Inventory of Parks Summary

virginia beach parks & recreation virginia beach outdoors plan

The City’s Guidance Document for Open Space Acquisition and Outdoor Recreational Planning Adopted by City Council on November 18, 2008

a component of the virginia beach parks & recreation strategic plan reference document to the virginia beach comprehensive plan

Virginia Beach Outdoors Plan

The City’s Guidance Document for Open Space Acquisition and Outdoor Recreational Planning

A Component of the Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan

Virginia Beach City Council Meyera E. Oberndorf—Mayor Robert M. Dyer* - Centerville Harry E. Diezel - Kempsville Reba S. McClanan - Rose Hall Vice Mayor Louis R. Jones - Bayside James L. Wood - Lynnhaven John E. Uhrin - Beach Barbara M. Henley **- Princess Anne William R. DeSteph - At Large Ron A. Villanueva - At Large Rosemary Wilson - At Large

Open Space Advisory Committee Parks and Recreation Commission

Steven A. Lurus, Chair Nicholas F Anoia – Chair* Lillie R. Gilbert, Vice-chair Robert Barnaby – At Large Richard “Tuck” Bowie David P. Bartholomew – At Large Kale Warren J. Michael Fentress – Bayside District Charles “Chuck” Wall Joel Fink – Lynnhaven District Jeremy Johnson Tommy J. Johnson – Centerville District Paul Hamaker Charles S. Kiley – Beach District Robert Cantrell Paula W. Knight – Princess Anne District Dr. Michael Pankow – At Large Betty Warren - Rose Hall District Caren Yarborough - Kempsville District Mark McKenzie – Senior Student Andrew Russo – Junior Student

* Indicates also serve as liaison to Open Space Advisory Committee ** Indicates also served as liaison to original 1998 Open Space Advisory Committee

Virginia Beach Outdoors Plan

The City’s Guidance Document for Open Space Acquisition and Outdoor Recreational Planning

A Component of the Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan

Lead Department - Parks and Recreation

Cindy A. Curtis, CPRP Director of Parks and Recreation

J. Barry Frankenfield, FASLA, AICP Planning, Design, and Development Administrator

Brian S. Solis, AICP Lead Project Planner

Brian K. Phelps Planner

Gregory L. Newman Planning Technician

Contributing Members from Parks and Recreation

Doug Cherry, Charleen Cooper, Barbara J. Duke, Frank L. Fentress, Pete Hangen, Sherry Hawkins, Shawn Hopson, Chris Kennedy, Rob MacPherson, Chris Munroe, Chona Santander O’Galvin, Rick F. Rowe, Caryl Thompson

Contributing Members from other City and School Departments

H. Clay Bernick, III, Environmental Management Center Administrator-Department of Planning Melisa Ingram, GIS Analyst, Virginia Beach Public Schools, Facilities, Planning and Construction Department

Contributing Consultants

Jacobs Carter Burgess, Denver, CO - GIS Facility Service/Equity Mapping Analysis Land Studio, PC, Norfolk, VA - Design Standards Manual PROS Consulting, Dallas, TX - Capacity Demand Standards Model ™

Professional Benchmarking Resource The Trust for Public Land

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Executive Summary

Virginia Beach is fortunate. It has been blessed with spectacular natural settings, temperate climate, central location on the Eastern Seaboard and is well-positioned at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. There are miles and miles of interior scenic waterways and thousands of acres of green space available for our residents and visitors of all ages to enjoy. In short, Mother Nature has provided a special environment and it is our responsibility to be its stewards and provide access for present and future generations.

To date, various organizations including the City have done their share to provide public green space in Virginia Beach. The City owns over 6,050 acres of open space, parkland property, and public beaches that are available for a variety of outdoor recreational uses. School parks, which include one-half of elementary school sites, total over 400 acres of additional recreational land and assets that are generally available to residents on weekday afternoons, weekends and summer months. There are 255 playgrounds; 131 ball fields (non-leased); 66 multi- purpose fields (non-leased); 236 basketball courts; 161 tennis courts; two skate parks; two dog parks; 170 picnic pavilions; and four major beach-use facilities to enjoy on the City and School-owned open space. In addition, Federal and state park, natural area preserve, and wildlife refuge properties account for over 15,200 acres of the City that are also preserved. There are 19 water access sites throughout the entire City for the public to gain entrance to the City’s intricate network of blue ways that meander in and out of these City, state and federal parklands. While homeowners association property may not be available to all residents they do account for 1,320 acres of common area that is available to participating residential neighborhoods. All totaled, nearly 23,000 acres of Virginia Beach is set aside as open space for preservation or some outdoor recreational purpose.

The Virginia Beach Outdoors Plan (herein “the Plan”), the City’s guidance document for open space acquisition and outdoor recreational planning, has helped set the framework for an outdoor recreational system of parks and athletic facilities; cultural and natural areas; public access to greenways, beaches and scenic waterways; and trail linkages for all kinds of users. The recommendations from the original 1994 Plan and its 2000 Update as well as the efforts of many other generations have created the extraordinary outdoor recreational network of land and facilities previously mentioned. However, there is still more work to be done. The existing outdoor recreational network needs to be properly managed and maintained and planning and action items need to be identified for the benefit of future generations.

This 2008 version of the Plan is action-oriented and utilizes a cross-section of community priorities, statistical analysis and now equity mapping as a practical formula for developing its recommendations. The Plan is an integral part of Facility and Public Space Planning component of the Department of Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan. It seeks to build upon the successful implementation of its former iterations and progress even further in its outdoor recreational planning and analysis through the following:

Executive Summary

• Design Standards for outdoor recreational courts, fields, furniture, fixtures and related improvements • Capacity-Demand Standards Model ™ for programming analysis of City-wide athletic field usage versus field capacity • Qualitative and Quantitative Public Participation Process • Recommendations for future strategic open space site acquisitions • Recommendations for future outdoor recreational improvements with regard to preservation and access to Cultural and Natural Areas, Greenways, Beaches and Scenic Waterways; renovations to existing and construction of new Parks and Athletic Facilities; and coordination with the City’s Bikeways and Trails Plan to provide connectivity to community resources through Trails. • Implementation strategies and cost estimates as a basis for the Department of Parks and Recreation’s Capital Improvement Program with respect to the Open Space Acquisition Program and future outdoor recreational renovations and improvements

The Plan will detail the recommendations relating to future open space acquisitions as well as plans for future outdoor recreational assets that have been identified to meet the projected need and stated desires of Virginia Beach residents by 2026. Those recommendations and their associated costs are summarized in the table below. It is important to note that the Plan provides for a fiscally-responsible funding strategy which relies upon existing and conservatively-projected revenue to accomplish recommendations.

Open Space Planning, Design, & Special Projects Operational Maintenance Site Capital Improvement Associated with Past Responsibilities Responsibilities Acquisitions Projects Open Space Acquisition Sites

26 multi-purpose fields Stumpy Lake Natural Area Natural Areas Natural Areas Master Plan (1,400 acres) (1,400 acres)

4 large softball fields Lake Lawson & Lake Smith Natural Grass Turf Grass Turf Area Master Plan Playing Fields Playing Fields (120 acres) (120 acres)

17 non-motorized water Marshview Master Plan

(canoe/kayak) access sites Implementation

Concrete Concrete

4 dog parks Thalia Creek Greenway (i.e. skate parks - (i.e. skate parks - 10 sites Master Plan Implementation 45,000 square feet) 45,000 square feet)

(without I-264 Crossing) 1,200 acres 3 skate parks Greenway Feasibility Studies Other Park Turf Areas Other Park Turf Areas (367 acres) (367 acres)

Supporting amenities including Osprey Park and Expansion of parking, restrooms, lighting, Lynnhaven Boat Ramp and Beach irrigation Use Facility Water Access Water Access (17 sites) (17 sites) Indian River Road Southside - Active and Passive Recreational Improvements $17,171,600 $21,510,000 $13,900,000 $1,985,250 $2,277,130

Total Capital Budget Impact at 2026 Build-Out Total Estimated Annual Operating $52,581,600 Budget Impact at 2026 Build-out $4,262,380

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Table of Contents

i. Cover i ii. Acknowledgements ii, iii iii. Executive Summary iv, v iiii. Table of Contents vii

I. Background and Introduction 1 - 4

II. Community Involvement 5 - 8

III. Land and Outdoor Facility Standards 9 - 15

IV. Outdoors Recreation System Components 17 - 20

V. Regional Connectivity 21 - 22

VI. Recommendations by Geographic Area A. Northern Section 23 1. Bayfront Planning Area 24 - 30 2. Bayside Planning Area 31 - 38 3. Great Neck Planning Area 39 - 45 4. Little Neck Planning Area 46 - 52 5. Oceanfront Planning Area 53 - 59 B. Central Section 61 1. Courthouse Planning Area 62 - 69 2. Holland Planning Area 70 - 76 3. Kempsville Planning Area 77 - 84 C. Southern Section 85 1. Pungo/Blackwater Planning Area 86 - 92

VII. City-wide Recommendations and Implementation Strategies A. Summary of Citywide Recommendations 93 - 99 B. Athletic Field Capacity Demand Standards Model Recommendations 100 - 102 C. Overall Funding Recommendations and Implementation Strategies 103 - 106

VIII. References 107

Appendices (Documents Available Online / Hard Copies Available Upon Request) A. Parks and Recreation Site Inventory B. Community Involvement C. Parks and Recreation Design Standards Manual D. Capacity Demand Standards Model ™

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Background

1994 - The foundation for Virginia Beach’s strategic outdoor recreation planning initiative began in 1994 with City Council’s adoption of the original Virginia Beach Outdoors Plan (“the Plan”). The Plan outlined the wealth of natural resources and outdoor recreational opportunities that are uniquely available to residents of and visitors to Virginia Beach. It set forth priorities to preserve Cultural and Natural Areas; to provide public access to Greenways, Beaches and Scenic Waterways; to provide land and capital improvements for future Parks and Athletic Facilities; and to provide connectivity to community resources through Trails. If properly planned, these resources and opportunities would build upon an already solid foundation of public parks and recreational assets for generations to come. The majority of the Plan’s recommendations served as the basis for, and were implemented through, the Parks and Recreation Capital Improvement Program.

1998 - City Council appointed an Open Space Advisory Committee, whose charge was to assess the feasibility of providing a strategy for preserving land in the northern and central part of the City and preserving the rural character of the southern part of the City. The findings of the Committee’s report set the framework for a significant next update of the Plan, whose primary charge was to create a guiding policy document to preserve open space through a strategic real estate acquisition process.

2001 - With the public’s guidance and City Council’s direction, the Plan was updated and, for the first time in the City’s history, identified and prioritized potential open space acquisition sites throughout the City to serve future outdoor recreational public purposes. Those priorities were published in the Virginia Beach Outdoors Plan 2000 Update, "An Initiative to Preserve Open Space for Physical and Visual Enjoyment." Over 1,000 Virginia Beach residents were involved in helping staff develop the recommendations of the 2000 Update. In February 2001, City Council accepted the Plan as the City's guidance document for open space and outdoor recreational planning. The Plan served as the basis for City Council appropriating over $50 million in May 2001 to establish the City’s Open Space Acquisition Program. It also led to City Council appointing a citizen advisory committee, the Open Space Subcommittee of the Parks and Recreation Commission, to help prioritize open space acquisitions and oversee open space funding. The Subcommittee continues to meet monthly, as it has since June 2001, to serve these purposes. Department of Parks and Recreation staff and the Subcommittee publish the Virginia Beach Outdoors Plan Open Space Preservation Program Semi-Annual Report in January and July of each year to publicly document the Program’s funding status as well as the status of pending sites and disposition of acquired sites. As of March 2008, 19 sites on over 1,788 acres have been successfully acquired through the City’s Open Space Acquisition Program.

Stumpy Lake Natural Area: 1,422 Acres Largest City Parkland Acquisition Open Space Acquisition Program - 2001

In addition to the open space sites acquired, the following outdoor recreation capital improvement projects were completed during 2001 through March 2008:

Cultural and Natural Areas - ( ) below indicates partnerships • Adam Thoroughgood House - Acquisition of natural area setting of National Historic Landmark • Lynnhaven House - Funding for acquiring National Historic Landmark site • Stumpy Lake Natural Area - Acquisition and Phase I public access improvements (partnership with the Citizens for Stumpy Lake) • Virginia Aquarium - Acquisition of natural area along Owl Creek to preserve habitat around the Aquarium and provide the future Animal Care Annex site

Greenways, Beaches and Scenic Waterways • Horn Point Canoe-Kayak Launch Site (partnership with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service) • Hutton Circle Canoe-Kayak Launch Site (Pep Boys, Inc.) • Lake Smith Fishing Station - Acquisition and management • Little Island Park North and South Beach Use Facilities • Little Island Pier Renovation (partially funded by Commonwealth of Virginia) • Lynnhaven Boat Ramp and Beach Use Facility (partially funded from various state and federal agencies) • Lynnhaven Municipal Marina Renovation

Parks and Athletic Facilities • Beach Garden Park Renovation (partnership with Virginia Beach Public Schools) • Kempsville Recreation Center Child Care Program Playground (funded by the Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation Foundation) • Mount Trashmore Skate Park - Phases I and II • Mount Trashmore Park Recapping Project • Munden Point Disc Golf Course • New Neighborhood Parks Developed-13 new parks developed throughout City

• Oceanfront playgrounds at 10th and 31st Streets (funded by Virginia Beach Hotel and Motel Association) • Park playground renovations - 80 parks renovated throughout the City • Princess Anne Athletic Complex (primarily funded through Sentara Healthcare partnership) • United States Field Hockey National Training Center - Phases I & II (partnership with U.S. Field Hockey Assoc.) • Woodstock Skate Plaza Trails • Bayville Park to Bayside Recreation Center Trail along First Court Road to Shore Drive • Cape Henry Trail Extension (partially funded from Commonwealth of Virginia) • Cape Henry Trail Renovation (partially funded from Commonwealth of Virginia) • Norfolk Avenue Trail (partially funded from federal government) • Renovation of entire City-wide network of asphalt shared-use pathways

Top-right to Bottom-right: Stumpy Lake Natural Area (Pictometry 2005), Lake Smith Fishing Station (Pictometry 2005), Mount Trashmore Skate Park, Cape Henry Trail Renovation

Awards - The projects listed on the previous page have been recognized with the following awards:

• Planning Commission 2001 Design Award – Honor Award for Outstanding Public Facility – Lynnhaven Boat Ramp and Beach Facility • City Livability Award, National Conference of Mayors - "Preserving Our Common Ground" – 2002 • Virginia Recreation and Parks Society (VRPS) - 2002 Design Award for Best New Facility in Virginia for Lynnhaven Boat Ramp and Beach Facility • Planning Commission 2006 Design Award – Merit Award for Exceptional Public Facility Woodstock Skate Plaza • Planning Commission 2006 Design Award – Honor Award for Outstanding Public Facility – Princess Anne Athletic Complex • Mayor’s Committee for Persons with Disabilities 2007 Award – Little Island Pier Accessibility Improvements • Mayor’s Committee for Persons with Disabilities 2007 Award – 50 Park Playground Renovations in Two Years

Clockwise from top-left: Little Island Park Beach Use Facility: Little Island Pier Renovation; Brigadoon Pines Neighborhood Park Renovation; Lynnhaven Boat Ramp & Beach Use Facility; Princess Anne Athletic Complex; U.S. Field Hockey National Training Center

Introduction

2008 - This 2008 version of the Outdoors Plan is an integral part of Facility and Public Space Planning component of the Department of Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan. It seeks to build upon the successful implementation of its former iterations and progress even further in its outdoor recreational planning and analysis through the following:

• Reclassification of park system designations consistent with localities of similar size and characteristics • Statistical Needs Analysis of City parks and recreation real estate assets and amenities based on updated service standards applied against both the 2000 census population and 2026 theoretical build-out population projection • Updated inventory of all City-owned parks and recreation real estate assets • Updated inventory of all state, federal, and homeowners association parks and recreation-related real estate assets located within Virginia Beach • Geographic Information System-based Equity Mapping as part of a planning process for providing equitable physical access to the City’s parks system to all residents • Design Standards for outdoor recreational courts, fields, furniture, fixtures and related improvements • Capacity-Demand Standards Model ™ for programming analysis of City-wide athletic field usage versus field capacity • Qualitative and Quantitative Public Participation Process • Recommendations for future strategic open space site acquisitions • Recommendations for future outdoor recreational improvements with regard to preservation and access to Cultural and Natural Areas, Greenways, Beaches and Scenic Waterways; renovations to existing and construction of new Parks and Athletic Facilities; and coordination with the City’s Bikeways and Trails Plan to provide connectivity to community resources through Trails. • Implementation strategies and cost estimates as a basis for the Department of Parks and Recreation’s Capital Improvement Program with respect to the Open Space Acquisition Program and future outdoor recreational renovations and improvements

2008 Outdoors Plan Goal

The primary goal of the 2008 Plan is to serve as the City’s guidance document for open space acquisition and outdoor recreational improvements for the next 20 years, with periodic updates along the way. The document will begin by providing an overview of the participation from the public from throughout the three-year planning process. The Plan then discusses the methodology behind the reclassification of the park system and corresponding standards are described. The outdoor recreation system components of Virginia Beach, which are the hallmark of the Plan and frame its recommendations, are then explained. The parkland and outdoor facility standards were then applied to both the 2000 census as well as the 2026 theoretical build-out populations, per the Comprehensive Plan, in order to establish baseline data as well as projected needs. Those new standards and accompanying statistical analysis are then presented by geographic areas of the City that residents can more easily identify with. The results of the statistical analysis, cross-referenced with the feedback from the public participation process, provide for a comprehensive basis of the Plan’s recommendations, which are also provided by geographic area. The estimated capital, maintenance and management costs for the City-wide recommendations are provided for future Parks and Recreation resource management purposes. The Plan concludes by providing implementation strategies and a broad phasing schedule as an action plan for moving forward.

Community Involvement

The Open Space Subcommittee’s Outdoors Plan Community Involvement Workshops started the first phase of the public input process associated with the development of the Department of Parks and Recreation’s Strategic Plan and served as the primary qualitative public involvement for the Outdoors Plan. Nine workshops were held throughout 2005 for each of the City’s planning areas; smaller community-based geographic areas within the City. Nearly 300 civic associations were invited to send a representative to the workshops, which were held at various different locations in the planning areas. Civic associations were asked to represent the open space and outdoor recreational needs and desires of their neighborhood residents. Many representatives spoke passionately for their neighborhood’s recommendations. The specific comments and recommendations that were received during the community involvement workshops can be referenced in Appendix B of this document. However, the majority of the recommendations provided by the community in the workshops are represented in this Plan’s recommendations.

The process for collecting citizen and stakeholder input also included interviews with City Council, focus groups (citizen and staff), citizen survey, community involvement workshops and public forums. The data and information obtained through these studies is comprehensive, reliable, and accurate. Conclusions are based on a balance between the qualitative information gathered during the interviews, focus groups, public forums in addition to the community involvement workshops as well as the quantitative data provided by the citizen survey. Additional summaries of the Community Involvement process and its outcomes are provided below:

Qualitative Feedback - City Council Interviews During the period of February 9, 2005 to March 7, 2005, interviews with all 11 City Council Members were conducted either individually or in pairs. Council Members were asked to articulate their vision for Parks and Recreation, provide their perspective on the strengths and weaknesses of the department, and comment on trends, issues and levels of service.

Qualitative Feedback - Focus Groups 20 focus groups were conducted with 180 participants. Sessions were conducted for three distinct populations:

Staff: Groups were comprised of Parks and Recreation professionals from all divisions and demographic groups and assigned by job title/level. Nine sessions conducted with 86 participants. There were numerous commonalities across many diverse groups of staff and facilitators were impressed by the positive and enthusiastic participation and input.

Community: Groups were structured with "like" interests, however, due to low participation (half of the scheduled sessions were cancelled), some participants were moved to other sessions where interests were more diverse. Input was more distinctly representative of "special interests" depending on group makeup. Seven sessions conducted with 47 participants.

Other Stakeholders: Four sessions were conducted with 47 participants these groups included the Open Space Subcommittee, Department Directors, the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Parks and Recreation Foundation

The data gathered through the key leadership interviews and the focus groups identified the key issues, which the community citizen survey was designed around. The issues centered on three prevalent themes: • Equitable access to parks and recreation facilities, activities and programs • Community priorities for programs and facilities • Funding options for operational and capital spending 5

Primary Quantitative Statistically-Reliable Data Gathering - Citizen Survey

In November 2005 surveys requesting input on Parks and Recreation's facilities, programs, and operations were mailed to a random sample of 2,500 Virginia Beach households. The survey was implemented in a controlled manner which, produced results with a high level of confidence (95% +I- 4.4%) The results were the same as if as every household in the community had been surveyed. The complete survey data can also be found in Appendix B of this document.

In general, the survey shows that citizens consider Parks and Recreation an important contributor to their quality of life. Overall, citizens view the facilities and programs offered by Parks and Recreation in a positive light. However, there is room for improvement as we strive to become a best-in-class organization. There is an obvious connection to the types of facilities desired by the community and programs that are priorities. For the purposes of identifying priorities for the Outdoors Plan, the focus of the remainder of this section will be the Citizen Survey results primarily related to open space and outdoor recreation.

