and children’s workshop into initi al and disti nct concepts. The concepts that were developed will be refi ned into the three preliminary concepts.

48 Moving Forward

Overview Through the initi al interviews, workshops, and Children’s Workshop brainstorming sessions, a great amount of valuable and • The exhibits that the children enjoy the most at the insightf ul informati on was gathered about the Virginia Aquarium are the ones where they get to touch and Aquarium & Owls Creek area from many diff erent points interact with the animals. of view. Several key points were drawn from each of these • They would like to see adventure and adrenaline rides sessions, the following points were the most notable: that incorporate the Aquarium and marine science themes. Inventory and Analysis • There are several key areas that have more potenti al for Public Workshop development based on both cultural & environmental • Community, heritage, environment, and preservati on infl uences than others. are the most important aspects of the area to the • Some key development areas have existi ng restricti ons Seatack residents. such as AICUZ restricti ons and/or current uses • The Seatack community feels as if they have been that make them suitable for only certain types of overlooked in the past and this study has the development. opportunity to incorporate their ideas and comments. • Both external and internal infl uences must be carefully • There are several “low-hanging fruit” program weighed when considering all potenti al land use to items that can be included in the plan and can be create well balanced relati onships. implemented in the near future. • The residents would like to see the area preserved with Stakeholder Interviews no increase of light industrial land uses and businesses • The Aquarium has much potenti al for growth and near the neighborhoods. synergies with land uses in the area. • Natural areas are a valuable amenity to the community Conclusions and are compati ble with the NAS Oceana land use The strongest message conveyed through the initi al restricti ons. workshops and interviews is that “Owls Creek” is the heart • Marine science, green energy, and similar themes of the area and that the Master Plan should embrace should be the basis for future development in the area, the preservati on and enhancement of this natural jewel. • Connecti vity through alternati ve transportati on During the Master Plan process, the design team will methods (ie. Water Taxi) should be explored. conti nue to refer back to the various comments and data • There is potenti al for the Aquarium to be a top ti er gathered as well as incorporate any new informati on that att racti on reaching 1 million visitors annually. is received. As stated earlier, the project analysis process • A “branding” strategy could give the area a stronger is cyclical in nature and as new comments and views come identi ty. to light the design team will conti nue to incorporate them • The Military are “great neighbors” that promote into a cohesive, well rounded and economically feasible preservati on as seen with the established “watchable Master Plan. The following page contains the program wildlife” easement elements that will be incorporated in the Master Plan moving forward.

49 Virginia Aquarium & Owls Creek Master Plan Octoberr 2011 Site Program Elements

Entertainment Residential Education / Research Natural Network Exhibits • Amusement Parks • Multi -Family Rental • Marine & Green Technology • Trails & Connecti ons • Educati onal Displays • Boardwalks • Single-Family Rental • Educati onal Exhibits • Nati ve Landscapes • Nati ve Flora & Fauna • Theatre • Single-Family Owned • Water Management • Promenades • Technology Integrati on • Parking • Rental Apartments • Environmental Educati on • Recreati onal Trails • Outlooks • Connecti ons • Estate Homes • Transit Connecti ons • Educati onal Exhibits • Local Sponsors • Restaurants • Condos • Open Space • Linear Parks • Signature Elements • Open Space • Churches • Outdoor Research Areas • Water Management • Plane Spotti ng • Gardens • Open Space • Sustainable Design • Sensiti ve Design • Public Art • Exhibits • Transit Connecti ons • Research Insti tutes • Wildlife Viewing • Aquarium

Mixed Use Transportation Marina / Harbor Heritage Landmarks Park Preserve • Offi ce Space • Intermodal Faciliti es • Boat Access / Docking • Preserve Features • Nature Trails • Retail Space • Wayfi nding Maps • Boardwalks / Promenades • Heritage Signage / Markers • Trail Heads • Commercial Space • Tree Walk / Skylift • Boat Service • Educati onal Exhibits • Trail & Pathway Connecti ons • Residenti al Units • Parking Structures • Restaurants / Cafes • Wayfi nding Heritage Maps • Overlooks • Restaurants & Cafes • Transportati on Routes • Shops / Kiosks • Mini-Museum • Heritage Markers • Retail Shops • Multi ple Connecti ons • Transit Connecti ons • “Deadrise” Water Taxis • “Open Air” Pavilions • Parking Structure • Oceanfront Connecti on • Wetland Sensiti ve Routes • Public Art • Outdoor Theater • Water Taxi Connecti ons • Light Watercraft Access • Promenade • Charters / Outf itt ers • Transit Connecti ons • Public Art • Entertainment • Public Art

50 Preliminary Concept A

LEGEND Concept A RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITIES 459.6 AC In Concept A, existi ng zoning and land ownership was the (Single & Multi family Residenti al, Apartments) main focus. The existi ng zoning is predominantly residenti al. AQUARIUM 92 AC This can be att ributed to the existi ng land use patt erns that (Exhibit Bldg, Research Bldg, Adventure Park, Preserve) have formed the grid patt ern in Shadowlawn, Salt Marsh Point and Seatack towards the north porti ons of the study CITY PARK 15.8 AC area. As the development patt ern moves south, it becomes (Athleti c Fields, Play Equipment, Open Fields) more organic and introduces winding streets and cul de CITY PRESERVE 124.9 AC sacs. The Marshview property is zoned residenti al and (Recreati onal Trails, Trailheads, Exhibits, Bridges, Rusti c Cabins) was initi ally planned as a future phase of Salt Marsh point. SEATACK ELEMENTARY 17.7 AC Due to Navy restricti ons, this land has been purchased by (Elementary School) the City to be uti lized for a new public Park. The park is ENTERTAINMENT 53.3 AC supported by two existi ng community parks that have (Restaurants, Shops, Amusement Park, Retail) been maintained in all alternati ves. At the end of Owls RESIDENTIAL / COMMERCIAL 60.8 AC Creek Lane there are roughly 20 acres zoned residenti al (Single & Multi family Residenti al, Commercial) and commercial that have a great presence on Owls Creek. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 10.4 AC Low intensive commercial and park related acti viti es are (Marine & Green Energy Research) envisioned here in this concept. The existi ng residenti al on S. Birdneck Road is mixed in use with light industrial. GOVERNMENT PRESERVE 182.7 AC Although we feel the uses are not compati ble, the concept (Preserved Property w/ Restricti ons) takes a look at mixed use that would encourage live / CITY FACILITY 10.2 AC work opportuniti es. The Government property, adjacent (City Dredging, City Boat Ramp, Parking) Dredge Operati ons and proposed MACC do not change. MIXED USE / COMMERCIAL 33.5 AC The southern ti p of the area is dedicated to educati on, (Restaurants, Retail, Shops, Condos, Boardwalks) entertainment and Aquarium uses. Seatack Elementary WATER SCHOOL 7.6 AC is present in its current confi gurati on in all concepts. The (Outf itt ers, Paddle Water sports, Lessons) amusement land uses are proposed for enhancement and the City tennis courts are replaced with entertainment land uses. In this concept, the Aquarium envisions expansion to the north east and across General Booth Blvd. The existi ng City boat ramp is maintained and an Aquarium / University Research Facility is envisioned to transiti on to the existi ng / proposed residenti al along General Booth Blvd. Finally, the Marina / Resort Tourism land uses along Lake Rudee are enhanced and the area becomes a gateway to Owls Creek.

Strengths:

• Maintains existi ng zoning patt ern with minor adjustments • Introduces compati ble land uses at the end of Owls Creek Lane 0 150’ 750’ 1500’ 3000’ 9 ACRES • Maximizes the corner of South Birdneck and General Booth by wrapping entertainment on a prominent corner 1”=1500’-0” • Aquarium expansion is encouraged with research and exhibit opportuniti es.

51 Virginia Aquarium & Owls Creek Master Plan Octoberr 2011 Preliminary Concept B

Concept B LEGEND

In Concept B, the existi ng residenti al uses remain to the RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITIES 485.5 AC north of the study area. A new Heritage Center for Seatack is (Single & Multi family Residenti al, Apartments) envisioned adjacent to Seatack Park to provide a connecti on AQUARIUM 88.0 AC to Marshview Park. Low density single family residenti al is (Exhibit Bldg, Research Bldg, Adventure Park, Preserve) located at the end of Owls Creek Lane. The City Boat ramp CITY PARK 19.6 AC is placed at the point of the property along with marine (Athleti c Fields, Play Equipment, Open Fields) services and small marina to complete the development. CITY PRESERVE 279.5 AC This concept proposes that the Government owned (Recreati onal Trails, Trailheads, Exhibits, Bridges) property remain preserved and any development would SEATACK ELEMENTARY 17.7 AC be restricted on this site to retain the natural environment and maintain the mission of NAS Oceana. The residenti al (Elementary School) / commercial uses along S. Birdneck are maintained and ENTERTAINMENT 44.1 AC expanded south toward the entertainment uses to provide (Restaurants, Shops, Amusement Park, Retail) a transiti on. Also, a system of trails is introduced to provide RESIDENTIAL / COMMERCIAL 62.1 AC connecti vity to trails and small residenti al pocket parks. In (Single & Multi family Residenti al, Commercial) this concept the amusement uses remain in the current CITY FACILITY 7.1 AC locati on with some expansion to the south. Commercial (City Dredging, City Boat Ramp, Parking) uses are placed adjacent to Seatack Elementary and MIXED USE / COMMERCIAL 41.5 AC buff ered to anchor the southern corner of the study area. (Restaurants, Retail, Shops, Condos, Boardwalks) The property located between the Government land and SMALL BOAT MARINA 11.9 AC the entertainment is now the Aquarium Adventure Park. (Boardwalk, Docks, Retail, Restaurant) Additi onal Aquarium expansion opportuniti es are focused HERITAGE CENTER 11.9 along General Booth Blvd. with a research component anchor to the north. Residenti al and resort tourism mixed (Preserved Property w/ Restricti ons) use complete the concept towards the existi ng marina area. Seatack Elementary will be integrated into the plan through both a physical and programmati c connecti on to the Aquarium.

Strengths:

• Preserves existi ng residenti al and promotes a new heritage center • Provides a transiti on from residenti al to commercial • Explores alternati ve land uses for Government property • Introduces residenti al along General Booth that anchors the resort tourism area

0 150’ 750’ 1500’ 3000’ 9 ACRES

1”=1500’-0”