Awareness and Usage

Parks - The awareness and usage of Virginia Beach parks is high, with 72 percent of households visiting a City park within the last year. Virginia Beach residents are satisfied with the physical condition of the parks, consistent with national averages but below best-in-class systems. From the 72 percent of households who have visited a park in the last year, 88 percent rated the physical condition of all the parks as either excellent (26 percent) or good (62 percent).

Funding

Community support for actions to improve and expand parks and recreation facilities is very strong. There is clear support to renovate and expand walking and biking trails, passive use areas, indoor recreation facilities, and environment/ natural areas. There is also strong support for maintaining existing facilities and developing new facilities for both active and passive recreation. When asked how they would allocate $100 among 7 categories, respondents indicated they would allocate $23 to improvements/maintenance for existing parks and playgrounds, $19 for construction of new sports facilities, $17 for walking and biking trail acquisition/ development, $15 for improvements/maintenance of existing recreation centers, $13 to develop new indoor recreation facilities, $9 for new park land and open space, and $4 for other uses.

Facility Needs and Priorities

The five geographic groups of the City represented as Groups #1 - #5 (consolidation of 9 planning areas) are depicted on the map to the immediate right as planning areas or in some cases groupings of adjacent planning areas that are meant to represent geographic areas that residents identify themselves with as a community.

Facility needs throughout the City are fairly consistent across the five groups. From a list of 28 parks and recreation facilities, households were asked to identify the facilities they have a need for and indicate how well their need is being met. The table below presents the priority ranking from the list of 28 facility types. The results of the priority ranking were tabulated into three categories: High, Medium, and Low. Priorities are reported by group and as a citywide aggregate.

Legend High Priority Medium Priority Low Priority Planning Area 1, 2, & 3 4 & 5 6 7 8 & 9 Group 1 Group 2 Group 3 Group 4 Group 5 Facility City-wide Ranking Ranking Ranking Ranking Ranking Ranking Walking & biking trails 111111 Large community parks 264323 Recreation center 393442 Natural areas/nature trails/nature center 4225104 Off leash dog park 587735 Picnic shelters/areas 636987 Small neighborhood parks 779698 Children's playground 81011 21 6 9 Indoor fitness & exercise facilities 95512 56 Indoor swimming pools/leisure pool 10 11 13 18 7 13 Performing/cultural arts facilities 11 15 12 14 14 10 Outdoor swimming pool/leisure pool 12 12 8 10 13 11 Community meeting space 13 13 14 15 17 12 Youth baseball fields 14 17 10 11 18 17 BMX/Mountain biking Trails 15 14 16 13 12 14 Youth soccer fields 16 18 18 17 25 15 Senior adult center 17 16 15 20 16 16 Golf courses 18 21 23 23 15 20 Skateboard/in-line skate parks 19 22 22 16 24 19 Gyms for basketball, volleyball 20 24 20 22 20 25 Indoor tennis courts 21 28 24 19 11 18 Youth softball fields 22 26 26 25 23 22 Adult softball fields 23 4 21 21923 Motorized boat launch 24 20 17 28 26 24 Youth football fields 25 19 27 24 21 21 Crew/rowing 26 23 19 82727 Adult soccer fields 27 27 28 26 22 26 Youth Lacrosse Fields 28 25 25 27 28 28 7

Actions Most Willing to Fund with Tax Dollars

Which FOUR of the items from the list would you be most willing to fund with your tax dollars? Renovate/develop walking and biking trails (54%) had the highest percentage of respondents select it as one of the four actions they would be most willing to fund with their tax dollars. There are two other actions that at least one-third of respondents selected as one of the four they would be most willing to fund with their tax dollars, including: purchase land and develop for passive usage (39%) and develop new indoor recreation facilities (33%). It should also be noted that renovate/develop walking and biking trails had the highest percentage of respondents select it as their first choice as the action they would be most willing to fund with their tax dollars.

According to the Citizen Survey results, in terms of open space acquisition and outdoor recreational amenities, in order of priority Virginia Beach residents have needs and desires for:

• Accessibility and facilities for walking and biking trails • Enhanced maintenance and renovations to existing parks and playgrounds • More large community parks • Acquisition of land for passive recreation / provide environmental areas/nature centers • Development of new athletic fields for youth sports

These priorities have been heard and are reflected in the Plan’s recommendations regarding future open space acquisitions and outdoor recreation improvements.

Land and Outdoor Facility Standards

As part of its strategic planning process, Parks and Recreation evaluated its existing parkland site designations and standards to ensure that the designations accurately reflected the properties’ land use and level of service to the community. Staff found that several parks and recreation-related sites had been acquired over the years did not fit into any of the department’s three designations of district, community and neighborhood parks. For example, the 1,422-acre Stumpy Lake site that was acquired in 2001 did not fit into the district park designation because it did not provide the normal park amenities that residents expect from a district park, such as athletic fields and playing courts. Instead, Stumpy Lake’s primary purpose is for preservation of an environment which protects the natural setting of indigenous plants and animals for residents to enjoy in a low-impact manner. As a result, the Natural Resource Area parkland designation (often simply referred to as “Natural Area”) was adopted along with corresponding standards for how similar sites are to be improved and managed. In addition, the park system designations were evaluated for consistency with localities of similar size and characteristics for future benchmarking purposes.

The table below summarizes the nine main parkland designations; indicates the former park designation (if applicable) and provides a site example for each of the park designations that residents may recognize. Each parkland site designation is explained in detail in this section of the Plan. The per capita acreage standard is also listed in the table to help Parks and Recreation establish a statistical standard for providing ample parkland and open space to Virginia Beach residents. These parkland standards are applied to each of the City’s nine planning areas in the “Recommendations by Geographic Area” section of the Plan. The standards are applied to the City’s 2000 census population and 2026 theoretical build-out project population, which is based upon an annual 1% growth rate, in order to establish a baseline of need/surplus versus an ultimate projected need.

It should be noted that these standards statistical analysis is only one tool in determining service area gaps. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is used as a tool for what is termed Equity Mapping, a means of depicting where there are geographic service area gaps to learn where to focus future resources to achieve equitable service delivery for all residents.

Parkland Former Parkland Example Standard Site Designation Site Designation Signature Park Change > Mount Trashmore 3 acres / 1000 residents was larger District Parks Metro Park Change > Great Neck Park 3 acres / 1000 residents was smaller District Parks Community Park Same Beach Garden 3 acres /1000 residents Neighborhood Park Same Level Green 2 acres / 1000 residents Natural Resource Area New designation Stumpy Lake 1 acres / 1000 residents General Open Space New designation Mill Dam Site 1 acres / 1000 residents (along northeast side of First Colonial Road) Special Use Same designation, however, now Athletic facility, golf course, 1 acres / 1000 residents all other sites serving a specified recreation center site, resort recreational use can be area park, water access site categorized together Linkage New designation Cape Henry Trail 1 acres / 1000 residents School Park * Same One-half of each elementary 1 acres / 1000 residents school Site

*Note: School Park sites are maintained but not developed or managed by the Department of Parks and Recreation. Consequently, the School Park designation is not part of the Parks and Recreation Design Standards, although efforts are made to have consistent standards. 9

Signature Parks (SP)

Definition: A municipal outdoor recreational facility that is unique to the Virginia Beach municipal parks and recreation system. These parks should service a variety of ages and emphasize family and organized group activities. Many times signature parks will have a special use facility or single purpose recreational activity, such as a fairground, outdoor theater, or festival area. These parks are typically designed for a full-day experience and are capable of holding large scale special events with supporting amenities.

Size: > 100 acres

Service Standard: 3 acres / 1000 residents. Generally serve the entire city, however their location may be more dependent on the unique environment present rather than being sited for convenience.

Staffing: Staffed full-time with municipal employees

Utilities: Water, electric/power, telephone, sewer

Existing Signature Parks: Mount Trashmore and Little Island

Unique Amenities: • Oceanfront beach area or other distinctive amenity

Typical Amenities: • Practice and/or game-quality diamond and rectangular athletic fields • Basketball, tennis, volleyball courts • Multiple playground areas • Park trails, benches • Multiple restrooms and vending machines or concession areas • Multiple picnic areas, large shelters, and grills • Multiple large parking areas • Kiosks • Staff/maintenance buildings Mount Trashmore Signature Park

Metro Parks (MP) Unique Amenities: • Multiple lighted practice or game- Definition: A municipal outdoor recreational facility that provides a quality diamond and rectangular high level of outdoor recreational amenities that may include those athletic fields, skate parks, and/or amenities found at community parks, but may also include multiple disc golf courses game-quality athletic fields, skate parks, and/or disc golf courses. Typical Amenities May Include: A metro park serves various ages, with emphasis on organized • Basketball, tennis, volleyball courts sport group activities and potential protection of natural • Multiple playgrounds areas. Metro parks are built and designed typically for a three to • Large open play areas four hour experience. Metro Parks may be capable of holding • Park trails, benches special events. • Restrooms and vending machines or concession areas Size: 50.1 to 100 acres • Multiple picnic areas, large shelters, Service Standard: 3 acres/1,000 residents and grills • Large parking areas Staffing: Staffed full-time by municipal employees • Kiosks

Utilities: Water, electric/power, telephone, sewer • Staff/maintenance buildings

Existing Metro Parks: Bayville, City View, Great Neck, Munden Point, and Red Wing Community Parks (CP)

Definition: A municipal outdoor recreational facility that provides a mid-range level of outdoor recreational amenities that may include amenities found at neighborhood parks and at metro parks. A community park would service various ages, with emphasis on organized sport group activities and potential protection of natural areas. Community parks Bayville Metro Park are built and designed typically for a two to three Unique Amenities: hour experience. • Multiple lighted, practice or game- quality athletic fields, skate parks, Size: 15.1 to 50 acres and/or disc golf courses Typical Amenities May Include: Service Standard: • Basketball, tennis, volleyball courts 3 acres/1,000 residents Ocean Lakes Community Park • Multiple playgrounds

• Large open play areas Staffing: Community parks are not generally staffed full-time. • Park trails, benches However, these parks may be staffed during programmed events • Restrooms & vending machines or by municipal staff or private/non-profit organizations. concession areas Utilities: Water, electric/power, telephone, sewer • Multiple picnic areas, large shelters,

and grills Existing Community Parks: Beach Garden, Carolanne Farms, • Large parking areas Dunwoody, Lynnhaven, Ocean Lakes, Plaza/Northgate, Providence, Red Mill Farms, Salem Woods, Three Oaks, Williams, • Kiosks Woodbridge, and Woodstock • Staff/maintenance buildings 11

Neighborhood Parks (NP)

Definition: A municipal outdoor recreational facility that provides a basic level of outdoor recreational amenities. Limited non-organized sport group activities are encouraged. This park would service various age groups with emphasis on the youth. In some cases, limited parking is provided in existing neighborhood parks. A neighborhood park is built and designed typically for a one to two hour experience and should be customized and designed for the demographic groups who use the park.

Size: Bellamy Woods Small Neighborhood Park (SNP) .25-5 acres Neighborhood Park Large Neighborhood Park (LNP) 5.1-15 acres Typical Amenities May Include:

• Un-lit practice diamonds and Service Standard: 2 acres / 1000 residents. Desirable location rectangular athletic fields characteristics of a neighborhood park would be within a half-mile radius of • Basketball, tennis, and/ or residential neighborhoods and in close proximity to multi-family volleyball courts complexes. Ideally, these facilities should be located in conjunction with • Playground equipment schools and centered within safe walking and bike access. They should • Open play areas serve a population within a comfortable walking distance of the park. • Park trails, benches Staffing: These parks are not staffed. • Small shelters and picnic Utilities: None required tables Natural Resource Area (NRA)

Definition: A municipal preservation area whose primary purpose is to preserve the indigenous vegetation and wildlife in order to serve as green infrastructure and as a scenic environment for Virginia Beach residents to enjoy. Natural Resource Areas include areas for protection and management of the natural/cultural environment with recreation use as a secondary objective. Recreational use might include passive recreation activities such as hiking, birding, and environmental education, but may also include public waterway access improvements, public fishing opportunities, and trail connections.

Size: There are no specific standards for size or acreage other than they Water Tupelo Trees at Stumpy Lake Natural Area should be sufficient to protect the resource and provide for appropriate usage. Unique Amenities:

• Natural or cultural elements to Service Standard: 1 acre / 1000 residents be preserved

Staffing: Natural Areas are not generally staffed full-time, however, these Typical Amenities May Include: parks may be staffed during programmed events or activities by municipal • Park trails, overlooks, benches staff or private/non-profit organizations. Utilities: Water, electric/power, and sewer as needed • Water access • Picnic tables, shelters Existing: West Neck Creek, Stumpy Lake, and Francis Land Park • Kiosks 12

General Open Space (GOS)

Definition: A municipal preservation area whose primary purpose is to preserve the indigenous vegetation and wildlife in order to serve as green infrastructure and as a scenic environment for Virginia Beach residents to enjoy. The difference between GOS sites and Natural Resource Areas is that GOS sites are generally smaller in size and interspersed throughout the city in order to provide a natural setting and visual relief from the built environment. GOS sites include dedicated watersheds or natural/non-developed areas. Recreational use might include passive recreation activities such as hiking, birding, and environmental education, but may also include public waterway access improvements, public fishing opportunities, and trail connections.

Size: There are no specific standards for size or acreage other than London Bridge Creek General Open Space at Potters Road they should be sufficient to protect the resource and provide for appropriate usage. Unique Amenities: • Natural or cultural elements to be Service Standard: 1 acre / 1000 residents preserved

Typical Amenities May Include: Staffing: General Open Space sites are not staffed. • Park trails, overlooks, benches Utilities: None required • Water access • Picnic tables, shelters Linkage (Link)

Definition: Linkages are built connections or natural corridors that link community destinations together such as trails, greenways and linear parks. Typically, the linkage is developed for one or more modes of recreational travel such as walking, jogging, biking, in-line skating, hiking, and horseback riding.

Size: The size of the overall corridor varies, although where a trail is proposed, a minimum corridor width of 30’ is recommended.

Service Standard: 1 acre / 1000 residents. Ideally, these facilities are located throughout the city in conjunction with a variety of natural, cultural, and community destinations.

Staffing: Linkage sites are generally not staffed full time. Ideally, adjacent municipal or non-profit staffed destinations could serve as periodic staff for these areas. Norfolk Avenue Trail Utilities: None required, however along certain areas call boxes Typical Amenities May Include: and/or other utilities may be desired. • Trails, overlooks, benches, bike racks • Picnic tables and shelters (if appropriate) • Kiosks

Special Use (SU)

Definition: A municipal recreational facility that serves a specific recreational purpose. Special use sites include athletic complexes, golf courses, recreation centers, and water access sites. Each type of site may have specialized design and facility service standards, which are addressed more specifically in the Department of Parks and Recreation strategic plan. However, the buildings and fixtures should incorporate the standards and recommendations of the Design Standards Manual. Dozier Bridge Water Access Site Size: Varies

Service Standard: Generally 1 acre / 1000 residents, however, service standards vary depending on the type of facility.

Staffing: Most of the special use sites are staffed full time with municipal employees. However, certain water access sites may not require staffing.

Utilities: All but the water access sites shall have water, power, telephone, and sewer.

24th Street Resort Area Park

Special Use Site Types: • Athletic Complexes • Golf Courses • Recreation Centers • Water Access Sites • Resort Area Parks

Typical Amenities: • Vary

Princess Anne Athletic Complex

The standards for each of the City’s outdoor recreational facilities and asset types are provided in the table below. The standards were created based on a projected sampling of the population who use an outdoor recreational facility or asset on a per facility or asset basis.

These per capita standards are applied to each of the City’s nine planning areas in the “Recommendations by Geographic Area” section of the Plan. The standards are applied to the City’s 2000 census population and 2026 theoretical build-out projected population, which is based upon an annual 1% growth rate, in order to establish a baseline of need/surplus versus an ultimate projected need of outdoor recreational facility or type.

It should be noted that these standards and statistical analysis are only one tool in determining service area gaps. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is used as a tool for what is termed Equity Mapping, a means of depicting where there are geographic service area gaps to learn where to focus future resources to achieve equitable service delivery for all residents.

Outdoor Recreational Facility and Asset Type Per Capita Standard (Population)

Tennis Courts 1 Court/5,000

Outdoor Basketballs 1 Court/2,500

Playgrounds 1 Site/2,000

Picnic Pavilions 1 Site/2,500

Baseball 200' Outfield 1 Field/3,125

Baseball 300' Outfield 1 Field/18,000

Softball Fields - Youth Competitive 1 Field/5,000

Softball Fields - Adult Competitive 1 Field/18,000

Soccer Fields - Youth/Competitive/Practice 1 Field/4,000

Soccer Fields - Regulation/Competitive 1 Field/6,000

Football Fields - Competitive/Practice 1 Field/6,000

Lacrosse/Field Hockey Fields 1 Field/50,000

Dog Parks 1 Site/50,000

Skate Parks 1 Site/50,000 (Inline, Skateboard, BMX)

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Outdoors Recreation System Components

Each of the nine parkland designations that were discussed in the preceding Land and Outdoor Facility Standards section are an integral part of a comprehensive network of “Outdoors Recreation System Components,” which are explained in this section of the Plan.

In order to enhance the City’s existing outdoor recreational system, it is imperative to analyze the system by its components. The City of Virginia Beach’s outdoor recreational system can be categorized into the following outdoor components: parks and athletic facilities; cultural and natural areas; public access to greenways, beaches and scenic waterways; and trail linkages for bicyclists, pedestrians, and equestrians. By focusing on each component, the plan can provide a greater level of detail in comprehensively addressing the City’s outdoor recreational system as a whole. In order to present a frame of reference for the purposes of this plan, each outdoor system component will be defined. A broad, future vision will then be established for each component. Finally, the City’s present and future recommended outdoor recreational system will be addressed by each of the system’s components according to geographic area.

Cultural and Natural Areas

Cultural and natural areas are those unique places, either man-made or natural, that help define and tell the story of what makes Virginia Beach a unique community. Typically, these areas have a high scenic value or quality due to their topography, vegetation, architecture, or other physical characteristics that make them a special place not routinely found throughout the City. While many of these cultural and natural areas are located in a park, wildlife refuge, or as part of a registered historic landmark, many others do not enjoy this special kind of protection at present. Some of these areas have great historical or environmental significance, not only locally, but at the state and/or national level as well.

As these cultural and natural areas have proven to be especially important for having helped shape the present character of our community, they have even more significance for helping to maintain a sense of place and the roots from which we came, as Virginia Beach moves into the future. The cultural and natural area sites that are primarily Parks and Recreation’s management responsibility include Natural Areas and General Open Space Sites.

The vision for addressing the City’s Cultural and Natural Areas:

• Acquire certain natural areas for their special environmental, ecological, and/or aesthetic value. Some sites may not always have the opportunity to provide for physical access, but may be preserved primarily for visual enjoyment.

• Support State, Federal, and other City agencies in preserving existing cultural and historic landmarks and identify other structures and areas for cultural and historic West Neck Creek Natural Area preservation.

Parks and Athletic Facilities

The City is currently served by 180 Neighborhood Parks that are within walking distance of the majority of the City’s residents. There are 13 Community Parks and 5 Metro Parks to provide venues for half-day and full-day recreational experiences ranging from athletic activities on courts and fields to leisure activities on playgrounds or in dog parks. There are over 475 acres of Athletic Facilities to accommodate significant tournaments and sporting events. The City’s two Signature Parks of Mount Trashmore and Little Island accommodate the actions sports of land and sea for skaters and surfers in addition to the serious fisherman and leisure walkers.

City View Metro Park

The vision for addressing the City’s Parks and Athletic Facilities is to:

• Adequately care for existing parks and athletic facilities that have resulted from the City’s past park acquisition, development and preservation successes. • Provide access for a wide-range of recreational users ranging from ballplayers to skateboarders to lacrosse players to disc golfers. • Effectively program athletic facilities in order to accommodate their demand. • Provide for current and future demand of athletics through the improvement of existing and new diamond field (ball field) and rectangular field (multi-purpose field) renovation and development. • Encourage the establishment and continuity of viable, financially-stable athletic associations and homeowner associations to develop, own, and maintain semi-public athletic facilities and parks to benefit local athletic programs and residential neighborhoods, respectively.

A detailed inventory of all the City’s parks, including name, location and size, is included as Appendix A of this document.

Greenways, Beaches and Scenic Waterways

Greenways and scenic waterways are interrelated corridors of natural environment, serving as green infrastructure and a habitat for plants and animals, which can also be an recreational asset for the public to enjoy in a low-impact manner.

A greenway is a linear vegetated or open space which provides for a continuous nature corridor. Greenways can be designed for recreational use and non-motorized transportation, while providing bio-diversity, scenic beauty and serving as a habitat for wildlife.

Scenic waterways are characterized as tidal and non-tidal; examples include oceans, bays, rivers, tributaries, streams, and lakes available for public (primarily non-motorized) water craft access.

The vision for addressing the City’s Greenways and Scenic waterways is to: • Identify logical corridors of green space and conduct feasibilities studies to determine their functional value as green infrastructure as well as their potential to provide a scenic setting for passive or low-impact recreation. • Create stakeholder-endorsed, detailed master Kayaking on Thalia Creek plans for greenways that have been positively within the Master-planned Greenway. recommended from corridor feasibility studies. (Town Center in the background.)