52 Preliminary Concept C

Concept C LEGEND

Concept C is a hybrid of the best ideas from the 2 RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITIES 511.1 AC previous concepts generati ng a new concept. This concept (Single & Multi family Residenti al, Apartments) focuses on research opportuniti es, redevelopment of AQUARIUM 117.6 AC entertainment areas, preserving residenti al and dedicati ng (Exhibit Bldg, Research Bldg, Adventure Park, Preserve) a heritage center owned and operated by a Seatack CITY PARK 15.8 AC community group. This plan also envisions a collaborati ve (Athleti c Fields, Play Equipment, Open Fields) research center at the end of Owls Creek Lane. The facility CITY PRESERVE 116.6 AC could be set lightly into the landscape and provide a place (Recreati onal Trails, Trailheads, Exhibits, Bridges) for low impact economic development based on the SEATACK ELEMENTARY 17.7 AC environmental issues of the area. An Aquarium presence is introduced to the corner of General Booth and S. Birdneck (Elementary School) as a center geared towards educati on and entertainment. ENTERTAINMENT 44.1 AC The expansion opportuniti es for the Aquarium from the (Restaurants, Shops, Amusement Park, Retail) previous concepts are also included. The city boat ramp GOVERNMENT PRESERVE 182.7 AC remains in its current locati on and the property to the (Preserved Property w/ Restricti ons) north becomes an opportunity for commercial to support CITY FACILITY 10.2 AC the surrounding residenti al/ aquarium land uses. As in all (City Dredging, City Boat Ramp, Parking) concepts, the resort tourism area around the marina is MIXED USE / COMMERCIAL 52.6 AC enhanced with new acti viti es, entertainment, restaurants (Restaurants, Retail, Shops, Condos, Boardwalks) and parking. Seatack Elementary will remain in its current locati on but with pedestrian connecti ons to the Aquarium property.

Strengths:

• Preserves existi ng residenti al and promotes a new heritage center • Introduces a collaborati ve research center at the end of Owls Creek Lane • Increases outreach, entertainment and educati on opportuniti es for the Aquarium • Creates a mixed use commercial node along General Booth Blvd, to support the residenti al / aquarium land uses

0 150’ 750’ 1500’ 3000’ 9 ACRES

1”=1500’-0”

53 Virginia Aquarium & Owls Creek Master Plan Octoberr 2011 Preliminary Concept Comparison

Land Use Comparison

A comparison of the preliminary concepts shows the diff erences in the ideas. The tables to the left document the percentages related to each land use based on the concepts. The land tabulati ons work very simply and as one land use increases another decreases or changes based on its potenti al for growth. Also, this comparison engages criti cal thought and analysis of the land uses and area dedicated to each use. The informati on gathered from this exercise contributed to the preferred conceptual master plan.

Each concept included inherent strengths. However, there are also weaknesses that can be discarded. For example, in all of the concepts it just makes sense to preserve the existi ng residenti al communiti es because they bring great character and structure to the area. Therefore, the idea of maintaining existi ng zoning with minor adjustments from Concept A is pragmati c. In Concept B the commercial anchor on the southern corner is certainly suited for a developer that is sensiti ve to the surrounding land uses. The ideas in Concept C are really unique and can be implemented. Most notable is a research / entertainment / educati on related center to the Aquarium.

Aft er review of potenti al program elements, criti cal analysis of preliminary concepts, and comparison of the ideas, the team developed a preferred conceptual master plan. The plan will be reviewed by the steering committ ee to ensure that we have included all CONCEPT A CONCEPT B CONCEPT C comments and ideas from our meeti ngs with residents, stakeholders and City staff . The conceptual ideas included preservati on of existi ng residenti al, Marshview Park, a new Seatack Heritage Center, rusti c cabins near Owls Creek, a collaborati ve research center on Owls Creek, redevelopment of Motor World and Ocean Breeze, Virginia Aquarium research and exhibit expansion, proposed residenti al near General Booth Blvd., RESIDENTIAL 40.5% RESIDENTIAL 42.6% RESIDENTIAL 38.3% Marina District improvements and a water taxi system to provide more connecti vity. AQUARIUM 7.7% AQUARIUM 7.3% AQUARIUM 9.8% All of these conceptual ideas are centered on Owls Creek and will establish a link to CITY PARK 1.3% CITY PARK 1.6% CITY PARK 1.3% this unique natural environment for the people of Virginia Beach. The ideas generated in this concept are pragmati c and visionary, but most importantly, the ideas can be CITY PRESERVE 10.4% CITY PRESERVE 23.3% CITY PRESERVE 9.7% implemented. SEATACK SCHOOL 1.5% SEATACK SCHOOL 1.5% SEATACK SCHOOL 1.5% ENTERTAINMENT 4.4% ENTERTAINMENT 3.7% ENTERTAINMENT 3.7% Conclusions RESIDENTIAL / COMMERCIAL 5.1% RESIDENTIAL / COMMERCIAL 0.0% RESIDENTIAL / COMMERCIAL 5.1% • All of the concepts preserve existi ng residenti al ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 0.9% ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 0.0% ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 0.0% • Marshview Park becomes a central urban park surrounded by residenti al GOVENRMENT PRESERVE 15.2% GOVERNMENT PRESERVE 0.0% GOVERNMENT PRESERVE 15.2% • The Government property is preserved and surrounding land uses are compati ble • Existi ng amusement is redeveloped and envisioned as a year round entertainment CITY FACILITY 0.9% CITY FACILITY 0.6% CITY FACILITY 0.9% att racti on MIXED USE / COMMERCIAL 3.5% MIXED USE / COMMERCIAL. 4.4% MIXED USE / COMMERCIAL 2.8% • Mixed use retail, restaurants and entertainment anchor the corner of the area HERITAGE CENTER / PARK 0.0% HERITAGE CENTER / PARK 1.0% HERITAGE CENTER / PARK 0.0% • The Aquarium expansion opportuniti es include research, exhibits and entertainment WATER SCHOOL 0.6% WATER SCHOOL 0.0% WATER SCHOOL 0.0% focused on marine sciences educati on • The city boat ramp is preserved and anchored with a university partnership SMALL BOAT MARINA 0.0% SMALL BOAT MARINA 1.0% SMALL BOAT MARINA 0.0% research center WATER CREEK + LAKE 10.9% WATER CREEK + LAKE 10.9% WATER CREEK + LAKE 10.9% • Residenti al is proposed to support the research center and encourage a mix of uses for live / work opportuniti es • The Marina District is enhanced and provides a gateway to the Creek and the Beach • Alternati ve transportati on methods are introduced including a themed water taxi • Environmental Exhibits and Public Art are a key part of all publicly accessible areas

54 Preferred Concept - Land Use Diagram

LEGEND 462.8 AC 38.4% RESIDENTIAL 40.6 AC 3.3% PRIVATE PARCELS PRESERVE 44.4 AC 3.7% AQUARIUM 47.9 AC 4.0% AQUARIUM PRESERVE 19.2 AC 1.6% CITY RECREATIONAL PARK 125.7 AC 10.4% CITY PRESERVE 8.6 AC 0.7% RUSTIC CABINS 17.9 AC 1.5% SEATACK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 30.5 AC 2.5% ENTERTAINMENT PARK 26.4 AC 2.2% ENTERTAINMENT RETAIL / RESTAURANTS 16.4 AC 1.4% RESEARCH 205.4 AC 17.0% GOVERNMENT PRESERVE 10.6 AC 0.9% CITY FACILITY 11.1 AC 0.9% RESORT TOURISM / MIXED USE 5.8 AC 0.5% EXISTING COMMERCIAL 3.7 AC 0.3% SEATACK HERITAGE CENTER 4.4 AC 0.4% PARKING 123.6 AC 10.3% WATER LAKE / CREEK 1205 AC 100.0% TOTAL SITE AREA

0 150’ 750’ 1500’ 3000’ 9 ACRES

1”=1500’-0”

55 Virginia Aquarium & Owls Creek Master Plan Octoberr 2011 Preferred Concept Master Plan

LEGEND

1 OWLS CREEK 2 AQUARIUM EXISTING BUILDING 22 22 3 AQUARIUM EXHIBIT BUILDING 27 4 AQUARIUM WETLAB RESEARCH / OFFICE / PARKING STRUCTURE 17 17 5 AQUARIUM SKY LIFT / PARK PRESERVE 6 AQUARIUM COASTAL SCIENCE BUILDING / CHILDREN’S CENTER 16 17 16 7 MIXED USE RETAIL / RESTAURANTS 8 ENTERTAINMENT AMUSEMENT / WATER PARK 18 27 28 23 9 SCHOOL SEATACK ELEMENTARY 28 10 AQUARIUM ADVENTURE PARK / ENTERTAINMENT AQUARIUM 28 17 11 NATURE PRESERVE GOVENMENT PROPERTY 23 12 NATURE PRESERVE WATCHABLE WILDLIFE EASEMENT 13 ACCESS ROAD 19 20 28 16 16 14 CITY FACILITY DREDGE OPERATIONS

21 15 AQUARIUM MARINE ANIMAL CARE CENTER MACC 28 16 RESIDENTIAL EXISTING 1 24 17 CITY PARK RECREATIONAL PARK 15 14 28 26 18 CITY NATURE PRESERVE 25 19 SEATACK HERITAGE CENTER 18 20 OUTFITTER RETAIL 3 16 28 21 RESEARCH COLLABORATIVE FACILITY 11 12 2 22 COMMERCIAL EXISTING 13 4 23 RESORT TOURISM / MIXED USE / MARINA EXISTING 24 RESIDENTIAL PROPOSED 5 25 CITY FACILITY BOAT RAMP

10 26 RESEARCH GREEN ENERGY 27 PARKING 28 27 27 6 7 28 WATER TAXI STOPS 8

9 7

0 150’ 750’ 1500’ 3000’ 9 ACRES

1”=1500’-0”

56 Conceptual Site Section thru Owls Creek

Aquarium Exhibits & Research Owls Creek (South Bay)

57 Virginia Aquarium & Owls Creek Master Plan Octoberr 2011 KEY MAP

City Dredge (Beyond)

Owls Creek (North Bay) Marsh Bank Owls Creek (Channel) Potenti al Research Center

58 Conceptual Site Section thru Marshview Park

Existi ng Residenti al (Saltmarsh Point) Trail head Nature Preserve Park Pavilion Tower

59 Virginia Aquarium & Owls Creek Master Plan Octoberr 2011 KEY MAP

Nature Preserve Park Trail head Existi ng Residenti al (Shadowlawn)