• Implement the greenways master plans by: - Acquiring and preservation of corridors of contiguous, undeveloped land; and, - Providing low-impact development of environmentally-sensitive improvements for public use and physical access to greenways (i.e. trail improvements) • Enhance existing and provide new public access improvements to the City’s scenic waterways as identified in the Plan.

Beaches are simply the sand, and other natural areas, located along the City’s shoreline that is valued by the public for such activities as sunbathing, fishing, and a variety of water sports.

The vision for addressing access to the City’s Beaches is to: • Provide parking areas and supporting facilities (such as restrooms, outdoor showers/ foot washes, and pathways) for the public to access the City’s Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean public beaches. • Support the efforts of other City agencies, as well as Federal and State agencies, for providing public access to the City’s resort area beaches.

Trails

Imagine a city-wide network of bike lanes, shared use pathways, and trails that can accommodate a wide range of recreational and alternative transportation uses that also link neighborhoods to a variety of community and cultural resources. This network will become an integral component of our City’s infrastructure, as important to our community’s long-term health as roads and utility corridors. Whether used for a shortcut to a local library or for a bicycle commute to work, a trails network can provide alternative methods of non-polluting transportation by connecting neighborhoods with libraries, schools, parks, commercial areas, and community recreation centers, while reducing congestion, promoting energy conservation, and improving air quality. These factors can enhance the quality of life of all residents of our City.

Since the last Outdoors Plan, City Council has placed significant emphasis and resources toward enhancing the City’s bikeways and trails network. As a result, the planning and development of Bikeways and Trails has taken on an initiative of its own that transcends outdoor recreation alone. Since 2001, City Council has adopted the Bikeways and Trails Plan; appointed an on-going Bikeways and Trails Advisory Committee; and, created capital improvement plan projects for the renovation of existing and construction of new bikeways, trails and sidewalks.

As a result, the Outdoors Plan will serve primarily as a conduit for support and promotion of the bikeways and trails initiative, while the Bikeways and Trails Plan, through its projects and committee, carries the baton to:

• Implement the Recommendations of the adopted Bikeways and Trails Plan with consideration of minor modifications as may be recommended by the City Council appointed Bikeways and Trails Advisory Committee. • Accomplish Pedestrian System Gap Improvements through the Departments of Parks and Recreation and Public Works Capital Improvement Programs.

Significant trails projects are highlighted throughout the Outdoors Plan, as they provide accessibility to outdoor recreational destinations in addition to providing outdoor recreation themselves.

Regional Connectivity

The previous section of this Plan provided an extensive overview of Virginia Beach’s Outdoors Recreation System including the vision of creating a network of Cultural and Natural Areas, Parks and Athletic Facilities, Greenways, Beaches and Scenic Waterways and Trails. When planning for such an outdoors recreational system it is only realistic and practical to create a seamless network without regard to corporate boundaries by comprehensively prioritizing water quality and wildlife habitat areas that link cohesively. Such a cohesive network of open spaces, such as those that conserve water quality and wildlife habitat area, are referred to as green infrastructure.

The Hampton Roads Planning District Commission (HRPDC), a regional organization representing this area's sixteen local governments, published a report in 2007 entitled Green Infrastructure in Hampton Roads. The report cites the Conservation Fund as defining green infrastructure as: ...our Nation’s natural life support system—an interconnected network of protected land and water that supports native species, maintains natural ecological processes, sustains air and water resources and contributes to the health and quality of life for America’s communities and people. (Green Infrastructure, 2)

The report recognizes the past and present conservation efforts of the participating area localities, such as those accomplished through the Southern Watershed Area Management Program (SWAMP), and sets forth action items and accompanying regional mapping tools to effectively implement regional open space planning. The SWAMP project identified conservation corridors in the Back Bay, North Landing River and Northwest River watersheds, why the Green Infrastructure in Hampton Roads report . This Regional Connectivity section of the Plan illustrates how Virginia Beach’s existing and recommended system of outdoor recreational assets can be linked to adjacent localities through possible linkages of trails, greenways or natural areas across corporate boundaries. The report seeks to weave these regional open spaces together by common watersheds and natural wildlife habitats. The map below shows the entire network involved in The Hampton Roads Conservation Corridor Study. (Green Infrastructure, 11) The following page provides additional maps provided in the report which the HRPDC developed in order to create the seamless regional open space corridors, including critical water quality and habitat areas.

The majority of the sites that are recommended for open space acquisition throughout this Plan are within the “Opportunities for Connectivity” areas recommended for conservation in The Hampton Roads Conservation Corridor Study. Four of Virginia Beach’s priority open space areas within the Elizabeth River and Lynnhaven River watersheds are shown on the map to the right (each parcel of the site is depicted as a yellow star). In addition, several of Virginia Beach’s existing as well as proposed Southern Watershed Conservation Corridor System. Those City-owned sites include Stumpy Lake Natural Resource Area (1,422 acres within Virginia Beach and Chesapeake), West Neck Natural Resource Area (217 acres), Little Island Signature Park (123 acres), and Munden Point Metro Park (100 acres). Those park sites are depicted as the gray Protected Lands of the Conservation Corridor System as depicted on the Proposed Southern Watershed Area Conservation Corridor System map below (Green Infrastructure, 5).

Northern Section

Great Neck Metro Park (Shown: Looking west toward Broad Bay from gazebo)

Lake Lawson and Lake Smith Natural Area This section of the Plan provides for a comprehensive outdoor (Shown: Lake Smith looking west toward Natural Area) recreational system analysis of each of the five planning areas within the Northern Section of Virginia Beach. Each planning area section includes the following: • Current Reality Introduction • Open Space/Parkland Statistical Analysis • Outdoor Recreational Amenity Statistical Analysis • Comprehensive map depicting major roads, all existing City- owned parkland, all school sites, undeveloped property, open space opportunity sites, existing trails, and waterways • Ten-Minute Walk Zone Park Analysis by Equity Mapping • Map of significant planned trail projects that will provide connectivity • Recommendations by Outdoors Recreation Systems Components Oceanfront Playgrounds (Shown: 10th Street)

The Bayfront, Bayside, Great Neck, Little Neck, and Oceanfront Planning Areas are located in the Northern Section of the City. The Northern Section is geographically bound by the Chesapeake Bay to the north; Interstate 264 and Naval Air Station Oceana to the south; the Norfolk/Virginia Beach City line to the west; and, the Atlantic Ocean to the east. 23

Bayfront Planning Area

Current Reality The Bayfront Planning Area is known for its expansive views of the Chesapeake Bay from its beaches and unique vistas of the Lynnhaven River from the Lesner Bridge. Due to the demand for living near waterfront, the residential density along the Shore Drive corridor is higher than many other parts of the city. Consequently, area residents struggle with the shifting dichotomy of the Bayfront landscape from dense development to its wealth of waterways and large green spaces associated with First Landing State Park, Bayville Metro Park and the visual relief provided by Bayville Golf Course. There are a few opportunities to: preserve pockets of live oak tree groves; provide additional public access to the Chesapeake Bay beaches and Lynnhaven River; and enhance the bikeways and trails system for Bayfront that will be discussed in this section. Bayfront is geographically defined

by the boundary of the Chesapeake The table below provides the 2000 census population as well as the Bay to the north; First Court Road theoretical build-out population for the Bayfront, estimated in the City’s 2003 and the Lynnhaven and Broad Bays Comprehensive Plan. to the south, First Landing State Park to the east; and Independence Percent Boulevard and Little Creek Amphibi- Year Population Change ous Base to the west. Census Year - 2000 22,378 Theoretical Build-Out Year - 2026 24,900 11%

While the proportion of growth projection figures sited above are generally correct, sole reliance on those figures should not be used for determinations of specific facility demand.

As mentioned above, the significant features that are uniquely located in Bayfront and affect the City’s planning for outdoor recreation in the planning area include: Lynnhaven Boat Ramp and Beach Use Facility • First Landing State Park – Natural area, trail network, public water access, public beach access on 2,888 acres in close proximity to residents of Bayfront, Great Neck and Oceanfront Planning Areas • Access to public and private Chesapeake Bay beaches • Access to Lynnhaven River and its tributaries

The results of community involvement, statistical analysis, and equity mapping completed for the planning area explained on the forthcoming pages, applied to the unique circumstances of Bayfront, served as the primary drivers for the overall open space and outdoor planning recommendations that are provided at the end of this section. Bayville Metro Park

Open Space/Parkland Statistical Analysis

The table below applies the City’s new park designation service standards to the planning area’s 2000 census population as well as the projected theoretical build-out for the year 2026. The analysis includes park designations that can be located within relatively small geographic areas, such as planning areas. For example, three park designation standards are not applied to planning area analysis because they are larger in size and/or have a unique site characteristic that provides more of a city-wide recreational opportunity. For example, Signature Parks, Natural Areas and Linkages (i.e. trails that transcend planning area boundaries) are not applied to the planning area analysis but are applied to the city-wide statistical analysis provided in the Capital Improvement Program Impact section of this plan. Consequently, the planning area statistical standard for parkland/open space is 11 acres/1,000 residents while the city-wide statistical standard for parkland/open space is 16 acres/1,000 residents. Note: The statistical analysis is only one tool in determining service area gaps. Park Park Acreage Site Type and Park Standard Applied Acreage Park Standard Applied Results for Virginia Beach to 2000 Population and Results for to 2026 Population and 2026 Standard Existing Park Inventory 2000 Existing Park Inventory Population Population Neighborhood Parks 8.25 Acres Existing Need 36.50 8.25 Acres Existing Need 41.55 .25-15 Acres 44.75 Acres Standard Acres 49.8 Acres Standard Acres 2.0 Acres/1,000 Community Parks 0 Acres Existing Need 67.13 0 Acres Existing Need 74.7 15-50 Acres 67.13 Acres Standard Acres 74.7 Acres Standard Acres 3.0 Acres/1,000 Metro Parks 67.5 Acres Existing Surplus 0.37 67.5 Acres Existing Need 7.2 50-100 Acres 67.13 Acres Standard Acres 74.7 Acres Standard Acres 3.0 Acres/1,000 General Open Space 10.16 Acres Existing Need 12.22 10.16 Acres Existing Need 14.74 1.0 Acre/1,000 22.38 Acres Standard Acres 24.9 Acres Standard Acres Special Use Facility 37.79 Acres Existing Surplus 15.41 37.79 Acres Existing Surplus 12.89 1.0 Acre/1,000 22.38 Acres Standard Acres 24.9 Acres Standard Acres School Parks 9.24 Acres Existing Need 13.14 9.24 Acres Existing Need 15.66 1.0 Acre/1,000 22.38 Acres Standard Acres 24.9 Acres Standard Acres

Linkage* 7.5 Acres Existing +7.5 Acres 7.5 Acres Existing +7.5 Acres 1.0 Acre/1,000

Total Park Acres 132.94 Acres Existing Need 105.71 132.94 Acres Existing Need 133.46 11.0 Acres/1,000 246.17 Acres Standard Acres 273.9 Acres Standard Acres Public Beach** 25.44 Acres Existing + 25.44 Acres 25.44 Acres Existing + 25.44 Acres Need 80.27 2026 Total Park Analysis Need 108.02 2000 Total Park Analysis for Planning Area Acres for Planning Area Acres Homeowners *** 0.34 Acres Existing + 0.34 Acres 0.34 Acres Existing + 0.34 Acres Association Property

* Site type applied only to city wide needs analysis, not individual planning areas.

** Public beach access is unique to the City of Virginia Beach. Consequently, there is not a public beach standard that most other municipalities provide for addressing that need for their residents. However, public beach is included in the overall open space available to Virginia Beach residents.

***Homeowners Association (HOA) Properties are not counted toward meeting the public park and open space need because they are not accessible to all Virginia Beach residents. However, HOA should be considered as recreational assets for the residents of the planning area that have legal access to them.

Outdoor Recreational Asset Statistical Analysis

Outdoor Basketballs 7 Courts Existing Need 2 7 Courts Existing Need 3 1 Court/2,500 9 Courts Standard Courts 10 Courts Standard Courts

Playgrounds 7 Sites Existing Need 4 7 Sites Existing Need 5 1 Site/2,000 11 Sites Standard Sites 12 Sites Standard Sites Picnic Pavilions 6 Sites Existing Need 3 6 Sites Existing Need 4 1 Site/2,500 9 Sites Standard Sites 10 Sites Standard Sites

Baseball 200' Outfield 1 Field Existing Need 6 1 Field Existing Need 7 1 Field/3,125 7 Fields Standard Fields 8 Fields Standard Fields

Baseball 300'Outfield 0 Fields Existing Need 1 0 Fields Existing Need 1 1 Field/18,000 1 Field Standard Field 1Field Standard Field Softball Fields 1 Field Existing Need 3 1 Field Existing Need 4 (Youth Competitive) 4 Fields Standard Fields 5 Fields Standard Fields 1 Field/5,000 Softball Fields 2 Field Existing Surplus 1 2 Fields Existing Surplus 1 (Adult Competitive) 1Field Standard Field 1 Fields Standard Field 1 Field/18,000 Soccer Fields 1Field Existing Need 5 1 Field Existing Need 5 (Youth/Competitive/Practice) 6 Fields Standard Fields 6 Fields Standard Fields 1 Field/4,000

Soccer Fields 1 Field Existing Need 3 1 Field Existing Need 3 (Regulation/Competitive/) 4 Fields Standard Fields 4 Fields Standard Fields 1 Field/6,000

Football Fields 1 Field Existing Need 3 1 Field Existing Need 3 (Competitive/Practice) 4 Fields Standard Fields 4 Fields Standard Fields 1 Field/6,000

Lacrosse/Field Hockey Fields 0 Fields Existing Need 0 0 Sites Existing Need 0 1 Field/50,000 0 Fields Standard Sites 0 Sites Standard Sites

Dog Parks 0 Sites Existing Need 0 0 Sites Existing Need 0 1 Site/50,000 0 Sites Standard Sites 0 Sites Standard Sites

Skate Parks 0 Sites Existing Need 0 0 Sites Existing Need 0 (Inline, Skateboard, BMX) 0 Sites Standard Sites 0 Sites Standard Sites 1 Site/50,000 26 27

Ten-Minute Walk Zone Analysis

The following map depicts walkable service areas based upon a ten-minute walk, based on a three mile-per-hour walking pace, to parks in the Bayfront Planning Area. Areas highlighted in green are within a ten minute walk of a park utilizing the City’s existing rights-of-way, showing areas that are currently served by City parks and areas that require additional focus of resources. The walk-zone analysis is much more practical of a service area analysis as opposed to the typical distance circle-radius service area buffers because they account for physical barriers such as Virginia Beach’s many waterways and areas without roadways which cannot be crossed or otherwise accessed.

Cape Henry Trail - A unique trail that exists throughout the center of the entire west side of Bayfront, providing major east-west connectivity and public access to two City parks as well as First Landing State Park. 28 – ways and Trails Plan, the following Trails ways and First Landing to Aquarium Trail to Aquarium First Landing route nine mile bike The existing State Park Landing First between will be Aquarium and the Virginia this marked to establish and signed trail as a recreational activity. -

. existing or are recommended for implementation: existing or are recommended for implementation: Shore Drive Shared Use Path Shared Use Shore Drive This existing pathway runs Road House to Pleasure parallel Recreation Bayside from the to Shore Drive, then along Center Drive side of Shore the southern to Marlin Bay Drive – This exist-

According to the City’s adopted Bike According to the City’s Cape Henry Cape Henry Trail paral- use path runs ing shared lel to Shore Drive within the Story by of Cape neighborhoods This Henry. Cape the Sea and used by commu- trail is heavily nity residents. Bikeways and Trails System - System Bikeways and Trails bikeways and trails system initiatives either initiatives system bikeways and trails

Bayfront Recommendations

The recommendations provided below reflect a thorough consideration of the community priorities obtained through the public involvement process, Open Space/Parkland and Outdoor Recreational Amenity Statistical Analysis, and equity mapping analysis. The recommendations, starting with the Trails priorities provided on the preceding Bikeways and Trails System Map, are organized by outdoor recreational system components as denoted by the icons on the right side of the page below. The Capital Improvement Program Impact of these recommendations are summarized along with all of the other recommendations at the end of the Plan.

Pleasure House Point — Acquire a portion of the site for preservation and enhanced visual as well as physical public access to Lynnhaven River shoreline beach and Chesapeake Bay.

Pleasure House Creek — is an example of possible open space preservation area along Shore Drive. Preservation of open space is essential for ensuring the longevity of green areas for the Bayfront residents as visual relief from the built environment.

Preservation of Remaining Natural Areas in Shore Drive Corridor – Pursue opportunities to preserve natural areas along Shore Drive; including preservation of existing City land and acquisition of undeveloped land

Osprey Point Park – Expand improvements of Lynnhaven Boat Ramp and Beach Use Facility and expand public access improvements for passive recreation

Pleasure House Lake – Provide neighborhood park-scale improvements and enhanced public beach access parking at Chesapeake Beach Neighborhood Park

Residual City Property/Right-of-way – Identify unique City property to preserve unique existing open spaces and, where appropriate, provide neighborhood park-level improvements

Athletic Field Need – Address the existing and projected athletic field service gap in Bayfront by providing new, or enhancements to existing, athletic fields in the nearby Bayside Planning Area and City-wide

Public Access to Lynnhaven River – Provide additional public access opportunities to Lynnhaven River and water activity improvements (i.e. rowing). Opportunities may include partnerships at First Landing State Park and Pleasure House Point site

Aeries on the Bay – Provide formal access to Chesapeake Bay beaches at the Aeries on the Bay Neighborhood Park property

Bayside Planning Area

Current Reality Bayside is one of the most densely populated areas of the City. As a result, Bayside has been one of the primary focus areas of the City’s Open Space Acquisition Program since 2001. The current focus of the program is the preservation and enhanced public access to the Lake Lawson and Lake Smith reservoirs for freshwater lake recreational opportunities. In addition, capital improvements have been focused on creating Williams Farm Community Park and the adjacent three elementary schools, which provide additional school park open space and recreational amenities.

The table below provides the 2000 census population as well as the Bayside Planning Area is theoretical build-out population for the Bayside estimated in the City’s geographically bound by Shore 2003 Comprehensive Plan. Drive and First Court Road to the north; Interstate 264 to the south; the Western Branch of the Percent Year Population Lynnhaven River to the east; and Change the Norfolk/Virginia Beach City line Census Year - 2000 60,236 to the west. Theoretical Build-Out Year - 2026 75,000 25%

While the proportion of growth projection figures cited above are generally correct, sole reliance on these figures should not be used for determinations of specific facility demand.

Significant features that are uniquely located in Bayside and affect the City’s planning for outdoor recreation in the planning area include:

• Lake Lawson, Lake Smith and Little Creek freshwater lakes Williams Farm Community • Nearby Town Center Park • Densely populated attached and multi-family areas in west Bayside • Large-scale planned residential communities of Cypress Point and Ridgely Manor

The results of community involvement, statistical analysis, and equity mapping completed for the planning area explained on the forthcoming pages, applied to the unique circumstances of Bayside, served as the primary drivers for the overall open space and outdoor planning recommendations that are provided at the end of this section. Lake Lawson and Lake Smith Natural Area

Open Space/Parkland Statistical Analysis

Park Standard Park Park Acreage Site Type and Park Standard Applied Applied to 2026 Acreage Results for Virginia Beach to 2000 Population and Population and Results for 2000 Standard Existing Park Inventory Existing Park 2026 Population Inventory Population Neighborhood Parks 55.25 Acres Existing Need 65.15 55.25 Acres Existing Need 94.75 .25-15 Acres 120.4 Acres Standard Acres 150 Acres Standard Acres 2.0 Acres/1,000 Community Parks 36 Acres Existing Need 144.6 36 Acres Existing Need 189 15-50 Acres 180.6 Acres Standard Acres 225 Acres Standard Acres 3.0 Acres/1,000 Metro Parks 0 Acres Existing Need 180.6 0 Acres Existing Need 225 50-100 Acres 180.6 Acres Standard Acres 225 Acres Standard Acres 3.0 Acres/1,000 General Open Space 25.73 Acres Existing Need 34.47 25.73 Acres Existing Need 49.27 1.0 Acre/1,000 60.2 Acres Standard Acres 75 Acres Standard Acres Special Use Facility 15.6 Acres Existing Need 44.6 15.6 Acres Existing Need 59.4 1.0 Acre/1,000 60.2 Acres Standard Acres 75 Acres Standard Acres School Parks 63.81 Acres Existing Surplus 3.61 63.81 Acres Existing Need 11.19 1.0 Acre/1,000 60.2 Acres Standard Acres 75 Acres Standard Acres Total Park Acres 196.39 Acres Existing Need 466.21 196.39Acres Existing Need 628.61 11.0 Acres/1,000 662.6 Acres Standard Acres 825 Acres Standard Acres 2026 Total Park Need Need 2000 Total Park Analysis for Planning Area Analysis for Planning 466.21 Acres 628.61 Acres Area Homeowners * 77.25 Acres Existing + 77.25 Acres 77.25 Acres Existing + 77.25 Acres Association Property

Outdoor Recreational Asset Statistical Analysis

Picnic Pavilions 12 Sites Existing Need 12 12 Sites Existing Need 18 1 Site/2,500 24 Sites Standard Sites 30 Sites Standard Sites

Baseball 200' Outfield 14 Fields Existing Need 5 14 Fields Existing Need 10 1 Field/3,125 19 Fields Standard Fields 24 Fields Standard Sites Baseball 300' Outfield 0 Fields Existing Need 3 0 Fields Existing Need 4 1 Field/18,000 3 Fields Standard Fields 4 Fields Standard Fields Softball Fields 14 Fields Existing Surplus 2 14 Fields Existing Need 1 (Youth Competitive) 12 Fields Standard Fields 15 Fields Standard Field 1 Field/5,000 Softball Fields 0 Fields Existing Need 3 0 Fields Existing Need 4 (Adult Competitive) 3 Fields Standard Fields 4 Fields Standard Fields 1 Field/18,000 Soccer Fields 11 Fields Existing Need 4 10 Fields Existing Need 9 (Youth/Competitive/Practice) 15 Fields Standard Fields 19 Fields Standard Fields 1 Field/4,000

Soccer Fields 11 Fields Existing Surplus 1 11 Fields Existing Need 1 (Regulation/Competitive) 10 Fields Standard Field 12 Fields Standard Field 1 Field/6,000 Football Fields 11 Fields Existing Surplus 1 11 Fields Existing Need 1 (Competitive/Practice) 10 Fields Standard Field 12 Fields Standard Field 1 Field/6,000 Lacrosse/Field Hockey Fields 0 Fields Existing Need 1 0 Fields Existing Need 1 1 Field/50,000 1 Field Standard Field 1 Field Standard Field Dog Parks 0 Sites Existing Need 1 0 Sites Existing 1 Need 1 1 Site/50,000 1 Site Standard Site Site Standard Site Skate Parks 0 Sites Existing Need 1 0 Sites Existing 1 Need 1 (Inline, Skateboard, BMX) 1 Site Standard Site Site Standard Site 1 Site/50,000 33 34

Ten-Minute Walk Zone Analysis

The following map depicts walkable service areas based upon a ten-minute walk, based on a three mile-per- hour walking pace, to parks in the Bayside Planning Area. Areas highlighted in green are within a ten minute walk of a park utilizing the City’s existing rights-of-way, showing areas that are currently served by City parks and areas that require additional focus of resources. The walk-zone analysis is much more practical of a service area analysis as opposed to the typical distance circle-radius service area buffers because they account for physical barriers such as Virginia Beach’s many waterways and areas without roadways which cannot be crossed or otherwise accessed.