60 Character Images

61 Virginia Aquarium & Owls Creek Master Plan Octoberr 2011 Character Images

62 Baseline Economic Profile

Introduction Data in Figure 3 show the household income profi le of the leisure purposes than for business purposes. Virginia This secti on profi les the resident and tourist markets, the Project Area, the City of Virginia Beach, and the Hampton Beach is an established beach desti nati on, with signifi cant land uses, and the assessed real estate values of the Project Roads region. Compared to households across Virginia repeat visitati on patt erns. Leisure visitors are the primary Area to provide an economic baseline for the master plan. Beach and the region, Project Area households have a audience for the existi ng att racti ons in the Project Area, In additi on, development alternati ves are identi fi ed to similar income profi le. which include the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science inform the master planning process. This baseline will Center, Ocean Breeze Waterpark and Motor World. (These inform the economic evaluati on of the master plan. Tourism Industry in Virginia Beach att racti ons are profi led below.) Business visitors come The City’s sunshine, beaches and tourism industry att ract to the Project Area att racti ons for group events. The Project Area, City and Regional Resident millions of visitors every year, with the summer season new, LEED-certi fi ed conventi on center is poised to att ract Markets accounti ng for most of the tourist acti vity. Tourism is an new meeti ng and conference business to the City and a Data in Figure 1 show the populati on and household important part of the Virginia Beach economy and has a proposed adjacent headquarters hotel. trends in the Project Area, the City of Virginia Beach, large economic impact. Data in Figure 4 show the economic and the Hampton Roads region. Contained within the impact of Virginia Beach tourism in 2008 and 2009. In Day Visitors City of Virginia Beach, the Project Area encompasses fi ve 2009, the total economic impact on the government and Day visitors come from both inside and outside the block groups, as defi ned by the U.S. Census Bureau, with private sectors was $1.34 billion, accounti ng for 12,477 Hampton Roads region. Regional residents — those living residents living in or directly adjacent to the Project Area. jobs and $323.3 million in earnings. outside of Virginia Beach, but in Hampton Roads — would The City of Virginia Beach is contained within the Hampton be largely day visitors to Virginia Beach for business or Roads region. 1 The economic impact of tourism declined slightly pleasure trips. The beach, and state and local parks are between 2008 and 2009. According to the researchers important desti nati ons for regional residents because In 2010, there are an esti mated 3,100 households at Old Dominion University, Virginia Beach’s tourism and of the recreati onal opportuniti es they aff ord. Regional containing 6,300 people in the Project Area. With an hospitality industry has held up reasonably well in the residents are more likely to frequent the City’s beaches, average household size of 2.06 persons, the Project Area economic downturn that started at the end of 2007. The especially in the Resort Area, in the shoulder seasons and households are smaller than the households in Virginia research indicated that the decline in demand for hotel during the week to avoid the traffi c and congesti on during Beach (2.65 persons) and Hampton Roads (2.58 persons), rooms in Virginia Beach has not been as great as the decline peak summer season. The Resort Area is the waterfront indicati ng a smaller proporti on of households with children. nati onally. In additi on, many of the core metro market beach area that contains a large majority of the City’s hotel areas that are important feeders to Virginia Beach have not rooms, as well as shopping, dining and entertainment. It In 2010, there are an esti mated 437,000 people living in experienced the same level of increases in unemployment also contains the 3-mile long Boardwalk. The Resort Area the City of Virginia Beach and 1.68 million people living that has been experienced nati onally. Recently reported and Boardwalk lies directly to the north of the Project Area. in the Hampton Roads region. The City of Virginia Beach, informati on on the 2010 summer tourism season indicate a therefore, contains 26 percent of the populati on in the reversal of the declines reported between 2008 and 2009, Overnight Visitor Volume Hampton Roads region. The populati on and number with a number of key metrics, such as taxable lodging sales, In 2009, there were an esti mated 2.45 million overnight of households increased between 1990 and 2000 in all increasing in 2010. visitors to Virginia Beach, a slight decline of 0.8 percent geographic areas. The populati ons of the City of Virginia from 2008, as shown in Figure 4. Many of these visitors Beach and of Hampton Roads were projected to increase In 2009, there were approximately 12,200 hotel rooms stayed in accommodati ons in the Resort Area. between 2000 and 2010. However, modest declines in the in the City of Virginia Beach, a 13 percent increase in Project Area have actually occurred over the same period. the number of rooms since 2000. The average annual Seasonality of Visitation occupancy rate in 2009 was 48.4 percent, indicati ng a Data in Figure 5 show the number of monthly overnight Data in Figure 2 show the age profi le of the Project Area, demand of 2.0 million rooms. 3 visitors to Virginia Beach in 2009. Roughly 15 percent the City of Virginia Beach, and the Hampton Roads region. of these visitors came in the month of August, the peak In general, Project Area residents are older than residents Tourist Market Segments month of the year, while only 4 percent of visitors came in the City and the region as a whole. This age profi le is The tourist market consists of business and leisure during January, the low month of the year. Over 50 percent refl ecti ve of the smaller household sizes in the Project Area. travelers on day and overnight trips to Virginia Beach. of overnight visitors came between June and September in A larger proporti on of Virginia Beach visitors come for 2009.