Williams Farm Community Park (Under Construction Spring 2008) —Williams Farm Community Park was constructed in partnership with Virginia Beach Public Schools, simultaneous with the new Diamond Springs Elementary School and rebuilding of Newton Elementary School. The collaborative project included an extensive asphalt shared-use pathway network which connects the park and schools campus to area residents. Safer pedestrian road crossings are also provided to nearby Betty F. Williams Elementary School and Bayside Middle School.

35 – This – This Thalia Creek Greenway runs project greenway proposed area in the Creek along Thalia The master Center. Town around in completed was plan document plan The master April 2007. at crossing a pedestrian includes and Center I-264 to link Town Mount Trashmore. ways and Trails Plan, the following Trails ways and existing or are recommended for implementation: existing or are recommended for implementation: – According to the City’s adopted Bike According to the City’s – This cor- – This Bayside Middle School has been iden- School has Bayside Middle program tified to participate in a pilot targeted that will involve grant funding children of the number at increasing to school. New safely walking/biking to improve improvements infrastructure upon will be decided safety pedestrian the community. with input from Safe Routes to School Program Safe Routes

Norfolk Southern Railroad Right of Right of Norfolk Southern Railroad Boulevard Way/Southern ridor is identified for mass tran- a potential to incorporate sit. There is this along use path shared parallel the Bayside Planning within corridor Area Bikeways and Trails System - System Bikeways and Trails bikeways and trails system initiatives either initiatives system bikeways and trails

Bayside Recommendations

Lake Lawson and Lake Smith Natural Area Acquire remaining undeveloped property along Lakes Lawson and Smith to create a 40-acre waterfront natural area with enhanced public access to a system of freshwater lakes.

Witchduck Lake Site Pursue opportunities to preserve remaining natural areas along south side of Witchduck Lake and provide recreational improvements to serve as a waterfront park.

Bayside Recommendations

Williams Community Park and Learning Circle School Campus Parks – Develop as a major public athletic complex in coordination with the athletic fields available at the three elementary schools.

Amhurst Neighborhood Park—Acquire undeveloped land adjacent to undeveloped City parkland on north side of Baker Road to improve as a neighborhood park.

Wesleyan Drive Site – Pursue partnership with Virginia Wesleyan College to jointly utilize undeveloped property on north side of Wesleyan Drive for public athletic fields.

Lake Edward Neighborhood Park Expansion – Expand neighborhood park improvements at Lake Edward Neighborhood Park.

New Neighborhood Park Development – Encourage dedication of required open space/parkland to City (as opposed to homeowners association) with new infill residential development. Also, pursue acquisition of neighborhood park-size undeveloped property in need areas.

Skate Park Need - The Outdoor Recreational Amenity statistical analysis shows a need for a new skate park to serve the Bayside Planning Area. It is recommended that the City continue with its overall City-wide action sports park strategy to consider providing additional community park-scale skate parks after evaluating annual trends with attendance at existing municipal skate parks. If there is a demonstrated need it is recommended that a new skate park be developed and operated with the planned new West Bayside Community Center.

Preservation of Residual City Land and Right-of-Way – Preserve existing City-owned land parallel to roadways (i.e. Independence Blvd.) and pursue development of pocket parks in these areas where appropriate.

Thoroughgood Canoe-Kayak Launch - Evaluate the feasibility of providing limited non-motorized watercraft access improvements to open space site acquired adjacent to Adam Thoroughgood House. As well as the possibility of additional historical education and interpretive passive recreation.

Great Neck Planning Area

Current Reality The Great Neck Planning area is characterized primarily by large lot/low- density residential development with the majority of recreational opportunity existing as neighborhood parks or homeowner association property. In addition, the presence of scenic tidal waterways such as Broad Bay, Linkhorn Bay and the many tributaries of the Eastern Branch of the Lynnhaven River provide for unique open space view sheds and opportunities for water access in Great Neck.

Also, opportunities for additional open space preservation as part of the on- going real estate acquisition process associated with the implementation of the Oceana Land Use Conformity Plan within the Great Neck Planning Area.

The table below provides the 2000 census population as well as the theoretical build-out population for Great Neck, estimated in the City’s 2003 Comprehensive Plan.

Percent Great Neck Planning Area is Year Population Change geographically bound by Broad Census Year - 2000 35,075 Bay, Lynnhaven Bay and Long Creek to the north; Interstate 264 Theoretical Build-Out Year - 2026 46,046 31% to the south; Linkhorn Bay to the While the proportion of growth projection figures cited above are generally east; and the Eastern Branch of correct, sole reliance should not be used for determinations of specific the Lynnhaven River to the west. facility demand.

As mentioned above, significant features that are uniquely located in Great Neck that affect the City’s planning for outdoor recreation in that planning area include: • First Landing State Park • Chesapeake Bay public beaches • Access to Lynnhaven River, Broad Bay and Linkhorn Bay • Major Homeowners Association/Private Parks and Recreation Amenities as well as the presence of Broad Bay Point Greens Country Club and Cavalier Golf Course and Yacht Club • Large-lot residential areas • Recreation associates, such as the Great Neck Recreation Great Neck Metro Park Association, provide outdoor athletic programming opportunities t o area youth.

The results of community involvement, statistical analysis, and equity mapping completed for the planning area, explained on the forthcoming pages, applied to the unique circumstances of Great Neck served as the primary drivers for the overall open space and outdoor planning recommendations that are provided at the end of this section. 39

Open Space/Parkland Statistical Analysis

Open Space/Parkland Statistical Analysis - The table below applies the City’s new park designation service standards to the planning area’s 2000 census population as well as the projected theoretical build-out for the year 2026. The analysis includes park designations that can be located within relatively small geographic areas, such as planning areas. For example, three park designation standards are not applied to planning area analysis because they are larger in size and/or have a unique site characteristic that provides more of a city- wide recreational opportunity. For example, Signature Parks, Natural Areas and Linkages (i.e. trails that transcend planning area boundaries) are not applied to the planning area analysis but are applied to the city- wide statistical analysis provided in the Capital Improvement Program Impact section of this plan. Consequently, the planning area statistical standard for parkland/open space is 11 acres/1,000 residents while the city-wide statistical standard for parkland/open space is 16 acres/1,000 residents. Note: The statistical analysis is only one tool in determining service area gaps.

General Open Space 29.24 Acres Existing Need 5.83 29.24 Acres Existing Need 16.81 1.0 Acre/1,000 35.07 Acres Standard Acres 46.05 Acres Standard Acres

Special Use Facility 8.3 Acres Existing Need 26.77 8.3 Acres Existing Need 37.25 1.0 Acre/1,000 35.07 Acres Standard Acres 46.05 Acres Standard Acres

School Parks 23.56 Acres Existing Need 11.51 23.56 Acres Existing Need 22.50 1.0 Acre/1,000 35.07 Acres Standard Acres 46.05 Acres Standard Acres

Total Park Acres 203.09 Acres Existing Need 182.74 203.09 Acres Existing Need 303.41 11.0 Acres/1,000 385.83 Acres Standard Acres 506.5 Acres Standard Acres

Need 2026 Total Analysis for Need 2000 Total Park Analysis for Planning Area 182.74 Acres Planning Area 303.41 Acres Homeowners * 40.27 Acres Existing + 40.27 Acres 40.27 Acres Existing + 40.27 Acres Association Property

Outdoor Recreational Asset Statistical Analysis

Asset Standard Asset Standard Asset Asset Type and Applied to 2000 Asset Results Applied to 2026 Results for Virginia Beach Population and for 2000 Population and 2026 Standard Existing Park Population Existing Park Population Inventory Inventory Tennis Courts 38 Courts Existing Surplus 31 38 Courts Existing Surplus 29 1 Court/5,000 7 Courts Standard Courts 9 Courts Standard Courts Outdoor Basketballs 24 Courts Existing Surplus 10 24 Courts Existing Surplus 6 1 Court/2,500 14 Courts Standard Courts 12 Courts Standard Courts Playgrounds 21 Sites Existing Surplus 4 21 Sites Existing Need 2 1 Site/2,000 17 Sites Standard Sites 23 Sites Standard Sites Picnic Pavilions 22 Sites Existing Surplus 8 22 Sites Existing Surplus 4 1 Site/2,500 14 Sites Standard Sites 18 Sites Standard Sites Baseball 200' Outfield 13 Fields Existing Surplus 2 13 Fields Existing Need 2 1 Field/3,125 11 Fields Standard Fields 15 Fields Standard Fields Baseball 300' Outfield 3 Fields Existing Surplus 1 3 Fields Existing Need 0 1 Field/18,000 2 Fields Standard Field 3 Fields Standard Fields Softball Fields 11 Fields Existing Surplus 4 11 Fields Existing Surplus 2 (Youth Competitive) 7 Fields Standard Fields 9 Fields Standard Fields 1 Field/5,000 Softball Fields 1 Field Existing Need 1 1 Field Existing Need 2 (Adult Competitive) 2 Fields Standard Field 3 Fields Standard Fields 1 Field/18,000 Soccer Fields 9 Fields Existing Need 0 9 Fields Existing Need 3 (Youth/Competitive/Practice) 9 Fields Standard Fields 12 Fields Standard Fields 1 Field/4,000 Soccer Fields 9 Fields Existing Surplus 3 9 Fields Existing Surplus 1 (Regulation/Competitive) 6 Fields Standard Fields 8 Fields Standard Field 1 Field/6,000 Football Fields 9 Fields Existing Surplus 3 9 Fields Existing Surplus 1 (Competitive/Practice) 6 Fields Standard Fields 8 Fields Standard Field 1 Field/6,000 Lacrosse/Field Hockey Fields 0 Fields Existing Need 0 0 Fields Existing Need 0 1 Field/50,000 0 Field Standard Fields 0 Fields Standard Fields Dog Parks 0 Sites Existing Need 0 0 Sites Existing Need 0 1 Site/50,000 0 Site Standard Sites 0 Sites Standard Sites Skate Parks 0 Sites Existing Need 0 0 Sites Existing Need 0 (Inline, Skateboard, BMX) 0 Site Standard Sites 0 Sites Standard Sites 1 Site/50,000

Ten-Minute Walk Zone Analysis

The following map depicts walkable service areas based upon a ten-minute walk, based on a three mile-per- hour walking pace, to parks in the Great Neck Planning Area. Areas highlighted in green are within a ten minute walk of a park utilizing the City’s existing rights-of-way, showing areas that are currently served by City parks and areas that require additional focus of resources. The walk-zone analysis is much more practical of a service area analysis as opposed to the typical distance circle-radius service area buffers because they account for physical barriers such as Virginia Beach’s many waterways and areas without roadways which cannot be crossed or otherwise accessed.

Great Neck Road Wide Sidewalk - An asphalt shared-use pathway now extends along the entire length of London Bridge Road to the wide sidewalk along Great Neck Road, over the Long Creek bridge, and eventually connects to the Cape Henry Trail in the adjoining Bayfront Planning Area. The pathway and sidewalk connect Great Neck residents to several community destinations such as schools, parks, and neighborhood shopping centers.

Birdneck Road Road Birdneck Pathway Shared Use a proposed – This is the east pathway along side of the roadway Booth General between Norfolk Boulevard and Avenue. – Provide connections in – Provide connections First Colonial Road Shared-Use Road Shared-Use First Colonial Pathway gaps sidewalk/pathway current Rd. and Great Laskin between side on north Rd., especially Neck between Mill Dam & Great Neck Roads. Bikeways and Trails Plan, the Trails Bikeways and ther existing or are recommended for implementation: implementation: or are recommended for ther existing According to the City’s adopted According to the City’s Bikeways and Trails System - System Bikeways and Trails following bikeways and trails system initiatives ei initiatives system following bikeways and trails

Great Neck Recommendations

Washington Square – This is a neighborhood where there is currently a park walkable service area gap. There is an undeveloped property nearby where there is an opportunity to acquire and develop a new neighborhood park site.

Wolfsnare Pit—In order to address the Great Neck Planning Area open space need and City-wide athletic field need it is recommended that the end use of the City-owned Wolfsnare Pit site be designated for recreation as a potential Metro Park or Special Use Athletic Facility for limited park and athletic field development.

Oceana Land Use Conformity Plan – Coordinate open space and compatible recreational uses as part of the Oceana Land Use Conformity Plan area. Acquisitions should be evaluated to address existing park walkable service area gaps in the south part of Great Neck.

Preservation of Mill Dam General Open Space Site – Preserve City-owned, wooded open space along east side of First Colonial Road while also providing a low-impact shared-use pathway connection between Mill Dam and Great Neck Roads.

Preservation of Residual City Land and Right-of-Way – Preserve existing City- owned land parallel to roadways, such as surrounding the Great Neck Road Long Creek bridge and pursue limited recreational improvements in these areas where appropriate.

Public Access to and from Lynnhaven River – Provide additional opportunities for public access to Lynnhaven River considering residual City-owned waterfront property and other sites. An opportunity to provide enhanced access to the Lynnhaven River may be to partner with the Commonwealth of Virginia at First Landing State Park’s existing 64th Street waterway access.

Little Neck Planning Area

Current Reality The Little Neck Planning Area is characterized by established residential neighborhoods, Town Center and Pembroke. The Eastern and Western Branches of the Lynnhaven River define the Little Neck peninsula itself. The majority of the planning area is developed with limited opportunities for acquiring undeveloped properties for preservation and future recreational uses. However, recent opportunities have occurred in the past to provide open space and enhance outdoor recreation including preservation wooded area parallel to much of the west side of Little Neck Road; the development of the plaza at Town Center; assumption of the Lynnhaven baseball complex; and start of the implementation of the Thalia Creek Greenway Master Plan. Future opportunities for open space preservation and enhancing outdoor recreation for Little Neck Little Neck Planning Area is residents should be focused on continuing to implement the Thalia geographically bund by Lynnhaven Creek Greenway Master Plan; providing physical access to Mount Bay to the north, Interstate 264 to Trashmore Signature Park; and incorporating green space with the south, the eastern branch of the reshaping projects. Lynnhaven River to the east, and the western branch of the The table below provides the 2000 census population as well as the Lynnhaven River to the west. theoretical build-out population for the Bayside estimated in the City’s 2003 Comprehensive Plan. Percent Year Population Change Census Year - 2000 29,429 Theoretical Build-Out Year - 2026 31,397 7% While the proportion of growth projection figures cited above are generally correct, sole reliance on these figures should not be used for determinations of specific facility demand.

Significant features that are uniquely located in Little Neck and affect Thalia Creek Greenway the City’s planning for outdoor recreation in the planning area include: Primary Corridor

• Established single-family residential neighborhoods • Town Center • Eastern and Western Branches of Lynnhaven River • Thalia Creek • Norfolk-Southern right-of-way opportunity

The results of community involvement, statistical analysis, and equity mapping completed for the planning area explained on the forthcoming pages, applied to the unique circumstances of Little Neck, served as the primary drivers for the overall open space and Lynnhaven Baseball outdoor planning recommendations that are provided at the end of Complex this section. 46

Open Space/Parkland Statistical Analysis

Park Standard Park Park Acreage Park Standard Applied Site Type and Applied to 2000 Acreage Results for to 2026 Population and Virginia Beach Population and Results for 2000 Existing Park Standard Existing Park 2026 Population Inventory Inventory Population Neighborhood Parks 59.28 Acres Existing Surplus 0.48 59.28 Acres Existing Need 3.52 .25-15 Acres 58.8 Acres Standard Acres 62.8 Acres Standard Acres 2.0 Acres/1,000 Community Parks 0 Acres Existing Need 88.2 0 Acres Existing Need 94.1 15-50 Acres 88.2 Acres Standard Acres 94.1 Acres Standard Acres 3.0 Acres/1,000 Metro Parks 0 Acres Existing Need 88.2 0 Acres Existing Need 94.1 50-100 Acres 88.2 Acres Standard Acres 94.1 Acres Standard Acres 3.0 Acres/1,000 General Open Space 10.79 Acres Existing Need 18.61 10.79 Acres Existing Need 20.61 1.0 Acre/1,000 29.40 Acres Standard Acres 31.4 Acres Standard Acres

Special Use Facility 15.6 Acres Existing Need 13.81 15.6 Acres Existing Need 43.68 1.0 Acre/1,000 29.40 Acres Standard Acres 31.4 Acres Standard Acres School Parks 26.43 Acres Existing Need 2.7 26.43 Acres Existing Need 4.97 1.0 Acre/1,000 29.40 Acres Standard Acres 31.4 Acres Standard Acres

Total Park Acres 112.1 Acres Existing Need 211.04 112.1 Acres Existing Need 233.26 11.0 Acres/1,000 323.71 Acres Standard Acres 345.36 Acres Standard Acres

Need 2026 Total Park Analysis Need 2000 Total Park Analysis for Planning Area 205.17 Acres for Planning Area 226.69 Acres Homeowners * 6.57 Acres Existing + 6.57 Acres Acres Existing + 6.57 Acres Association Property

Outdoor Recreational Asset Statistical Analysis

Asset Standard Asset Standard Asset Asset Type and Applied to 2000 Asset Results Applied to 2026 Results for Virginia Beach Population and for 2000 Population and 2026 Standard Existing Park Population Existing Park Population Inventory Inventory Tennis Courts 8 Courts Existing Surplus 2 8 Courts Existing Surplus 2 1 Court/5,000 6 Courts Standard Courts 6 Courts Standard Courts Outdoor Basketballs 19 Courts Existing Surplus 7 19 Courts Existing Surplus 7 1 Court/2,500 12 Courts Standard Courts 12 Courts Standard Sites Playgrounds 14 Sites Existing Need 5 14 Sites Existing Need 7 1 Site/2,000 19 Sites Standard Sites 21 Sites Standard Sites Picnic Pavilions 2 Sites Existing Need 10 2 Sites Existing Need 10 1 Site/2,500 12 Sites Standard Sites 12 Sites Standard Sites Baseball 200' Outfield 7 Fields Existing Need 2 7 Fields Existing Need 3 1 Field/3,125 9 Fields Standard Fields 10 Fields Standard Fields Baseball 300' Outfield 1 Field Existing Need 1 1 Field Existing Need 1 1 Field/18,000 2 Fields Standard Field 2 Fields Standard Field Softball Fields 7 Fields Existing Surplus 1 7 Fields Existing Surplus 1 (Youth Competitive) 6 Fields Standard Field 6 Fields Standard Field 1 Field/5,000 Softball Fields 0 Fields Existing Need 2 0 Fields Existing Need 2 (Adult Competitive) 2 Fields Standard Fields 2 Fields Standard Fields 1 Field/18,000 Soccer Fields (Youth/Competitive/ 10 Fields Existing Surplus 3 10 Fields Existing Surplus 2 Practice) 7 Fields Standard Fields 8 Fields Standard Fields 1 Field/4,000 Soccer Fields 10 Fields Existing Surplus 5 10 Fields Existing Surplus 5 (Regulation/Competitive/) 5 Fields Standard Fields 5 Fields Standard Fields 1 Field/6,000 Football Fields 6 Fields Existing Surplus 1 6 Fields Existing Surplus 1 (Competitive/Practice) 5 Fields Standard Field 5 Fields Standard Field 1 Field/6,000 Lacrosse/Field Hockey 0 Fields Existing Need 0 0 Fields Existing Fields Need 0 Sites 0 Fields Standard Sites 0 Fields Standard 1 Field/50,000 Dog Parks 0 Sites Existing Need 0 0 Sites Existing Need 0 Sites 1 Site/50,000 0 Site Standard Sites 0 Site Standard Skate Parks 0 Sites Existing Need 0 0 Sites Existing (Inline, Skateboard, BMX) Need 0 Sites 0 Site Standard Sites 0 Site Standard 1 Site/50,000

– This corridor corridor – This – This is an – This is Norfolk Southern Railroad Right of Way Norfolk Southern Railroad Boulevard and Southern is There for mass transit. is identified parallel shared a potential to incorporate within the Little this corridor along use path Area. Planning Neck Little Neck Trail Little Neck Trail existing shared use path along of Little Neck side the west Road from Virginia Beach Blvd. to W. Little Neck Rd. ways and Trails Plan, the following Trails ways and existing or are recommended for implementation: existing or are recommended for implementation: According to the City’s adopted Bike According to the City’s – This proposed – This proposed Bikeways and Trails System - System Bikeways and Trails bikeways and trails system initiatives either initiatives system bikeways and trails Thalia Creek Greenway Thalia Creek Greenway greenway project runs along Thalia Creek Thalia Creek along runs project greenway Center. The Town in the area around in completed was plan document master a includes plan The master April 2007. to link Town crossing at I-264 pedestrian Trashmore. and Mount Center 51

Little Neck Recommendations

Thalia Creek Greenway Implementation Acquire necessary land and easements both preserve and provide future public access improvements within the greenway corridor in accordance with the Master Plan.

Public Access to and from Lynnhaven River - Provide additional opportunities for public access to Lynnhaven River and Thalia Creek considering such sites as Thalia Elementary School; open space opportunities within the Thalia Creek Greenway and existing publicly-owned waterfront sites.

Preservation of Little Neck Road Property – Preserve City-owned general open space sites along west side of Little Neck Road as a buffer to adjacent residential neighborhoods.

Preservation of Residual City Land and Right-of-Way – Preserve existing City- owned land parallel to roadways and pursue development of pocket parks in these areas where appropriate.

New Neighborhood Park Development – Coordinate with Little Neck residents in renovation of existing parks and through redevelopment projects to ensure available parkland is meeting their needs. Also, pursue acquisition of neighborhood park-size undeveloped property in need areas.

Additional Athletic Field Need – Evaluate all existing parkland and elementary school sites to provide new athletic field improvements primarily to serve Little Neck residents.

Little Neck Recommendations

Thalia Creek Greenway Implementation Acquire necessary land and easements both preserve and provide future public access improvements within the greenway corridor in accordance with the Master Plan.

Preservation of Little Neck Road Property – Preserve City-owned general open space sites along west side of Little Neck Road as a buffer to adjacent residential neighborhoods.

Preservation of Residual City Land and Right-of-Way – Preserve existing City- owned land parallel to roadways and pursue development of pocket parks in these areas where appropriate.

Additional Athletic Field Need – Evaluate all existing parkland and elementary school sites to provide new athletic field improvements primarily to serve Little Neck residents.

Oceanfront Planning Area

Current Reality The Oceanfront Planning Area is characterized by a unique mix of established residential neighborhoods and a thriving resort area; which originated as the Town of Virginia Beach. The obvious influence on the area is its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the presence of its public beaches. The Convention Center, lodging establishments and supporting commercial areas provide the conduit for the main influx of visitors to Virginia Beach, who also benefit from the open space and outdoor recreational opportunities of the area.

The most significant future opportunities to preserve open space as well as provide additional outdoor recreational improvements will involve coordinating with the federal government and the Commonwealth of The Oceanfront Planning Area is Virginia on large tracts of undeveloped property under their ownership. Additional opportunities to provide public open space include reshaping geographically bound by First projects such as those associated with the 19th Street corridor Landing State Park and Fort improvements. Open space preservation is also a significant part of the on- Story Army Base to the north; going real estate acquisition process associated with the implementation of Dam Neck Naval Base to the the Oceana Land Use Conformity Plan within the Oceanfront Planning south the Atlantic Ocean to the Area. east; and Oceana Naval Air

The table below provides the 2000 census population as well as the theoretical Station to the west. build-out population for the Oceanfront estimated in the City’s 2003 Comprehensive Plan. Percent Year Population Change Census Year - 2000 27,046 Theoretical Build-Out Year - 2026 29,448 9% While the proportion of growth projection figures cited above are generally correct, sole reliance on these figures should not be used for determinations of specific facility demand.

As mentioned-above, significant features that are uniquely located in the 31st Street Oceanfront Planning Area and affect the City’s planning for outdoor Beach Playground recreation in the planning area include: • Atlantic Ocean beaches and Boardwalk • First Landing State Park • Camp Pendleton • Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center • Public water access to Owls Creek, Lake Rudee, and the Atlantic Ocean • Large state and federally-owned undeveloped properties

The results of community involvement, statistical analysis, and equity mapping completed for the planning area, explained on the forthcoming pages, applied to the unique circumstances of Oceanfront served as the Owl Creek Municipal primary drivers for the overall open space and outdoor planning Boat Ramp recommendations that are provided at the end of this section. 53

Open Space/Parkland Statistical Analysis

The table below applies the City’s new park designation service standards to the planning area’s 2000 census population as well as the projected theoretical build-out for the year 2026. The analysis includes park designations that can be located within relatively small geographic areas, such as planning areas. For example, three park designation standards are not applied to planning area analysis because they are larger in size and/or have a unique site characteristic that provides more of a city-wide recreational opportunity. For example, Signature Parks, Natural Areas and Linkages (i.e. trails that transcend planning area boundaries) are not applied to the planning area analysis but are applied to the city-wide statistical analysis provided in the Capital Improvement Program Impact section of this plan. Consequently, the planning area statistical standard for parkland/open space is 11 acres/1,000 residents while the city-wide statistical standard for parkland/open space is 16 acres/1,000 residents. Note: The statistical analysis is only one tool in determining service area gaps. Park Standard Park Standard Park Acreage Park Acreage Site Type and Applied to 2000 Applied to 2026 Results for Results for Virginia Beach Population and Population and 2000 2026 Standard Existing Park Existing Park Population Population Inventory Inventory Neighborhood Parks 31.47 Acres Existing Need 22.63 31.47 Acres Existing Need 27.43 .25-15 Acres 54.10 Acres Standard Acres 58.90 Acres Standard Acres 2.0 Acres/1,000 Community Parks 18 Acres Existing Need 63.14 18 Acres Existing Need 70.34 15-50 Acres 81.14 Acres Standard Acres 88.34 Acres Standard Acres 3.0 Acres/1,000 Metro Parks 0 Acres Existing Need 81.14 0 Acres Existing Need 88.34 50-100 Acres 81.14 Acres Standard Acres 88.34 Acres Standard Acres 3.0 Acres/1,000 General Open Space 39.34 Acres Existing Surplus 12.29 39.34 Acres Existing Surplus 9.89 1.0 Acre/1,000 27.05 Acres Standard Acres 29.45 Acres Standard Acres Special Use Facility 33.59 Acres Existing Surplus 6.54 33.59 Acres Existing Surplus 4.14 1.0 Acre/1,000 27.05 Acres Standard Acres 29.45 Acres Standard Acres School Parks 10.44 Acres Existing Need 16.61 10.44 Acres Existing Need 19.01 1.0 Acre/1,000 27.05 Acres Standard Acres 29.45 Acres Standard Acres

Linkage* 9.85 Acres Existing +9.85 Acres 9.85 Acres Existing + 9.85 Acres

Total Park Acres 142.69 Acres Existing Need 154.81 142.69 Acres Existing Need 181.23 11.0 Acres/1,000 297.50 Acres Standard Acres 323.92 Acres Standard Acres Public Beach** 120.6 Acres Existing + 120.6 Acres 120.6 Acres Existing + 120.6 Acres Need 2026 Total Analysis for Need 2000 Total Analysis for Planning Area 51.26 Acres Planning Area 90.08 Acres Homeowners *** 0.5 Acres Existing + 0.5 Acres 0.5 Acres Existing + 0.5 Acres Association Property

* Site type applied only to city wide needs analysis, not individual planning areas. **Public beach access is unique to the City of Virginia Beach. Consequently, there is not a public beach standard that most other municipalities provide for addressing that need for their residents. However, public beach is included in the overall open space available to Virginia Beach residents. *** Homeowners Association (HOA) Properties are not counted toward meeting the public park and open space need because they are not accessible to all Virginia Beach residents. However, HOA should be considered as recreational assets for the residents of the planning area that have legal access to them. 54

Outdoor Recreational Asset Statistical Analysis

Asset Standard Asset Standard Asset Asset Asset Type and Applied to 2000 Applied to 2026 Results for Results for Virginia Beach Population and Population and 2000 2026 Standard Existing Park Existing Park Population Population Inventory Inventory Tennis Courts 19 Courts Existing Surplus 13 19 Courts Existing Surplus 1 Court/5,000 5 Courts Standard Courts 6 Courts Standard 13Courts Outdoor Basketballs 5 Courts Existing Need 6 5 Courts Existing Need 6 1 Court/2,500 11 Courts Standard Courts 17 Courts Standard Courts Playgrounds 11 Sites Existing Need 3 11 Sites Existing Need 4 1 Site/2,000 14 Sites Standard Sites 15 Sites Standard Sites Picnic Pavilions 18 Sites Existing Surplus 7 18 Sites Existing Surplus 6 1 Site/2,500 11 Sites Standard Sites 12 Sites Standard Acres Baseball 200' Outfield 7 Fields Existing Need 1 7 Fields Existing Need 2 1 Field/3,125 8 Fields Standard Field 9 Fields Standard Fields Baseball 300' Outfield 1 Field Existing Need 1 1 Field Existing Need 1 1 Field/18,000 2 Fields Standard Field 2 Fields Standard Field Softball Fields 5 Fields Existing Need 0 5 Fields Existing Need 1 (Youth Competitive) 5 Fields Standard Fields 6 Fields Standard Field 1 Field/5,000 Softball Fields 0 Fields Existing Need 2 0 Fields Existing Need 2 (Adult Competitive) 2 Fields Standard Fields 2 Fields Standard Fields 1 Field/18,000 Soccer Fields 3 Fields Existing 3 Fields Existing Need 4 (Youth/Competitive/Practice) Need 4 Fields 7 Fields Standard 7 Fields Standard Fields 1 Field/4,000 Soccer Fields 3 Fields Existing Need 2 3 Fields Existing Need 2 (Regulation/Competitive/) 5 Fields Standard Fields 5 Fields Standard Fields 1 Field/6,000 Football Fields 3 Fields Existing Need 2 3 Fields Existing Need 2 (Competitive/Practice) 5 Fields Standard Fields 5 Fields Standard Fields 1 Field/6,000 Lacrosse/Field Hockey 0 Fields Existing 0 Fields Existing Need 0 Fields Need 0 Fields 0 Fields Standard 0 Fields Standard Fields 1 Field/50,000 Dog Parks 0 Sites Existing 0 Sites Existing Need 0 Need 0 Sites 1 Site/50,000 0 Site Standard 0 Site Standard Sites Skate Parks 0 Sites Existing 0 Sites Existing Need 0 (Inline, Skateboard, BMX) Need 0 Sites 0 Site Standard 0 Site Standard Sites 1 Site/50,000 55 56

Ten-Minute Walk Zone Analysis

The following map depicts walkable service areas based upon a ten-minute walk, based on a three mile-per- hour walking pace, to parks in the Oceanfront Planning Area. Areas highlighted in green are within a ten minute walk of a park utilizing the City’s existing rights-of-way, showing areas that are currently served by City parks and areas that require additional focus of resources. The walk-zone analysis is much more practical of a service area analysis as opposed to the typical distance circle-radius service area buffers because they account for physical barriers such as Virginia Beach’s many waterways and areas without roadways which cannot be crossed or otherwise accessed.

Norfolk Avenue Trail - This asphalt shared-use pathway serves as a linear park itself to Oceanfront residents, connecting to numerous neighborhoods from the west at Birdneck Road to the east at Pacific Avenue. Residents can safely ride, walk or skate to Salt Marsh Neighborhood Park to the west or to the primary destination of the Boardwalk or beaches to the east.

57 Bikeways and Trails System - According to the City’s adopted Bikeways and Trails Plan, the following bikeways and trails system initiatives either existing or are recommended for implementation:

First Landing to Aquarium Trail – The existing nine mile bike route between First Landing State Park and the Virginia Aquarium will be signed and marked to establish this trail as a recreational activity.

Laskin Road Gateway - Pedestrian access improvements will be provided to connect Ocean Walk Trail – This is an existing Ocean Walk to the trail, portions of which are boardwalk, that Boardwalk and bike links the Contemporary Art Center to path. Beach Garden Park to Laskin Road Gateway.

Pacific Avenue Trail – This is a proposed boardwalk trail parallel to Pacific Avenue along South Lake Holly which will bridge the Norfolk Ave. Trail (west) to the General Booth Blvd. Trail (south) and the Boardwalk and bike path to the east.

Oceanfront Recommendations

Marshview Park – Develop an 80+/- acre park in coordination with the federal government between the neighborhoods of Salt Marsh Point, Seatack, and Shadowlawn consistent with the Marshview Park Conceptual Plan to include upland areas for practice athletic fields, a natural/soft trail network and a potential dog park and public access for non-motorized watercraft to Lake Rudee.

Camp Pendleton – Coordinate with the Commonwealth of Virginia to establish a signature park to include significant improvements to support public beach access, special events, and outdoor recreational uses. The City currently leases several tracts at the site for Virginia Aquarium parking, Owl Creek Boat Ramp overflow parking, and Croatan/Pendleton beach use facility and parking.

Public Access to Atlantic Ocean Beaches – Provide expanded public access and supporting improvements to Atlantic Ocean beaches at Camp Pendleton.

Residual City Property/Right-of-way – Identify unique City property to preserve and, where appropriate, provide neighborhood park-level improvements.

Virginia Aquarium Animal Care Annex Site and Master Plan – Coordinate with Museums and Historic Preservation Department to create a master plan for the Virginia Aquarium with includes a system of natural areas and trails around Owls Creek.

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Central Section

Mount Trashmore Signature Park (Aerial Photograph from Backus Photography)

This section of the Plan provides for a comprehensive outdoor recreational system analysis of each of the three planning areas within the Central Section of Virginia Beach. Each planning area section includes the following: • Current Reality Introduction Princess Anne Athletic Complex • Open Space/Parkland Statistical Analysis • Outdoor Recreational Amenity Statistical Analysis • Comprehensive map depicting major roads, all existing City- owned parkland, all school sites, undeveloped property, open space opportunity sites, existing trails, and waterways • Ten-Minute Walk Zone Park Analysis by Equity Mapping • Map of significant planned trail projects that will provide connectivity • Recommendations by Outdoors Recreation Systems Components

The Courthouse, Holland, and Kempsville Planning Areas are located in the Central Section of Virginia Beach. The Central Section is geographically bound by Interstate 264 and Oceana Little Island Signature Park Naval Air Station to the north; West Neck Creek and the North Landing River to the south; the Chesapeake/Virginia Beach City line to the west; and the Atlantic Ocean (at Sandbridge) to the east.

Courthouse Planning Area

Current Reality The Courthouse Planning Area is the characterized by expansive suburban- scale residential areas as well as the community resource planned area of athletic, educational, entertainment and institutional villages that comprise Princess Anne Commons. The beachfront oasis of Sandbridge, located on the east side of Courthouse, provides unique access to expansive federal and state park areas as well as public access to Atlantic Ocean beaches. Many parks and recreational resources are located in between Princess Anne Commons and Sandbridge, including Red Wing Metro Park, Red Mill Farms and Ocean Lakes Community Parks, nearly 40 neighborhood parks and West Neck Creek Natural area. In addition, there are several opportunities to enhance the City’s parks and recreation system, which would not only serve Courthouse residents but also both City-wide as well as regional users, through both private/non-profit investment and development of existing City-owned resources.

Open space preservation is also a significant part of the on-going real estate acquisition process associated with the implementation of the Oceana Land Use Conformity Plan within the Inter-facility Traffic Area of Courthouse. The Courthouse Planning Area is geographically bound by the Oceana The table below provides the 2000 census population as well as the Naval Air Station and the Stumpy Lake theoretical build-out population for the Courthouse, estimated in the City’s Corridor to the North; West Neck 2003 Comprehensive Plan. Creek and the North Landing River to

Percent the south and west; and the Atlantic Year Population Change Ocean to the east.

Census Year - 2000 55,880

Theoretical Build-Out Year - 2026 81,847 46%

While the proportion of growth projection figures shown above are generally correct, sole reliance on these figures should not be used for determination of specific facility demand.

Significant features that are uniquely located in Courthouse Planning Area and affect the City’s planning for outdoor recreation in the planning area include: • Princess Anne Commons • Princess Anne Area New Residential Development – Homeowners Association open space, trails and recreational improvements • Little Island Signature Park • Water access to Back Bay, North Landing River, West Neck Creek and their tributaries • Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Red Wing Metro Park The results of community involvement, statistical analysis, and equity mapping completed for the planning area explained on the forthcoming pages, applied to the unique circumstances of Courthouse, served as the primary drivers for the overall open space and outdoor planning recommendations. 62

Open Space/Parkland Statistical Analysis

The table below applies the City’s new park designation service standards to the planning area’s 2000 census population as well as the projected theoretical build-out for the year 2026. The analysis includes park designations that can be located within relatively small geographic areas, such as planning areas. For example, three park designation standards are not applied to planning area analysis because they are larger in size and/or have a unique site characteristic that provides more of a city-wide recreational opportunity. For example, Signature Parks, Natural Areas and Linkages (i.e. trails that transcend planning area boundaries) are not applied to the planning area analysis but are applied to the city-wide statistical analysis provided in the Capital Improvement Program Impact section of this plan. Consequently, the planning area statistical standard for parkland/open space is 11 acres/1,000 residents while the city-wide statistical standard for parkland/open space is 16 acres/1,000 residents. Note: The statistical analysis is only one tool in determining service area gaps. Park Standard Park Acreage Park Acreage Site Type and Applied to 2000 Park Standard Applied Results for Results for Virginia Beach Population and to 2026 Population and 2000 2026 Standard Existing Park Existing Park Inventory Population Population Inventory Neighborhood Parks 249.77 Acres Existing Surplus 138.01 249.77 Acres Existing Surplus 86.07 .25-15 Acres 111.76 Acres Standard Acres 163.7 Acres Standard Acres 2.0 Acres/1,000 Community Parks 86.8 Acres Existing Need 80.84 86.8 Acres Existing Need 158.67 15-50 Acres 167.64 Acres Standard Acres 245.55 Acres Standard Acres 3.0 Acres/1,000 Metro Parks 96.5 Acres Existing Need 71.14 96.5 Acres Existing Need 149.50 50-100 Acres 167.64 Acres Standard Acres 245.5 Acres Standard Acres 3.0 Acres/1,000 General Open Space 411.3 Acres Existing Surplus 355.42 411.3 Acres Existing Surplus 329.45 1.0 Acre/1,000 55.88 Acres Standard Acres 81.85 Acres Standard Acres Special Use Facility 1331 Acres Existing Surplus 1275.12 1331 Acres Existing Surplus1245.15 1.0 Acre/1,000 55.88 Acres Standard Acres 81.85 Acres Standard Acres School Parks 87.15 Acres Existing Surplus 31.27 87.15 Acres Existing Surplus 5.3 1.0 Acre/1,000 55.88 Acres Standard Acres 81.85 Acres Standard Acres Total Park Acres 2262.52 Acres Existing Surplus 1647.84 2262.52 Acres Existing Surplus 1362.17 11.0 Acres/1,000 614.68 Acres Standard Acres 900.35 Acres Standard Acres Signature Parks* 123 Acres Existing + 123 Acres 123 Acres Existing + 123 Acres 100+ Acres Natural Areas* 217 Acres Existing + 217 Acres 217 Acres Existing + 217 Acres

Public Beach** 45.5 Acres Existing + 45.5 Acres 45.5 Acres Existing + 45.5 Acres Surplus 2026 Total Park Analysis Surplus 2000 Total Park Analysis for Planning Area 2559.21 Acres for Planning Area 2273.54 Acres Homeowners *** 376.37 Acres Existing + 376.37 Acres 376.37 Acres Existing + 376.37 Acres Association Property

*Site type applied only to city wide needs analysis, not individual planning areas. **Public beach access is unique to the City of Virginia Beach. Consequently, there is not a public beach standard that most other municipalities provide for addressing that need for their residents. However, public beach is included in the overall open space available to Virginia Beach residents. ***Homeowners Association (HOA) Properties are not counted toward meeting the public park and open space need because they are not accessible to all Virginia Beach residents. However, HOA should be considered as recreational assets for the residents of the planning area that have legal access to them. 63