63 Virginia Aquarium & Owls Creek Master Plan Octoberr 2011 Baseline Economic Profile

exhibit gallery. guest ameniti es. Visitor Characteristics The Virginia Beach Boardwalk is the most acti ve tourism The Aquarium off ers admission to the Aquarium only, to the Motor World locati on in the City, fl anked by the beach and numerous IMAX Theater only, and Combinati on ti ckets for admission Located on 27.5 acres of land, Motor World contains 11 accommodati ons. Based on visitor intercept surveys, data to both venues. Aquarium only adult admission is $17.00, go-kart tracks, two paint ball fi elds, a miniature golf course in Figure 6 show the characteristi cs of Boardwalk visitors an IMAX educati onal fi lm admission is $8.50, an IMAX and a Skycoaster thrill ride. Diff erent types of go-karts during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. During the feature-length fi lm is $10.50, and Combo ti ckets range are and tracks appeal to all ages, with some go-karts achieving summer, visitors tend to stay longer and spend more $23.00 and $25.00, depending on the type of IMAX fi lm. speeds up to 40 miles per hour. In 2009, Motor World drew than during the spring and fall when prices are more Discounts are off ered for children, seniors and the military. an esti mated 300,000 visitors. Management at Motor aff ordable and vacati ons tend to be shorter. On average, A membership program off ers unlimited free admission to World esti mates that 80 percent of their visitors are tourists travel parti es are large, due to the desti nati on’s popularity the Aquarium and discounted IMAX ti ckets, among other and that most visitors stay between 2 and 4 hours. Motor among families, especially during the summer. A large benefi ts. In 2010, there were 7,700 Aquarium members. World has a wide array of ti cketi ng opti ons from single and proporti on of Virginia Beach visitors are repeat visitors, multi -ride ti ckets to ti med all-you-can-drive ti ckets that refl ecti ng a well-established travel patt ern. A large share of According to intercept surveys at the Aquarium in August are ti ered depending on the type of track selected. Motor overnight visitors is from Designated Market Areas (DMA)4 2010, 35 percent of visitors were from the Hampton Roads World management esti mates that the average person within a day’s drive of Virginia Beach. In summer 2009, region, 23 percent were from elsewhere in Virginia, 37 spends $25.00 during a visit to Motor World, including the top fi ve origin DMAs were Washington DC, Richmond, percent were from another state, and 5 percent were food concessions. From March through November, Motor VA, Roanoke, VA, Pitt sburgh, PA, and New York, NY. These internati onal tourists. The proporti on of visitors from World is open seven days per week. During the remainder DMAs accounted for 43 percent of summer overnight the Hampton Roads region is likely to be higher during of the year, it is open on weekends. visitors to Virginia Beach. 5 the spring, fall and winter seasons. About 79 percent of surveyed visitors stayed between 2 and 4 hours. Public Boat Ramp Project Area Attractions In additi on to the att racti ons above, the public access boat The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, Ocean The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is a public- ramp creates a signifi cant amount of acti vity, especially Breeze Waterpark, and Motor World are desti nati ons private partnership between the City of Virginia Beach and during peak fi shing seasons. Parking for the boat ramp is frequented by large numbers of Virginia Beach tourists, the Virginia Aquarium Foundati on. The City is largely the free. many of whom stay in the Resort Area, north of the Project operati ng enti ty; the Foundati on raises funds for program Area. At all of these att racti ons, tourists are the primary development, exhibits, and capital improvements. Other Attractions in Virginia Beach audience during the summer season; residents are more Other att racti ons in Virginia Beach include historic sites, likely to visit during the shoulder season, when the crowds Ocean Breeze Waterpark parks, events and festi vals, the conventi on center, and the are not as large. The att racti ons in the Project Area are At roughly 19 acres, the Ocean Breeze Waterpark contains Contemporary Art Center of Virginia Beach. Performance priced at the high end of the ti cket price spectrum for 16 waterslides, a 1 million-gallon wave pool, a water venues include the Virginia Beach Amphitheater and the Virginia Beach att racti ons. Following is an overview of playground and other att racti ons, as well as food service Sandler Center for Performing Arts. Mt. Trashmore and each att racti on in the Project Area. and retail. In 2009, Ocean Breeze Waterpark drew First Landing Seashore State Park are major recreati onal approximately 230,000 visitors. The average length of parks. The City of Virginia Beach reported that total Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science stay is about 4 hours. Ocean Breeze adult admission is att endance at all parks was 2.9 million in 2008. A popular Center $24.99, with discounted ti ckets for children, seniors and commercial desti nati on is the Town Center, an emerging The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is the most the military. Discounted ti ckets are off ered during the mixed-use downtown that includes offi ce, hotel, retail and popular ti cketed att racti on in Virginia Beach. In the fi scal evening and adult season passes are priced at $79.99, restaurant uses. year ending in 2009, the Aquarium att racted an esti mated with discounted rates for children. The waterpark is open 600,000 visitors. Data in Figure 7 show the long-term seasonally, from Memorial Day through Labor Day. During Profile of Real Estate in Project Area trend in Aquarium att endance. The planned increases in the planning process, the waterpark has been purchased As shown in land use map (created by EDSA), the Project att endance in 2010 and 2011 are due to the opening of by new owners, who have reportedly indicated plans to Area’s dominant uses are open space, residenti al and the Restless Planet in 2009, a new $25 million permanent introduce new waterpark att racti ons, restaurants and