Outdoor Recreational Asset Statistical Analysis

Similar to the Open Space/Parkland Statistical Analysis, the table below applies the City’s outdoor recreational site type service standards that are unique to Virginia Beach to the planning area’s 2000 census population as well as the projected theoretical build-out for the year 2026. Note: The statistical analysis is only one tool in determining service area gaps. Asset Standard Asset Standard Asset Asset Type and Applied to 2000 Asset Results Applied to 2026 Results for Virginia Beach Population and for 2000 Population and 2026 Standard Existing Park Population Existing Park Population Inventory Inventory Tennis Courts 36 Courts Existing Surplus 25 36 Courts Existing Surplus 20 1 Court/5,000 11 Courts Standard Courts 16 Courts Standard Courts Outdoor Basketballs 50 Courts Existing Surplus 28 50 Courts Existing Surplus 17 1 Court/2,500 22 Courts Standard Courts 33 Courts Standard Courts Playgrounds 59 Sites Existing Surplus 31 59 Sites Existing Surplus 18 1 Site/2,000 28 Sites Standard Sites 41 Sites Standard Sites Picnic Pavilions 48 Sites Existing Surplus 26 48 Sites Existing Surplus 15 1 Site/2,500 22 Sites Standard Sites 33 Sites Standard Sites Baseball 200' Outfield 22 Fields Existing Surplus 4 22 Fields Existing Need 4 1 Field/3,125 18 Fields Standard Fields 26 Fields Standard Fields Baseball 300' Outfield 6 Fields Existing Surplus 3 6 Fields Existing Surplus 1 1 Field/18,000 3 Fields Standard Fields 5 Fields Standard Field Softball Fields 22 Fields Existing Surplus 11 22 Fields Existing Surplus 6 (Youth Competitive) 11 Fields Standard Fields 16 Fields Standard Fields 1 Field/5,000 Softball Fields 10 Fields Existing Surplus 7 10 Fields Existing Surplus 5 (Adult Competitive) 3 Fields Standard Fields 5 Fields Standard Fields 1 Field/18,000 Soccer Fields 35 Fields Existing Surplus 21 35 Fields Existing Surplus 14 (Youth/Competitive/Practice) 14 Fields Standard Fields 21 Fields Standard Fields 1 Field/4,000 Soccer Fields 35 Fields Existing Surplus 26 35 Fields Existing Surplus 21 (Regulation/Competitive/) 9 Fields Standard Fields 14 Fields Standard Fields 1 Field/6,000 Football Fields 13 Fields Existing Surplus 4 13 Fields Existing Need 0 (Competitive/Practice) 9 Fields Standard Fields 13 Fields Standard Fields 1 Field/6,000 Lacrosse/Field Hockey Fields 4 Fields Existing Surplus 3 4 Fields Existing Surplus 2 1 Field/50,000 1 Field Standard Fields 2 Fields Standard Fields Dog Parks 1 Site Existing Need 0 1 Site Existing Need 1 1 Site/50,000 1 Site Standard Sites 2 Sites Standard Site Skate Parks 0 Sites Existing Need 1 0 Sites Existing Need 2 (Inline, Skateboard, BMX) 1 Site Standard Site 2 Sites Standard Sites 1 Site/50,000 64 65

Ten-Minute Walk Zone Analysis

The following map depicts walkable service areas based upon a ten-minute walk, based on a three mile-per- hour walking pace, to parks in the Courthouse Planning Area. Areas highlighted in green are within a ten minute walk of a park utilizing the City’s existing rights-of-way, showing areas that are currently served by City parks and areas that require additional focus of resources. The walk-zone analysis is much more practical of a service area analysis as opposed to the typical distance circle-radius service area buffers because they account for physical barriers such as Virginia Beach’s many waterways and areas without roadways which cannot be crossed or otherwise accessed.

Dam Neck Road to General Booth Boulevard Trails - This lengthy spur of the City’s shared-use pathway system connects single-family and multi-family residential areas as well as community-scale commercial areas with several schools, Red Wing Metro Park, as well as a number of neighborhood parks. (Pictometry 2005) 66 –

Trail network subdivisions. under development new with Transition Area – Area Transition Princess Road/NimmoAnne Parkway sharedNew use pathways be constructedwill project. roadway with ways and Trails Plan, the following Trails ways and existing or are recommended for implementation: implementation: or are recommended for existing – A one mile racing criterion According to the City’s adopted Bike According to the City’s Princess Anne Commons Princess Anne track open to clubs for training is located at the Sportsplex. Numerous asphalt trails throughoutwind the complex. A proposed 5 kilometer looped shared use pathway for every day use and special events is under study. Bikeways and Trails System - System Bikeways and Trails bikeways and trails system initiatives either initiatives system bikeways and trails

Courthouse Recommendations

Indian River Road Southside - Acquire the 800+ acre site located on the edge of the City’s urban service boundary, just southeast of the intersection of Indian River and North Landing Roads. The site provides the unique opportunity to serve several different public purposes including active and passive recreation; preservation and restoration of environmentally

sensitive areas as well as public water access to

the North Landing River. Only low-impact,

sustainable development practices should be

considered in providing improvements to the site

due to its transitional location. Opportunities should be pursued to leverage City resources by collaborating with other government and non- profit organizations in the acquisition and management of the subject site.

Little Island Park Improvements – Update and implement the master plan for this Signature Park and provide low-impact and sustainable solutions to renovations of its supporting infrastructure.

Princess Anne Athletic Complex Expansion – Implement Phase II athletic fields development as well as other supporting park improvements to enhance the site’s use to the general public by serving as the City’s third Signature Park.

Princess Anne Commons Partnerships – Explore opportunities to leverage City-owned property with private and non-profit capital and operational resources to expand indoor and outdoor athletic field opportunities in the Princess Anne Commons Area.

Three Oaks Community Park - Develop and implement a master plan for this undeveloped park land to primarily include athletic fields to meet the City-wide athletic programming need.

Courthouse Recommendations

Skate Park Need - The 2026 statistical analysis shows a need for two skate parks to serve the Courthouse Planning Area. It is recommended that the City continue with its overall City-wide action sports park strategy to consider providing additional community park-scale skate parks after evaluating annual trends with attendance at existing municipal skate parks. If there is a demonstrated need it is recommended that the City’s next skate park be developed in Courthouse at either Red Wing Metro Park, Princess Anne Commons or the future Three Oaks Community Park.

Parks and Recreation Planning Resource for Homeowner Associations – Serve as a resource to homeowners associations by providing advice in the planning of capital improvement development and maintenance of recreation-related land and facilities.

School Field Improvements – Coordinate with Schools to improve existing athletic fields to increase their potential for meeting City-wide athletic field programming.

Stumpy Lake to Back Bay Greenway – Develop a comprehensive corridor feasibility and green infrastructure study for the Stumpy Lake to Back Bay Greenway.

West Neck and Canal #2 Greenway - Develop a comprehensive corridor feasibility and green infrastructure study for the West Neck Creek Greenway which utilizes existing general open space properties and provides new public access to the City’s scenic waterway network.

West Neck Creek Natural Area – Update and implement the master plan for this natural area to enhance public access throughout the site in balance with its natural environment and character.

Provide Additional Opportunities for Public Water Access to Back Bay, North Landing River and West Neck Creek, including the following potential locations: • Lotus Gardens Park in partnership with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service • North Landing River at Gum Swamp • Vicinity of Shipps Corner or London Bridge Rd./Dam Neck Rd. area • West Neck Creek at Indian River Road

Holland Planning Area

Current Reality

The Holland Planning Area is one of the more densely populated areas of the City with its interconnecting suburban neighborhoods and supporting commercial development, including Lynnhaven Mall. The primary outdoor recreational opportunity for Holland is to provide additional public access to the area’s scenic waterways and also perform feasibility studies to determine if establishing greenways parallel to these scenic waterways can be accomplished.

The table below provides the 2000 census population as well as the theoretical build-out population for the Courthouse, estimated in the City’s 2003 Comprehensive Plan.

Percent Year Population Change The Holland Planning Area is Census Year - 2000 79,599 geographically bound by interstate Theoretical Build-Out Year - 2026 93,411 17% 264 to the north, the Chesapeake/ Virginia Beach City line to the south; Dam Neck Road and Princess Anne While the proportion of growth projection figures cited above are Commons to the east; and Salem, generally correct, sole reliance on these figures should not be used Princess Anne, and Baxter Roads for determination of specific facility demand. to the west.

Significant features that are uniquely located in the Holland Planning Area and affect the City’s planning for outdoor recreation in the planning area include:

• Mount Trashmore Signature Park • Bow Creek Park, Recreation Center and Golf Course • Large homeowners associations with recreational land and facilities • Water access to London Bridge Creek and tributaries to the North Landing River

The results of community involvement, statistical analysis, and equity mapping completed for the planning area explained on the Mount Trashmore forthcoming pages, applied to the unique circumstances of Holland, served as the primary drivers for the overall open space and Signature Park outdoor planning recommendations that are provided at the end of this section.

Open Space/Parkland Statistical Analysis

Park Standard Park Standard Park Park Acreage Site Type and Applied to 2000 Applied to 2026 Acreage Results for Virginia Beach Population and Population and Results for 2000 Standard Existing Park Existing Park 2026 Population Inventory Inventory Population Neighborhood Parks 84.09 Acres Existing Need 75.11 84.09 Acres Existing Need 102.71 .25-15 Acres 159.2 Acres Standard Acres 186.8 Acres Standard Acres 2.0 Acres/1,000 Community Parks 30.7 Acres Existing Need 208.1 30.7 Acres Existing Need 249.5 15-50 Acres 238.8 Acres Standard Acres 280.2 Acres Standard Acres 3.0 Acres/1,000 Metro Parks 0 Acres Existing Need 238.8 0 Acres Existing Need 280.2 50-100 Acres 238.8 Acres Standard Acres 280.2 Acres Standard Acres 3.0 Acres/1,000 General Open Space 189.85 Acres Existing Surplus 110.25 189.85 Acres Existing Surplus 96.45 1.0 Acre/1,000 79.6 Acres Standard Acres 93.4 Acres Standard Acres

Special Use Facility 118.24 Acres Existing Surplus 38.64 118.24 Acres Existing Surplus 24.84 1.0 Acre/1,000 79.6 Acres Standard Acres 93.4 Acres Standard Acres School Parks 90.33 Acres Existing Surplus 10.73 90.33 Acres Existing Need 3.07 1.0 Acre/1,000 79.6 Acres Standard Acres 93.4 Acres Standard Acres Total Park Acres 513.21 Acres Existing Gross Need 513.21 Acres Existing Gross Need 11.0 Acres/1,000 875.6 Acres Standard 362.39 Acres 1027.4 Acres Standard 514.19 Acres

Signature Park* 165 Acres Existing + 165 Acres 165 Acres Existing + 165 Acres

2000 Total Park Analysis for Planning Need 2026 Total Analysis Need Area 38.01 Acres for Planning Area 189.81 Acres Homeowners ** + 159.38 159.38 Acres Existing + 159.38 Acres 159.38 Acres Existing Association Property Acres

* Site type applied only to city wide needs analysis, not individual planning areas ** Homeowners Association (HOA) Property are not counted toward meeting the public park and open space need because they are not accessible to all Virginia Beach residents. However, HOA should be considered as recreational assets for the residents of the planning area that have legal access to them. 71

Outdoor Recreational Asset Statistical Analysis

Asset Standard Asset Standard Asset Asset Type and Applied to 2000 Asset Results Applied to 2026 Results for Virginia Beach Population and for 2000 Population and 2026 Standard Existing Park Population Existing Park Population Inventory Inventory Tennis Courts 14 Courts Existing Need 2 14 Courts Existing Need 6 1 Court/5,000 16 Courts Standard Courts 20 Courts Standard Courts Outdoor Basketballs 58 Courts Existing Surplus 26 58 Courts Existing Surplus 21 1 Court/2,500 32 Courts Standard Courts 37Courts Standard Courts Playgrounds 37 Sites Existing Need 3 37 Sites Existing Need 10 1 Site/2,000 40 Sites Standard Sites 47 Sites Standard Sites Picnic Pavilions 45 Sites Existing Surplus 13 45 Sites Existing Surplus 8 1 Site/2,500 32 Sites Standard Sites 37 Sites Standard Sites Baseball 200' Outfield 12 Fields Existing Need 13 12 Fields Existing Need 18 1 Field/3,125 25 Fields Standard Fields 30 Fields Standard Fields Baseball 300' Outfield 0 Fields Existing Need 4 0 Fields Existing Need 5 1 Field/18,000 4 Fields Standard Fields 5 Fields Standard Fields Softball Fields 12 Fields Existing Need 4 12 Fields Existing Need 7 (Youth Competitive) 16 Fields Standard Fields 19 Fields Standard Fields 1 Field/5,000 Softball Fields 0 Fields Existing Need 4 0 Fields Existing Need 5 (Adult Competitive) 4 Fields Standard Fields 5 Fields Standard Fields 1 Field/18,000 Soccer Fields 16 Fields Existing Need 4 16 Fields Existing Need 7 (Youth/Competitive/Practice) 20 Fields Standard Fields 23 Fields Standard Fields 1 Field/4,000 Soccer Fields 16 Fields Existing Surplus 3 16 Fields Existing Need 0 (Regulation/Competitive/) 13 Fields Standard Fields 16 Fields Standard Fields 1 Field/6,000 Football Fields 16 Fields Existing Surplus 3 16 Fields Existing Need 0 (Competitive/Practice) 13 Fields Standard Fields 16 Fields Standard Fields 1 Field/6,000 Lacrosse/Field Hockey Fields 0 Fields Existing Need 2 0 Fields Existing Need 2 1 Field/50,000 2 Fields Standard Fields 2 Fields Standard Fields

Dog Parks 0 Sites Existing Need 2 0 Sites Existing Need 2 1 Site/50,000 2 Sites Standard Sites 2 Sites Standard Sites Skate Parks 1 Site Existing Need 1 1 Site Existing Need 1 (Inline, Skateboard, BMX) 2 Sites Standard Site 2 Sites Standard Site 1 Site/50,000

Ten-Minute Walk Zone Analysis

S. Independence Blvd. Trail

The S. Independence Blvd. shared use path, parallel to the east side of South Independence Blvd., between Holland Rd. and Lynnhaven Pkwy. provides connectivity to Mount Trashmore Signature Park, Green Run Park, and Buckner Farms Park from surrounding neighborhoods and schools.

Bikeways and Trails System - According to the City’s adopted Bikeways and Trails Plan, the following bikeways and trails system initiatives either existing or are recommended for implementation:

South Independence Boulevard – This is an existing shared use pathway parallel to the east side of South Independence Blvd between Holland Rd and Lynnhaven Pkwy

London Bridge Road – This is an existing shared use pathway parallel to the east side of London Bridge Rd between Dam Neck Rd and Virginia Beach Blvd.

Rosemont Road – This is an existing shared use pathway parallel to the east side of Rosemont Rd between Dam Neck Rd and Buckner Blvd.

Holland Recommendations

The Stumpy Lake to Back Bay Greenway Develop a comprehensive corridor feasibility and green infrastructure study for the Stumpy Lake to Back Bay Greenway

London Bridge Creek Greenway - Develop a comprehensive corridor feasibility and green infrastructure study for the London Bridge Creek Greenway which utilizes existing residual City-owned property and provides new public access to the City’s scenic waterway network.

Mount Trashmore Signature Park Master Plan – Implement improvements to Mount Trashmore Signature Park in accordance with the Master Plan.

Green Run Neighborhood Park - Provide recreational improvements and connections to adjacent neighborhoods to increase the viability of this relatively large, centrally-located neighborhood park.

Parks and Recreation Planning Resource for Homeowner Associations – Serve as a resource to homeowners associations, such as Green Run, by providing advice in the planning of capital improvement development and maintenance of recreation-related land and facilities.

School Field Improvements – Coordinate with Schools to improve existing athletic fields to increase their potential for additional athletic programs.

Public Access to Lynnhaven River Tributaries – Provide additional public access opportunities to Lynnhaven River’s tributaries and Canal #2 at: • London Bridge Creek site on Potters Road • Vicinity of Ships Corner or London Bridge Rd./Dam Neck Rd. area • Opportunities in the vicinity of Brook wood Elementary School

Virginia Power Right-of-Way - Acquire a strategic 4.4 mile long, 66-foot wide linkage that extends from the Municipal Center through the Holland and Kempsville Planning Areas to Baxter Road. The corridor has the potential to serve as a potential linear park and shared- use pathway, similar to the existing trail network parallel to Rosemont Road and

Kempsville Planning Area

Current Reality The Kempsville Planning Area is by far the most populated planning area in the City. The preservation of the 1,422 Stumpy Lake Natural Area , the largest City-owned parkland, provides that much more of a positive impact because of the contrast with the development that surrounds it. It addition to Stumpy Lake Natural Area, over 45 park sites are currently located throughout Kempsville. City View Metro Park, Salem Woods Community Park and Woodstock Community Park are the most utilized larger parks. While Charlestown Athletic Park, Lark Downs and Newlight are the most utilized neighborhood parks because of the athletic facilities that exist at those sites.

While the majority of Kempsville is developed, according to the City’s The Kempsville Planning Area is Comprehensive Plan, it is projected that the planning area will see its geographically bound by Interstate population increase over the next 30 years by nearly 30%. 264 to the north; the Chesapeake/

Virginia Beach City line to the south The table below provides the 2000 census population as well as the and west; Salem Road and Princess theoretical build-out population for Kempsville, estimated in the City’s Anne Road to the east. 2003 Comprehensive Plan.

Percent Year Population Change Census Year - 2000 101,301

Theoretical Build-Out Year - 2026 130,123 28%

While the proportion of growth projection figures cited above are generally correct, sole reliance on these figures should not be used for determinations of specific facility demand.

Significant features that are uniquely located in the Kempsville City View Metro Park Planning Area and affect the City’s planning for outdoor recreation in the planning area include:

• Stumpy Lake Natural Area • Elizabeth River • Landfill #2

The results of community involvement, statistical analysis, and equity mapping completed for the planning area explained on the forthcoming pages, applied to the unique circumstances of Kempsville, served as the primary drivers for the overall open space and outdoor planning recommendations that are provided at Woodstock Community Park the end of this section. 77

Open Space/Parkland Statistical Analysis

Park Standard Park Standard Park Park Acreage Site Type and Applied to 2000 Applied to 2026 Acreage Results for Virginia Beach Population and Population and Results for 2000 Standard Existing Park Existing Park 2026 Population Inventory Inventory Population Neighborhood Parks 189.78 Acres Existing Need 12.82 189.78 Acres Existing Need 70.46 .25-15 Acres 202.6 Acres Standard Acres 260.24 Acres Standard Acres 2.0 Acres/1,000 Community Parks 105.95 Acres Existing Need 197.95 105.95 Acres Existing Need 284.42 15-50 Acres 303.9 Acres Standard Acres 390.37 Acres Standard Acres 3.0 Acres/1,000 Metro Parks 43.5 Acres Existing Need 260.4 43.5 Acres Existing Need 346.87 50-100 Acres 303.9 Acres Standard Acres 390.37 Acres Standard Acres 3.0 Acres/1,000 General Open Space 73.47 Acres Existing Need 27.83 73.47 Acres Existing Need 56.63 1.0 Acre/1,000 101.3 Acres Standard Acres 130.1 Acres Standard Acres Special Use Facility 426 Acres Existing Surplus 324.7 426 Acres Existing Surplus 295.9 1.0 Acre/1,000 101.3 Acres Standard Acres 130.1 Acres Standard Acres School Parks 103.2 Acres Existing Surplus 1.9 103.2 Acres Existing Need 26.9 1.0 Acre/1,000 101.3 Acres Standard Acres 130.1 Acres Standard Acres

Total Park Acres 941.9 Acres Existing Gross Need 941.9 Acres Existing Gross Need 11.0 Acres/1,000 1114.3 Acres Standard 172.4 Acres 1431.1 Acres Standard 489.2 Acres

Natural Resource Area* 1120 Acres Existing + 1120 Acres 1120 Acres Existing + 1120 Acres

Surplus 2026 Total Analysis for Surplus 2000 Total Analysis for Planning Area 947.6 Acres Planning Area 630.8 Acres Homeowners ** 456 Acres Existing + 456 Acres 456 Acres Existing + 456 Acres Association Property

*Site type applied only to city wide needs analysis, not individual planning areas ** Homeowners Association (HOA) Property are not counted toward meeting the public park and open space need because they are not accessible to all Virginia Beach residents. However, HOA should be considered as recreational assets for the residents of the planning area that have legal access to them.