64 Baseline Economic Profile

recreati onal/entertainment uses. A signifi cant amount of retail scatt ered along primary thoroughfares. The marina civilian employees and is the largest employer in Virginia area is undeveloped natural areas. area at Rudee Inlet has a number of restaurants and marine- Beach. Camp Pendleton is a training center and military oriented businesses. The marina area’s property mix vacati on desti nati on that att racts between 5,000 and 8,000 Large Undeveloped Parcels includes residenti al, restaurant and recreati onal waterside military personnel through the facility each year. This fi gure The City of Virginia Beach, the United States Government uses that have higher densiti es than other areas of the is projected to increase as Camp Pendleton transiti ons to a and a small number of private landowners own the large, Project Area. These uses and existi ng visitor att racti ons simulated training facility. undeveloped parcels in the center and south parts of the create an overall entertainment profi le and desti nati on. Project Area. Many of these Government and privately In additi on to the military installati ons to the west and to owned parcels lie in accident and noise zones surrounding As described above, the Project Area has a concentrati on the south, there are historic residenti al neighborhoods to the Naval Air Stati on (NAS) Oceana. These accident and of att racti ons and entertainment-oriented uses that appeal the Project Area’s north. Also to the north, the Resort Area noise zones are shown by map (created by EDSA). Some to a wide audience. This is the southern gateway to the lies over the bridge on Pacifi c Avenue. of these properti es are encumbered with development Resort Area and an entertainment anchor in Virginia Beach. easements held by the Navy that limit the range of potenti al It includes the Aquarium, Motor World, Ocean Breeze, and Assessed Value of Real Estate uses on these parcels. the Virginia Beach Parks and Recreati on Department’s In the City of Virginia Beach, all residenti al and commercial tennis center, which may be moved in the future, thereby properti es are assessed at $0.89 per $100 of assessed As indicated in the 2005 Joint Land Use Study (JLUS), the creati ng a development opportunity. The Aquarium is value. Properti es are assessed at 100 percent of fair market Navy discourages residenti al and transient lodging uses the leading att racti on in Virginia Beach and the dominant value; therefore, the assessor’s data is a good indicator in noise zones that are greater than 65 decibels. The economic driver in the Project Area. The set of att racti ons of property valuati on. Following are current assessed enti re Project Area is within this noise zone. According are complimentary and appeal to similar market segments valuati ons—including land and improvements—by square to Navy policy, compati ble uses in all noise zones over — their adjacency to one another creates enhanced feet (SF) of land area in the Project Area by property type. 65 decibels include agricultural uses and public rights of visibility among potenti al visitors. All att racti ons report The assessed value of selected properti es was divided by way. Commercial, retail, and services and wholesale and that the biggest challenge to drawing visitors, especially the total land area to derive the value per SF. manufacturing are compati ble in the noise zone between tourists, is their ability to draw tourists over the bridge 65 and 70 decibels. These use categories are conditi onally from the Resort Area. • A sample of commercial properti es near the ocean compati ble in noise zones greater than 70 decibels. on Atlanti c Avenue have the highest land values in Industrial the Project Area, ranging from $196 to $302 per SF New buildings in the noise zones over 65 decibels (i.e. all A small light industrial and warehouse area straddles for high-density hotels near the waterfront in the of the Project Area) are required to be constructed with Birdneck Road, with the majority of industrial properti es Resort Area. Commercial and marina properti es in the acousti cal treatments that att enuate the airplane noise, as on the west side of the road, outside of the Project Area Project Area on Winston Salem Avenue are assessed at indicated by City ordinance. 6 boundary. $23 to $57 per SF. • The assessed values of industrial properti es on Residential Public/Recreation Birdneck Road range from $5 to $31 per SF. Existi ng residenti al properti es in the Project Area are a mix The City of Virginia Beach is a major landowner in the • The assessed values of entertainment properti es, of single family, town home and apartment condominium Project Area, including the Aquarium, public access boat including Motorworld and Ocean Breeze, are under developments. The Seatack, Shadowlawn and Salt Marsh ramp, tennis center, and the Seatack elementary school. $10 per SF. Point neighborhoods are well-established neighborhoods The Marshview property is being developed as a new public • The assessed values of residenti al properti es range and with residenti al areas north of the Project Area. Home park, with recreati onal acti viti es planned for the site. from $55-$94 per SF in Shadowlawn and Salt Marsh values are highest close to the ocean and properti es with Point, $16 to $25 per SF in Seatack, and $6 to $29 per water access on Rudee Inlet and Owls Creek. The area also Adjacent Uses SF on Owls Creek Lane and in Owls Creek Estates. includes seasonal residences that are either second homes There are a number of large scale uses adjacent to the or rental units. Seasonal residences are located close to Project Area that include the NAS Oceana, the Virginia The highest assessed values per square foot are closest to the ocean. State Military Reservati on (Camp Pendleton), and the ocean and the lowest valuati ons are near Birdneck Road. NAS Oceana Dam Neck Annex. According to fi gures in the The assessed values of properti es are driven by their Commercial JLUS, NAS Oceana had nearly 9,800 military and over 2,500 The Project Area contains some neighborhood-serving

65 Virginia Aquarium & Owls Creek Master Plan Octoberr 2011 Baseline Economic Profile

proximity to the ocean and the density of buildings and the potenti al to develop a new exhibit building as a part of 6 The City of Virginia Beach Municipal Code Appendix I. improvements on the property. this desti nati on development.

Development Alternatives New marine research cluster. This alternati ve builds on Based on a review of the market context, existi ng the existi ng Aquarium programs and locati on to develop development patt erns, the economic profi le of the Project a marine research cluster for businesses and research Area, onsite investi gati ons and stakeholder interviews, the insti tuti ons. This scenario requires att racti ng university / following are development alternati ves that inform the private investment in marine sciences and infrastructure master plan process. One or more of these development in the Project Area. A model for partnerships underlying alternati ves might be incorporated into the master plan for this alternati ve is the Aquarium’s partnership with Virginia the Project Area. These development alternati ves will be Wesleyan University to purchase and operate the marine refi ned as the project planning moves forward. research vessel.

Low-impact land-sea infrastructure for passive recreati on. Shared parking, traffi c management and multi -modal This alternati ve builds on the existi ng trail network to transit strategy. The Project Area already experiences peak provide multi -use and ADA-accessible trails for passive visitati on during the summer season. New development recreati on through the undeveloped properti es in the should encourage visitors to park their car and explore Project Area. A new city park on the Marshview property the area on foot, on bicycle or on the water. Building new creates a new amenity for residents and tourists. This multi -modal transportati on connecti ons has the potenti al scenario encourages healthy lifestyles among area to ease vehicular congesti on and to create connecti ons residents and creates a new outdoor recreati on att racti on between visitor-oriented recreati onal acti viti es. for tourists. The Aquarium and entertainment venues can be linked into the regional trail network through a Footnotes: waterfront pathway. In additi on, Owls Creek can be used 1 The Hampton Roads region is defi ned as the Virginia as the setti ng for environmental educati on as well as a Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC Metropolitan transportati on corridor. Educati onal opportuniti es have Stati sti cal Area as defi ned by the U.S. Census Bureau. the potenti al to be created through mobile technologies, 2 Yochum, G. R. and Agarwal, V. B. (2010) Summer 2009 such as smartphone tours and mobile websites that Virginia Beach Overnight Visitor Profi le. College of Business provide site-specifi c informati on on local fl ora and fauna. and Public Administrati on, Old Dominion University New waterfront access would be for low-impact personal Research Foundati on. recreati on craft , new marine research vessels, and public 3 Yochum, G. R. and Agarwal, V. B. (2010) 2009 Virginia conveyances. Beach Tourism Economic Impact Study. College of Business and Public Administrati on, Old Dominion University Major new visitor oriented venue and desti nati on Research Foundati on. restaurant, retail, and entertainment development. 4 Designated Market Area is a defi niti on of media market This alternati ve builds on the existi ng att racti ons in the that encompass counti es within range of a broadcast area. Project Area and enhances it as full-day and nightti me 5 Yochum, G. R. and Agarwal, V. B. (2010) Summer 2009 desti nati on. New real estate could be developed in three Virginia Beach Overnight Visitor Profi le. College of Business areas: opposite the Aquarium and adjacent to the public and Public Administrati on, Old Dominion University access boat ramp, on the existi ng amusement and city Research Foundati on. properti es at the corner of Birdneck Road and General Booth Boulevard, and on the opposite side of General Booth Boulevard from the Aquarium. The Aquarium has