Outdoor Recreational Asset Statistical Analysis

Asset Standard Asset Standard Asset Asset Type and Applied to 2000 Asset Results Applied to 2026 Results for Virginia Beach Population and for 2000 Population and 2026 Standard Existing Park Population Existing Park Population Inventory Inventory Tennis Courts 43 Courts Existing Surplus 23 43 Courts Existing Surplus 17 1 Court/5,000 20 Courts Standard Courts 26 Courts Standard Courts Outdoor Basketballs 59 Courts Existing Surplus 18 59 Courts Existing Surplus 7 1 Court/2,500 41 Courts Standard Courts 52 Courts Standard Courts Playgrounds 56 Sites Existing Surplus 6 56 Sites Existing Need 9 1 Site/2,000 50 Sites Standard Sites 65 Sites Standard Sites Picnic Pavilions 48 Sites Existing Surplus 8 48 Sites Existing Need 4 1 Site/2,500 40 Sites Standard Sites 52 Sites Standard Sites Baseball 200' Outfield 37 Fields Existing Surplus 5 37 Fields Existing Need 4 1 Field/3,125 32 Fields Standard Fields 41 Fields Standard Fields Baseball 300' Outfield 7 Fields Existing Surplus 2 7 Fields Existing Need 0 1 Field/18,000 5 Fields Standard Fields 7 Fields Standard Fields Softball Fields 37 Fields Existing Surplus 17 37 Fields Existing Surplus 11 (Youth Competitive) 20 Fields Standard Fields 26 Fields Standard Fields 1 Field/5,000 Softball Fields 3 Fields Existing Need 1 3 Fields Existing Need 4 (Adult Competitive) 4 Fields Standard Field 7 Fields Standard Fields 1 Field/18,000 Soccer Fields (Youth/Competitive/ 11 Fields Existing Need 14 11 Fields Existing Need 22 Practice) 25 Fields Standard Fields 33 Fields Standard Fields 1 Field/4,000 Soccer Fields 11 Fields Existing Need 5 11 Fields Existing Need 11 (Regulation/Competitive/) 16 Fields Standard Fields 22 Fields Standard Fields 1 Field/6,000 Football Fields 11 Fields Existing Need 5 11 Fields Existing Need 11 (Competitive/Practice) 16 Fields Standard Fields 22 Fields Standard Fields 1 Field/6,000 Lacrosse/Field Hockey 0 Fields Existing Need 2 0 Fields Existing Need 3 Fields 2 Fields Standard Fields 3 Fields Standard Fields 1 Field/50,000 Dog Parks 1 Site Existing Need 1 1 Site Existing Need 2 1 Site/50,000 2 Sites Standard Site 3 Sites Standard Sites Skate Parks 1 Site Existing Need 1 1 Site Existing Need 2 (Inline, Skateboard, BMX) 2 Sites Standard Site 3 Sites Standard Sites 1 Site/50,000

Ten-Minute Walk Zone Analysis

Level Green Neighborhood Park Trail Connections An extensive asphalt shared-use pathway at the Level Green Neighborhood Park provides several connections to adjacent residential areas in addition to serving as a recreational amenity for the park itself.

Bikeways and Trails System - According to the City’s adopted Bikeways and Trails Plan, the following bikeways and trails system initiatives either existing or are recommended for implementation:

Witchduck Road – New shared use paths are being planned with the roadway widening project on both sides of the new roadway between Witchduck Road and I-264

Princess Anne/Kempsville Road Intersection Improvement Project Historic Kempsville Plan pedestrian connectivity improvements

Indian River Road Phase VII Improvement Potential for Stumpy Lake to Back Bay Greenway

Kempsville Recommendations

Stumpy Lake Natural Area Master Plan– Implement phased public access improvements as recommended in the Master Plan with connections to Woodbridge area on Lynnhaven Parkway.

Stumpy Lake to Back Bay Greenway- Develop a comprehensive corridor feasibility and green infrastructure study for the Stumpy Lake to Back Bay Greenway.

Avalon Woods Site / Neighborhood Park Gaps – Address neighborhood park service area gaps in Arrowhead, College Park/Level Green, and Woods of Avalon. The proposed Avalon Woods Neighbor- hood Park site is shown to the left.

Historic Kempsville Plan – Coordinate with Princess Anne/Kempsville Road Intersection project to incorporate central plaza/open space and pedestrian connections to existing neighborhoods as well as planned mixed use areas.

Woodbridge Community Park - Develop and implement a master plan for the 25-acre wooded parcel that can potentially serve both as an additional link to the Stumpy Lake Natural Area from Lynnhaven Parkway as well as a park for the Woodbridge area residents.

Parks and Recreation Planning Resource for Homeowner Associations – Serve as a resource to homeowners associations, such as Indian Lakes, by providing advice in the planning of capital improvement development and maintenance of recreation-related land and facilities.

School Field Improvements – Coordinate with Schools to improve existing athletic fields to increase their potential for additional athletic program.

City View Park Expansion/Landfill #2 End Use – Monitor the use of Landfill #2, which comprises over 400 acres, to determine appropriate time for developing an master plan for the expansion of City View Park.

Kempsville Recommendations

Skate Park Need - The 2026 statistical analysis shows a need for two additional skate parks to serve the Kempsville Planning Area, in addition to Woodstock Skate Plaza which opened in April 2007. It is recommended that the City continue with its overall City-wide action sports park strategy to consider providing additional community park- scale skate parks after evaluating annual trends with attendance at existing municipal skate parks. If there is a demonstrated need for another skate park in this area, it is recommended that either Woodstock Skate Plaza be expanded or that a new skate park be considered for City View Metro Park.

Elizabeth River Greenway – Develop a comprehensive corridor feasibility and green infrastructure study for the Elizabeth River Greenway.

Public Access to Elizabeth River and Tributaries – Evaluate providing non-motorized watercraft public access improvements to the Elizabeth River at the Avalon Woods site and Hunts Pointe Park.

Public Access to Salem Canal – Evaluate providing non-motorized watercraft public access improvements to the Salem Canal at either Salem Woods or Wyndamere Parks.

Virginia Power Right-of-Way - Acquire a strategic 4.4mile long, 66-foot wide linkage that extends from the Municipal Center through the Holland and Kempsville Planning Areas to Baxter Road. The corridor has the potential to serve as a potential linear park and shared-use pathway, similar to the existing trail network parallel to Rosemont Road and Independence Boulevard.

Southern Section

Downtown Pungo

This section of the Plan provides for a comprehensive outdoor recreational system analysis of each of the three planning areas within the Southern Section of Virginia Beach. Each planning area section includes the following: Blackwater Fire Station • Current Reality Introduction and Park • Open Space/Parkland Statistical Analysis

• Outdoor Recreational Amenity Statistical Analysis • Comprehensive map depicting major roads, all existing City- owned parkland, all school sites, undeveloped property, open space opportunity sites, existing trails, and waterways • Ten-Minute Walk Zone Park Analysis by Equity Mapping • Map of significant planned trail projects that will provide connectivity • Recommendations by Outdoors Recreation Systems Components

The Southern Section of Virginia Beach encompasses only one planning area, Pungo/Blackwater. The Southern Section is geographically bound by West Neck Creek and Indian River Road to the north; the Virginia/North Carolina Border to the south; Horn Point Water Access Site the Chesapeake/Virginia Beach City line to the west; and the

Atlantic Ocean to the east.

Pungo/Blackwater Planning Area

Current Reality The Pungo/Blackwater Planning Area represents the rural landscape and lifestyle that encompasses nearly 40% of Virginia Beach. The Agricultural Reserve Program is the primary tool for preserving the rural character, agri-business, and, in effect visual open space for which Pungo/Blackwater is known. As of April 2008, over 7,300 acres have been enrolled in the program. In addition, several state and federal government agencies as well as non-profit organizations have preserved thousands of acres of natural habitat for both indigenous plants and animals as well as migrating birds.

The City’s policy of relegating urban services well north of Pungo/ Blackwater has limited development and effectively also limited the need to focus open space acquisition program resources in this area thus far. The table below provides the 2000 census population as well as the theoretical build-out population for Pungo/Blackwater, Pungo/Blackwater is geographically estimated in the City’s 2003 Comprehensive Plan. bound by West Neck Creek and Indian River Road to the north; the Virginia/ Percent Year Population North Carolina state line to the south; Change the Atlantic Ocean to the east; and the Census Year - 2000 4,525 Chesapeake/Virginia Beach City line to the west. Theoretical Build-Out Year - 2026 6,005 33% While the proportion of growth projection figures cited above are generally correct, sole reliance on these figures should not be used for determinations of specific facility demand.

Significant features that are uniquely located in Pungo/Blackwater and affect the City’s planning for outdoor recreation in the planning area include: • Agri-business and Rural Heritage • Agricultural Reserve Program easement properties • Munden Point Metro Park • Water access to Back Bay, North Landing River, West Neck Creek and their tributaries • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Back Bay and Mackay Is- land National Wildlife Refuges • Department of Conservation and Recreation - False Cape State Park and North Landing River Natural Area Preserve • Nature Conservancy properties The results of community involvement, statistical analysis, and eq- Munden Point Metro Park uity mapping completed for the planning area explained on the forthcoming pages, applied to the unique circumstances of Pungo/ Blackwater, served as the primary drivers for the overall open space and outdoor planning recommendations that are provided at the end of this section. 86

Open Space/Parkland Statistical Analysis

Open Space/Parkland Statistical Analysis - The table below applies the City’s new park designation service standards to the planning area’s 2000 census population as well as the projected theoretical build-out for the year 2026. The analysis includes park designations that can be located within relatively small geographic areas, such as planning areas. For example, three park designation standards are not applied to planning area analysis because they are larger in size and/or have a unique site characteristic that provides more of a city-wide recreational opportunity. For example, Signature Parks, Natural Areas and Linkages (i.e. trails that transcend planning area boundaries) are not applied to the planning area analysis but are applied to the city-wide statistical analysis provided in the Capital Improvement Program Impact section of this plan. Consequently, the planning area statistical standard for parkland/open space is 11 acres/1,000 residents while the city-wide statistical standard for parkland/open space is 16 acres/1,000 residents. Note: The statistical analysis is only one tool in determining service area gaps.

Park Standard Park Standard Park Acreage Park Acreage Site Type and Applied to 2000 Applied to 2026 Results for Results for Virginia Beach Population and Population and 2000 2026 Standard Existing Park Existing Park Population Population Inventory Inventory Neighborhood Parks 23.05 Acres Existing Surplus 14 23.05 Acres Existing Surplus 11.05 .25-15 Acres 9.05 Acres Standard Acres 12 Acres Standard Acres 2.0 Acres/1,000 Community Parks 0 Acres Existing Need 13.5 0 Acres Existing Need 18 15-50 Acres 13.5 Acres Standard Acres 18 Acres Standard Acres 3.0 Acres/1,000 Metro Parks 100 Acres Existing Surplus 86.5 100 Acres Existing Surplus 82 50-100 Acres 13.5 Acres Standard Acres 18 Acres Standard Acres 3.0 Acres/1,000 General Open Space 0 Acres Existing Need 4.53 0 Acres Existing Need 6 1.0 Acre/1,000 4.53 Acres Standard Acres 6 Acres Standard Acres Special Use Facility 0 Acres Existing Need 4.53 0 Acres Existing Need 6 1.0 Acre/1,000 4.53 Acres Standard Acres 6 Acres Standard Acres School Parks 6.42 Acres Existing Surplus 1.89 6.42 Acres Existing Surplus 0.42 1.0 Acre/1,000 4.53 Acres Standard Acres 6 Acres Standard Acres

Total Park Acres 129.47 Acres Existing Surplus 79.7 129.47 Acres Existing Surplus 63.42 11.0 Acres/1,000 49.775 Acres Standard Acres 66.05 Acres Standard Acres

Surplus 2026 Total Analysis for Surplus 2000 Total Analysis for Planning Area 79.7 Acres Planning Area 63.42 Acres Homeowners * 5.57 Acres Existing + 5.57 Acres 5.57 Acres Existing + 5.57 Acres Association Property

Outdoor Recreational Asset Statistical Analysis

Outdoor Recreational Amenity Statistical Analysis - Similar to the Open Space/Parkland Statistical Analysis, the table below applies the City’s outdoor recreational site type service standards that are unique to Virginia Beach to the planning area’s 2000 census population as well as the projected theoretical build-out for the year 2026. Note: The statistical analysis is only one tool in determining service area gaps. Asset Standard Asset Standard Asset Asset Type and Applied to 2000 Asset Results Applied to 2026 Results for Virginia Beach Population and for 2000 Population and 2026 Standard Existing Park Population Existing Park Population Inventory Inventory Tennis Courts 2 Courts Existing Surplus 1 2 Courts Existing Surplus 1 1 Court/5,000 1 Court Standard Court 1 Court Standard Court Outdoor Basketballs 5 Courts Existing Surplus 3 5 Courts Existing Surplus 3 1 Court/2,500 2 Courts Standard Courts 2 Courts Standard Courts Playgrounds 7 Sites Existing Surplus 5 7 Sites Existing Surplus 4 1 Site/2,000 2 Sites Standard Sites 3 Sites Standard Sites Picnic Pavilions 10 Sites Existing Surplus 8 10 Sites Existing Surplus 8 1 Site/2,500 2 Sites Standard Sites 2 Sites Standard Sites Baseball 200' Outfield 8 Fields Existing Surplus 6 8 Fields Existing Surplus 6 1 Field/3,125 2 Fields Standard Fields 2 Fields Standard Fields Baseball 300' Outfield 2 Fields Existing Surplus 2 2 Fields Existing Surplus 1 1 Field/18,000 0 Fields Standard Fields 1 Field Standard Field Softball Fields 5 Fields Existing Surplus 4 5 Fields Existing Surplus 4 (Youth Competitive) 1 Field Standard Fields 1 Fields Standard Fields 1 Field/5,000 Softball Fields 3 Fields Existing Surplus 3 3 Fields Existing Surplus 2 (Adult Competitive) 0 Fields Standard Fields 1 Field Standard Fields 1 Field/18,000 Soccer Fields 0 Fields Existing Need 1 0 Fields Existing Need 2 (Youth/Competitive/Practice) 1 Field Standard Field 2 Fields Standard Fields 1 Field/4,000

Soccer Fields 0 Fields Existing Need 1 0 Fields Existing Need 1 (Regulation/Competitive) 1 Field Standard Field 1 Field Standard Field 1 Field/6,000 Football Fields 0 Fields Existing Need 1 0 Fields Existing Need 1 (Competitive/Practice) 1 Field Standard Field 1 Field Standard Field 1 Field/6,000 Lacrosse/Field Hockey Fields 0 Fields Existing Need 0 0 Fields Existing Need 0 1 Field/50,000 0 Fields Standard Fields 0 Fields Standard Fields Dog Parks 0 Sites Existing Need 0 0 Sites Existing Need 0 1 Site/50,000 0 Sites Standard Sites 0 Sites Standard Sites Skate Parks 0 Sites Existing Need 0 0 Sites Existing Need 0 (Inline, Skateboard, BMX) 0 Sites Standard Sites 0 Sites Standard Sites 1 Site/50,000 88

Ten-Minute Walk Zone Analysis

In theory, the following map would depict a walkable service areas for a ten-minute walk, based on a three mile- per-hour walking pace, to parks in the Pungo/Blackwater Planning Area. For example, areas highlighted in green would be within a ten minute walk of a park utilizing the City’s existing rights-of-way, showing areas that are currently served by City parks and areas that require additional focus of resources. However, due to the rural nature and the especially low population density of residential areas of the Pungo/Blackwater Planning Area, achieving a ten-minute there is not practical nor desirable to achieve.

ways and Trails Plan, the following Trails ways and existing or are recommended for implementation: According to the City’s adopted Bike According to the City’s - It is recommended all all - It is recommended Princess Anne Road Road Princess Anne rural road improvements require a paved paved a require improvements rural road as well connectivity bicycle safer for shoulder for the safety traffic. of rural-based Bikeways and Trails System - System Bikeways and Trails bikeways and trails system initiatives either initiatives system bikeways and trails

Pungo/Blackwater Recommendations

Stumpy Lake to Back Bay Greenway – Develop a comprehensive corridor feasibility and green infrastructure study for the Stumpy Lake to Back Bay Greenway.

North Landing River Greenway - Develop a comprehensive corridor feasibility and green infrastructure study for the North Landing River Greenway which utilizes existing residual City-owned property, Nature Conservancy property and federal and state property to provide new public access to the City’s scenic waterway network.

Provide Additional Opportunities for Public Water Access to Back Bay, North Landing River and West Neck Creek, including the following potential locations: • Lovitts Landing in partnership with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service • West Neck Creek at Indian River Road

Summary of City-Wide Recommendations

This section of the Plan summarizes the comprehensive outdoor recreational system analysis for the entire City in terms of providing the following:

• City-Wide Open Space/Parkland Statistical Analysis

• City-Wide Ten-Minute Walk Zone Park Analysis by Equity Mapping

• City-wide Outdoor Recreational Amenity Statistical Analysis

• City-wide Recommendations by Outdoors Recreation System Components

The results of all the comprehensive outdoor recreational system analysis will be considered along with the Athletic Field Capacity Demand Standards Model Recommendations to form the Overall Funding Recommendations and Implementation Strategies, which will include a general phasing plan.

City-wide Open Space/Parkland Statistical Analysis - The following table applies the City’s new park designation service standards to the planning area’s 2000 census population as well as the projected theoretical build-out for the year 2026. Open Space needs are addressed with the Overall Funding Recommendations.

Park Standard Park Standard Site Type and Applied to 2000 Park Acreage Applied to 2026 Park Acreage Virginia Beach Population and Results for Population and Results for Standard Existing Park 2000 Population Existing Park 2026 Population Inventory Inventory Neighborhood Parks 754.53 Acres Existing Need 95.99 754.53 Acres Existing Need 281.83 .25-15 Acres 850.52 Acres Standard Acres 1,036.36 Acres Standard Acres 2.0 Acres/1,000 Community Parks 303.12 Acres Existing Need 972.66 303.12 Acres Existing Need 1251.42 15-50 Acres 1,275.78 Acres Standard Acres 1,554.54 Acres Standard Acres 3.0 Acres/1,000

Metro Parks 378.03 Acres Existing Need 897.75 378.03 Acres Existing Need 1176.51 50-100 Acres 1,275.78 Acres Standard Acres 1,554.54 Acres Standard Acres 3.0 Acres/1,000

Signature Parks 288.36 Acres Existing Need 987.42 288.36 Acres Existing Need 1266.18 100+ Acres 1,275.78 Acres Standard Acres 1,554.54 Acres Standard Acres 3.0 Acres/1,000

Natural Resource Areas 1,340.17 Acres Existing Surplus 914.91 1,340.17 Acres Existing Surplus 821.99 1.0 Acres/1,000 425.26 Acres Standard Acres 518.18 Acres Standard Acres

General Open Space 793.04 Acres Existing Surplus 367.78 793.04 Acres Existing Surplus 274.86 1.0 Acre/1,000 425.26 Acres Standard Acres 518.18 Acres Standard Acres

School Park 406.51 Acres Existing Need 18.75 406.51 Acres Existing Need 111.67 1.0 Acre/1,000 425.26 Acres Standard Acres 518.18 Acres Standard Acres

Special Use Facility 1,988.45 Acres Existing Surplus 1563.19 1,988.45 Acres Existing Surplus 1470.27 1.0 Acre/1,000 425.26 Acres Standard Acres 518.18 Acres Standard Acres

Linkage 17.35 Acres Existing Need 407.91 17.35 Acres Existing Need 500.83 1.0 Acre/1,000 425.26 Acres Standard Acres 518.18 Acres Standard Acres

*Beach (Acres) 191.6 Acres 191.6 Acres 191.6 Acres Existing 191.6 Acres Existing No Standard Existing Existing

City-wide Park Acres 6,461.16 Acres Need 343 Acres 6,461.16 Acres Need 1,829.72 Standard Existing 6804.16 based on 2000 Existing 8290.88 Acres based on 16.0 Acres/1,000 Acres Standard Population Acres Standard 2026 Population

Additional Non-City-owned Parkland and Open Space Located Throughout the City Virginia Beach Home Owner Association* 1,320 Acres Existing n/a 1,320 Acres Existing n/a Property (Acres) State Parks** within 8,000 Acres Existing n/a 8,000 Acres Existing n/a Virginia Beach (Acres) Federal Parks** within 10,073 Acres Existing n/a 10,073 Acres Existing n/a Virginia Beach (Acres)

*Homeowners Association (HOA) Property are not counted toward meeting the public park and open space need because they are not accessible to all Virginia Beach residents. However, HOA should be considered as recreational assets for the residents of the planning area that have legal access to them. ** To a limited extent some of these state and federally-owned properties may not be fully accessible to the general on a year-round basis.

City-Wide Ten Minute Walk Zone Park Analysis By Equity Mapping

The following map depicts walk-able service areas based upon a ten- minute walk, at a three mile-per- hour walking pace, to parks throughout Virginia Beach. Areas highlighted in green are within a ten minute walk of a park utilizing the City’s existing rights-of-way. The shaded areas show areas that are currently served by City parks, while those that are not shaded may be areas that require additional focus of resources. However, before an area is accurately determined to be underserved by parkland, based on the 10-minute walk-time criteria, the following three considerations should be made: 1) Is a public elementary school within the service area? 2) Does the resident belong to a homeowners association (HOA)? If so, are there adequate HOA park sites that are within the service area? 3) Is it a large non-residential area where having a park within a 10-minute walk may not be practical or desirable?

Conclusions: After taking into account the three considerations, the following areas of the City appear to be within park walk-able service area gaps: Arrowhead, Avalon Woods*, Diamond Springs, North London Bridge Road Corridor*, Oceana Gardens East*, Pembroke Meadows, Shadowlawn*, and Washington Square*. These areas should be addressed through potential park dedications associated with infill development; through reshaping opportunities or other collaborative City acquisition or neighborhood improvement projects.

* Indicates subject site is addressed with an Outdoors Plan recommendation.