66 Fundraising & Grant Assessment

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science research, educati on and conservati on programs. In order to begin the process of organizati onal development Center / Owls Creek Area • Expanded capital development and program funding and establishment of fundraising goals, an assessment, Education, Outreach and Funding aligned with new program development. planning and training process needs to be implemented. This would address the following: Program Recommendations Development and Fundraising Board Development: A consultant with experti se in this This document serves to summarize and present a series of Acti ons: An organizati on that consistently att racts the area should meet with the development committ ee to outreach and funding recommendati ons based on research funding it needs has a board that accepts fundraising as provide informati on on standards and practi ces for board and assessment conducted by Menditt o-Mann Enterprises, a major responsibility, despite any other governing duti es. members that result in eff ecti ve fundraising. These include Inc. for the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center & Make strong rati onale for raising money, move your levels of commitment, willingness to contribute and interest Owls Creek area. prospects emoti onally and intellectually. They need to in parti cipati ng in culti vati on and solicitati on of other realized that by contributi ng to your organizati on life will donors. Working in collaborati on with the development Process be bett er for them, their children and grandchildren, they committ ee;,the consultant should develop a strategic plan need to feel that their community will be advanced as a and recommendati ons for targeted fundraising prioriti es Rosemary Mann parti cipated in a series of planning result. and targets. This committ ee, along with development staff , meeti ngs, stakeholder interviews and design workshops. would then present the recommendati ons to the larger Materials for the Owls Creek area development, as well Connecti ons & Partnerships: Development of strategic board to ensure engagement, approval and parti cipati on. as all related Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center alliances with research insti tuti ons, NGOs and other informati on, were reviewed and assessed. Additi onally, a conservati on organizati ons focused on similar objecti ves Implementati on of Strategic Development Plan: Based on series of one-on-one interviews with staff , managers and should be researched and implemented. Programs such the fundraising recommendati ons, development staffi ng fundraisers were conducted to provide perspecti ve on the as shark and turtle tagging, dolphin and whale stranding roles and responsibiliti es should be assessed and realigned varied ideas for development of campaigns. and rescue and climate change research, provide direct to maximize the eff ecti veness of board parti cipati on. The opportuniti es for engagement with other organizati ons consultant should work with staff and board members Executive Summary and networks. In turn, this can increase the visibility of the to establish a plan of acti on for individual donati ons, programs and the area. sponsorship of program initi ati ves, research grants, The synergy between the Virginia Aquarium & Marine corporate donati on and event fundraising. Science Center and the development of the Owls Creek area The Aquarium currently has a board of approximately 65 creates a strong opportunity to strengthen the Aquarium people, plus 17 emeritus. All board members are local Staff Development: Training for development staff would brand, while also supporti ng development of new research, residents. The annual fund produces $75,000. Fundraising include specifi c techniques associated with ocean and educati onal and conservati on programs for visitors, the events hosted by the Young Professionals Group contributes science research centers and key strategies for donor community and marine conservati on programs. In turn, $250,000 annually. Educati on sponsorships account for engagement. Criti cal to the success of any major giving these initi ati ves can provide “products” and programs for approximately $60,000. This base has been an important initi ati ve is employing a team of highly trained solicitors. development, funding and capital campaigns. cornerstone of the organizati on. However, in order to grow Ensuring you have the right staff , and enough staff , is criti cal and increase the funding base, several key elements need for successful fundraising. While the Aquarium may serve as the core anchor for to be strategically addressed. These include: the Owls Creek area, the area can enhance and expand Funding Sources: Major funders and strategic partners the regional and nati onal identi ty of the Aquarium. The • Board Development and board members whose interest is research, conservati on and educati on may strategic areas of focus for this program development • Development staffi ng and organizati on include: The Pew Charitable Trusts Environment Group, The include: • Strategic planning for development Ocean Fund, Nati onal Geographic, Royal Caribbean Cruise • Sponsorships Lines Ocean Fund, Carnival Cruise Line Foundati on, Edward • Development of internal mechanisms for • Grant opportuniti es E. Ford Foundati on, Guy Harvey Ocean Foundati on, Tiff any fundraising, including board, sponsors, grants and • Funding sources Foundati on, Unilever, Fish & Wildlife Foundati on, Save donati ons. Our Seas, The Shark Foundati on, The Nature Conservancy, • Identi fi cati on and development of key science World Wildlife Fund.

67 Virginia Aquarium & Owls Creek Master Plan Octoberr 2011

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