City-Wide Outdoor Recreational Asset Statistical Analysis - Similar to the Open Space/Parkland Statistical Analysis, the table below applies the City’s outdoor recreational site type service standards that are unique to Virginia Beach to the City’s 2000 census population as well as the projected theoretical build-out population for the year 2026. Outdoor recreational asset needs are proposed to be addressed with the Overall Funding Recommendations or through future adjustments to current asset programming.

Asset Standard Asset Standard Asset Type and Applied to 2000 Asset Results Asset Applied to 2026 Virginia Beach Population and for 2000 Results for 2026 Population and Standard Existing Park Population Population Existing Park Inventory Inventory

Tennis Courts 161 Courts Existing Surplus 76 161 Courts Existing Surplus 57 1 Court/5,000 85 Courts Standard Courts 104 Courts Standard Courts

Outdoor Basketball 236 Courts Existing Surplus 66 236 Courts Existing Surplus 29 1 Court/2,500 170 Courts Standard Courts 207 Courts Standard Courts

208 Sites 56 Sites 208 Sites 56 Sites Playgrounds Existing Existing Existing Existing Surplus 52 Surplus 5 (Parks & Schools) (Parks) (Schools) (Parks) (Schools) Sites Sites 1 Site/2,000 212 Sites Standard 259 Sites Standard

Picnic Pavilions 170 Sites Existing Need 0 170 Sites Existing Need 37 1 Site/2,500 170 Sites Standard Sites 207.28 Sites Standard Sites

Baseball 200' Outfield 115 Fields Existing Need 21 115 Fields Existing Need 51 1 Field/3,125 136Fields Standard Fields 166 Fields Standard Fields

Baseball 300' Outfield 20 Fields Existing Need 4 20 Fields Existing Need 9 1 Field/18,000 24 Fields Standard Fields 29 Fields Standard Fields

Softball Fields 110 Fields Existing Surplus 25 110 Fields Existing Surplus 6 (Youth Competitive) 85 Fields Standard Fields 104 Fields Standard Fields 1 Field/5,000 Softball Fields 19 Fields Existing Need 5 19 Fields Existing Need 10 (Adult Competitive) 24 Fields Standard Fields 29 Fields Standard Fields 1 Field/18,000

Soccer Fields 88 Fields Existing Need 18 88 Fields Existing Need 42 (Youth+Competitive+Practic 106 Fields Standard Fields 130 Fields Standard Fields e) 1 Field/4,000

Soccer Fields 88 Fields Existing Surplus 17 88 Fields Existing Surplus 2 (Regulation+Competitive) 71 Fields Standard Fields 86 Fields Standard Fields 1 Field/6,000

Football Fields 66 Fields Existing Need 5 66 Fields Existing Need 20 (Competitive+Practice) 71 Fields Standard Fields 86 Fields Standard Fields 1 Field/6,000

Lacrosse/Field Hockey 4 Fields Existing Need 4 4 Fields Existing Need 6 Fields (Overlay) 8 Fields Standard Fields 10 Fields Standard Fields 1 Field/50,000 Dog Parks 2 Sites Existing Need 6 2 Sites Existing Need 8 1 Site/50,000 8 Sites Standard Sites 10 Sites Standard Sites Skate Parks 2 Sites Existing Need 6 2 Sites Existing Need 8 (Inline, Skateboard) 8 Sites Standard Sites 10 Sites Standard Sites 1 Site/50,000 96

Summary Recommendations: Cultural & Natural Areas

• Open Space Preservation: Acquisition of approx. 1,200 acres on 10 sites and the designation of 467 acres on two existing sites of City property as future parkland. The ten recommended sites include: Avalon Woods (13 acres)*, Camp Pendleton (200-acre portion), Indian River Road South (820 acres), Lake Lawson Phase II (18 acres)*, Marshview (82 acres)*, Pleasure House Point (11-acre portion), Shore Drive preservation opportunities (3 acres), Virginia Power Right-of-way (35 acres)*, Washington Square (6 acres), and Witchduck Lake (12 acres).

* Approximately $4.466 million previously identified for these sites through existing CIP funds.

• Master Plan Development and Implementation for: Lake Lawson and Lake Smith Natural Area, Stumpy Lake Natural Area, West Neck Creek Natural Area and provide planning and design assistance with Lynnhaven House, Thoroughgood House, and Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center Master Plan

Lake Lawson/Lake Smith Natural Area Summary Recommendations: Parks and Athletic Facilities

• Future Signature Parks: Camp Pendleton, City View Expansion, Mount Trashmore and Little Island Master Plan Implementation and the enhancement of Princess Anne Athletic Complex and

• Future Metro Parks: Marshview and Wolfsnare Pit

• Future Community Parks: Providence, Three Oaks, Williams Providence Park Farm and Woodbridge (During Construction)

• Future Neighborhood Parks: Service area gap areas in Bayside, south Great Neck, and Kempsville Providence Park Conceptual Plan

Summary Recommendations: Trails

Implementation of Recommendations of the adopted Bikeways and Trails Plan with consideration of minor modifications as may be recommended by the City Council appointed Bikeways and Trails Advisory Committee.

Pedestrian System Gap Improvements through the Departments of Parks and Recreation and Public Works Capital Improvement Programs.

Summary Recommendations: Greenways, Beaches, and Scenic Waterways Greenways A greenway is a linear vegetated or open space which provides for a continuous nature corridor. Greenways can be designed for recreational use and non-motorized transportation, while providing bio-diversity, scenic beauty and serving as a habitat for wildlife.

The goal is to develop a comprehensive corridor feasibility and green infrastructure study for the following potential greenways: • Elizabeth River • London Bridge Creek/Canal #2 • North Landing River • Stumpy Lake to Back Bay

Thalia Creek Greenway Implementation Acquire necessary land and easements necessary to preserve the greenway corridor in accordance with the Master Plan. Kayaking on Thalia Creek within the master planned greenway

Beaches Beaches are simply the sand, and other natural areas, located along the City’s shoreline that is valued by the public for such activities as sunbathing, fishing, and a variety of water sports.

The goal is to provide enhanced public access and supporting infrastructure to the City’s Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean beaches, with the most significant recommendation being to acquire a significant portion of Camp Pendleton, including the areas currently leased by the City, to continue their current leased use and to expand use on the property as a future beachfront park.

Camp Pendleton/Croatan Beach Use Facility 98

Summary Recommendations: Greenways, Beaches, and Scenic Waterways Public Access to Scenic Waterways Opportunity Areas Scenic waterways are tidal and non-tidal oceans, bays, rivers, tributaries, streams, and lakes available for public (primarily non- motorized) water craft access.

The goal is to enhance existing and provide new public access improvements to the City’s scenic waterways as identified below or in other opportunity areas which may present themselves for each watershed. The following recommended public water access opportunities have been identified by watershed:

• Elizabeth River Watershed 1. Hunts Pointe 2. Woods of Avalon Marshview Site - Lake Rudee Public • Lynnhaven River Watershed Water Access 1. Adam Thoroughgood House 2. Pleasure House Point 3. First Landing State Park, partnership with DCR 4. Thalia Creek 5. Potters Road 6. Wolfsnare 7. Lynnhaven Road/Brookwood Elementary 8. Potential partnership with Lynnhaven River Now

• Owl Creek Watershed/Rudee Inlet Watershed Lovitts Landing 1. Marshview 2. Camp Pendleton

• North Landing River Watershed 1. Windamere 2. Salem Woods 3. North Landing River at Indian River Road 4. Stumpy Lake 5. Potential Partnerships with United States Fish and Wildlife Service

• Back Bay Watershed 1. Lotus Gardens, partnership with United States Fish and Wildlife Service 2. Lovitts Landing, partnership with United States Fish and Wildlife Service Adam Thoroughgood House and adjacent expansion property

Athletic Field Capacity Demand Standards Model

City Map of Diamond Fields on Park and School Sites

The map below depicts existing diamond/ball field locations throughout the City. Green diamonds indicate fields on school sites and purple diamonds indicate fields located on park properties. As shown by the map, diamond fields are relatively equitably spread throughout the City, however there is a heavier concentration of fields in the Princess Anne Commons and Kempsville areas of the City.

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City Map of Rectangular Fields on Park and School Sites

The map below depicts existing rectangular/multi-purpose field locations throughout the City. Green rectangles indicate multi-purpose fields on school sites and the purple rectangle indicates the complex of multi-purpose fields at the Princess Anne Athletic Complex. indicate fields located on park properties. As shown by the map, rectangular fields are also relatively equitably spread throughout the City, however there is a heavier concentration of fields in the Holland and Courthouse areas of the City. It should be noted that smaller multi- purpose fields may not be formally programmed at parks, but they are routinely used by youth athletics for practice at several parks throughout the City.

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Athletic Field Capacity Demand Standards Model Recommendations

In order to comprehensively evaluate how effectively Parks and Recreation programs its athletic fields located on park and schools property, it needed to have an objective third-party, expert in athletic field programming take an in-depth look at its approach and practices. PROS Consulting has been noted in the industry for their trademarked Capacity-Demand Standards Model, which takes a multi–pronged approach toward estimating the programming capacity of fields based on every factor from how the field was constructed, to the climate it is located within, to the ages and types of activities that are being played on it, to the availability of a fields capacity based on times of participants’ preferred use. Simply put, the purpose of the model is to assist in the managing and planning of assets to meet the demand of its users. PROS was selected to assist Parks and Recreation with its athletic field programming analysis.

PROS interviewed Parks and Recreation programming staff and had them complete in-depth field usage tables to determine, by each of the three playing seasons, who are using the fields; for what purposes and during what times; whether they were used for games or practice; practice only; or games only. Field characteristics were used in the programming evaluation formula based on their material type and quality of construction. In general the diamond and rectangular fields are characterized as either synthetic, engineered/irrigated, engineered/non- irrigated, non-engineered/irrigated and non-engineered/non-irrigated.

The results of the evaluation of both diamond and athletic fields for their characteristics and programmed use for each of the three seasons were as follows:

Season 1—January through May • Twenty-two (22) additional multi-purpose fields are required to meet the current demand, based on: - The seven assets that were inventoried - A total of 29 assets are required to meet current demand - Large, multi-purpose fields may provide additional capacity and should be considered to accommodate additional assets if there is adequate area Season 2—June through August • Ten (10) additional small multi-purpose fields are required to meet the current demand - A total of 7 assets were inventoried - In order to meet current demand, a total of 17 assets are required • Four (4) additional large softball fields are required to meet the current demand - Two (2) assets were not being programmed during this period - Small softball fields have excess capacity, it is recommended that all usage not requiring large softball fields be shifted to the non-used softball fields Season 3– September through December • Twenty-six (26) additional small multi-purpose fields are required to meet the current demand - A total of 7 assets were inventoried - To meet current demand, at total of 34 assets are required - One (1) asset was not being programmed during this period

The overall recommendation of the findings were that 26 small, rectangular multi-purpose fields are needed to meet current demand and four (4) additional large softball fields are needed to meet current demand. Those recommendations were based on the maximum number of fields, by type, needed during any one season. The capital, maintenance and operational costs associated with the athletic field demand recommendations are provided on the following pages.

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Overall Funding Recommendations and Implementation Strategies

Capital Improvement Program Funding Need - Land Cost Estimates (FY 08-09 Dollars)

Land Cost Estimates - Based on Fiscal Year 2008-09 City Real Estate Assessment

Open Space Sites Size (acres) Cost Estimate 9 sites 1,200 acres $17,171,600*

Considerations 1) Amount does not include the $4,466,000 of existing Open Space Acquisition Program funding for 4 of 10 sites, equaling 148 acres, previously identified based on past City Council direction. 2) Navy to deed 82-acre Marshview site, which is included as one of the ten sites, to the City as credited value for a restrictive easement on other land the City has acquired as part of the Oceana Land Use Conformity Plan.

City-owned Sites Proposed for Future Outdoor Recreational Use Size (acres) Minimum End Use Timeline City View Metro Park -phased expansion to Signature Park 400 acres 25+ years Wolfsnare Pit - future Metro Park 67 acres 10 years

Considerations 1) The length of time Landfill #2 and the Wolfsnare Pit remains active depends on several factors and is uncertain at this time. 2) Negligible capital costs anticipated assuming land management responsibilities from other City departments

Open Space Acquisition Program Capital Improvement Program Funding Recommendations and Implementation

As of May 2008, $7,100,000 remained unencumbered for future open space acquisitions. In addition, there is another $3,800,000 programmed in the Parks and Recreation Capital Improvement Program (CIP) through FY 2013-14. The target revenue is Pay-As-You Go funding from the Meals Tax. It is recommended that the existing $500,000/year continue to be funded through two additional CIP cycles to the FY 2026, which would bring the total appropriations to $16,200,000. Over the past 8 years, nearly $1,1000,000 has been appropriated to the Open Space Acquisition Program from private sources. An additional $600,000 is pending in open space- related grants. While the land costs are in FY 08 dollars and do not account for escalation, private donations and grants may be reasonable to consider, based on past experience, to account for the difference.

Capital Improvement Program Funding Phasing Land Cost Estimates (FY 08-09 Dollars)

Funding Existing Funding Programmed Recommended Funding Recommended Funding FY 07-08 FY 08-09 - FY 2013-14 FY 2014-15 - FY 2019-20 FY 2020 - 21 - FY 2025 - 26 $7,100,000 $3,008,000 $3,000,000 $3,000,000

Based on past experience with land acquisitions associated with the Open Space Acquisition Program, the tim- ing of the real estate acquisition is dependant on willing sellers and circumstantial opportunities and therefore difficult to forecast.

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Capital Improvement Program Funding Need - Recommended Outdoor Recreational Asset, Supporting Infrastructure and Amenity Improvements and Associated Cost Estimates in FY 08-09 Dollars

Table 1 below summarizes the park assets that are recommended throughout the Plan to meet the 26-year projected outdoor recreational needs of Virginia Beach residents. Recommended park assets include diamond and rectangular playing fields, dog parks, skate parks and waterway access improvements.

Table 1: Recommended Park Assets By Type Asset Type Park Location Land Cost per Recommended Surface Quantity Subtotal Need Asset Amenities Recom Asset Cost (Acres) mended Diamond Field CP or >,SUAC 4 $300,000 Parking, Restroom, Grass 4 $1,200,000 or School Park Lighting, Irrigation Rectangular Field CP or >,SUAC 4 $225,000 Parking, Restroom, Grass 26 $5,850,000 or School Park Lighting, Irrigation Dog Park CP or > 2 $50,000 Parking Grass 4 $200,000 Skate Park CP or > .25 $600,000 Parking, Restroom Concrete 3 $1,800,000 Waterway Access CP or > and 1 $120,000 Parking Wood or 17 $2,040,000 SUWA other Total Estimated Costs for Recommended Assets Not Including Supporting Infrastructure and Amenities $11,090,000

Table 2 below summarizes the infrastructure and amenities recommended to support the park assets listed in Table 1 to meet the 26 year projected outdoor recreational needs of Virginia Beach residents. Recommended infrastructure and amenities include parking, restroom facilities, lighting, and irrigation improvements.

Table 2: Optional Supporting Infrastructure and Amenities Recommended for Park Assets Asset Type Amenity Type Unit # Per Cost per Amenity Quantity Asset Subtotal Asset Amenity Amenity Needed Quantity Cost Needed Diamond Field Parking 50 $2,000 1,500 4 $3,000,000 Spaces Rectangular Field Restroom 1 $350,000 7.5 26 $2,625,000 Facility Lighting 1 $40,000 30 $1,200,000 System Irrigation 1 $100,000 30 $3,000,000 System Dog Park Parking 10 $2,000 40 4 $80,000 Spaces Skate Park Attendant 1 $15,000 3 3 $45,000 Booth Parking 50 $2,000 150 3 $300,000 Spaces Waterway Access Parking 5 $2,000 85 17 $170,000 Spaces Total Estimated Costs for Recommended Amenities $10,420,000 Total Estimated Costs for Recommended Assets and Amenities $21,510,000 104

Capital Improvement Program Funding Recommendations and Implementation Phasing of Planned Special Projects Associated with Past and Planned Open Space Site Acquisitions in FY 08-09 Dollars (Pay-As-You-Go - Open Space Park Development & Maintenance)

As summarized in Table 1 and Table 2 of the previous page, the estimated capital costs for the outdoor recreational assets and amenities recommended in this Plan are $21,510,000 in FY 08-09 dollars. In addition to those new park assets and supporting amenities, there are six priorities that have been identified as open space and outdoor recreational planning and development capital projects as outlined in Table 3 below. The estimated costs for those projects is $13,900,000 in FY 08-09 dollars.

Table 3: Summary of Outdoors Plan Recommended Special Projects and Cost Estimates

Priority Project Name Quantity Estimated Subtotal Estimated Cost Per Capital Costs Project 1 Stumpy Lake Natural Area Master Plan 3 phases $500,000 $1,500,000 Lake Lawson & Lake Smith Natural Area 2 phases $750,000 $1,500,000 Project 2 Marshview Master Plan Implementation 1 phase $1,500,000 $1,500,000 3 Thalia Creek Greenway Master Plan 1 phase $2,000,000 $2,000,000 Implementation (without I-264 Crossing 4 Greenway Feasibility Studies 5 $100,000 $500,000 5 Osprey Park and Expansion of Lynnhaven 1 phase $1,900,000 $1,900,000 Boat Ramp and Beach Use Facility 6 Indian River Road Southside - Active and 1 phase $5,000,000 $5,000,000 Passive Recreational Improvements Total Estimated Costs for Planned Special Projects $13,900,000

Existing and Programmed Funding Recommended Funding Recommended Funding FY 2008-2009 through FY 2013- 14 FY 2014-2015 through FY 2019 - 20 FY 2020–21 - FY 2025 -26 $11,400,000 $11,400,000 11,400,000

Total Programmed and Recommended Funding from Open Space Development and Maintenance Pay-As-You-Go Through Next Three CIP Cycles = $34,200,000

The total estimated costs to provide the outdoor recreational assets, supporting infrastructure and amenities as well as planning and development related projects is a combined $35,410,000. The total programmed and recommended funding from the Open Space Development and Maintenance Pay-As-You-Go funding for the current and next two CIP cycles is $34,200,000 and is recommended to be allocated toward the recommended open space planning and development capital projects. The remaining $1,210,000 is recommended to be dispersed over the next 18 years and funded through the Outdoor Initiative, which is the primary Parks and Recreation-related funding source for capital maintenance and improvements.

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In summary, the community’s priorities are: increased walking and biking trails; enhanced maintenance and renovations of existing parks and playgrounds; more large community parks; acquisition of land for passive recreation; and development of new athletic fields for youth sports. This Plan addresses those priorities in balance with needs identified for specific areas as identified through the qualitative feedback during the community involvement workshops.

The Plan recommends the acquisition of nearly 1,200 acres of priority open space sites at a FY 2008-09 cost of $17,200,000. On the 20-year horizon, master planning may begin to transition an additional 467 acres of existing City-owned property to outdoor recreational use. Combined, the 1,667 acres nearly fully addresses the projected 2026 need for an additional 1,830 acres, as identified through the City-wide Open Space/Parkland Statistical Analysis. In addition, the City-Wide Outdoor Recreational Asset Statistical Analysis, combined with the Capacity Demand Standards Model, recommend a 20-year phased development of the following: • 26 rectangular fields • 4 diamonds (large softball) fields • Supporting amenities including parking and restrooms as well as higher quality playing surfaces and increased programmability through the inclusion of lighting and irrigation on the 30 playing fields • 4 new dog parks • 3 new skate parks • 17 non-motorized watercraft access sites

The costs of these capital improvements are in FY 08-09 dollars is $21,500,000, all of which is proposed to be funded within projected targeted Pay-As-You-Go funding through the Open Space Park Development and Maintenance capital project.. In addition, six priority special projects and studies have been identified in the plan, such as the implementation of the Stumpy Lake Natural Area Master Plan, which provides public access improvements to this 1,422-acre, $13,200,000 asset that was acquired in 2001. The estimated cost of the six projects is $13,900,000, the majority of which is proposed to be funded within projected targeted revenue of the Open Space Park Development and Maintenance Pay-As-You-Go project. The revenue to fund the Open Space Park Development and Maintenance Pay-As-You-Go project is provided by $.44 of the Restaurant Tax.

The operating and maintenance costs are difficult to project given the uncertainties surrounding the schedule of open space acquisitions or the future construction costs associated with development projects, however, estimates are provided herein as a baseline guide for future operations budget planning purposes. The projected annual maintenance and management costs at the end of the 20-year capital build-out are provided in Table 4.

Table 4: Estimated Annual Maintenance and Operational Costs to Support Recommendations Site Type Quantity Area in Area Annual Annual Acres Cost Maintenance Costs Operational Costs Natural Areas N/A 1,200 $30 $42,000 $69,000 Grass Turf Playing 30 120 $4,500 $540,000 $450,000 Fields Concrete (i.e. skate 3 45,000 sq. ft. $.50 $22,500 $90,000 parks) Other Park Turf Areas N/A 347 $4,500 $1,651,500 $1,376,250 Water Access Sites 17 $.25 sq.ft. $21,130 $0

Total Annual Estimated Maintenance and $2,277,130 $1,985,250 Operational Costs 106

References

The following documents were consulted as reference documents during the development of the Virginia Beach Outdoors Plan 2008:

City of Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach Department of Parks and Recreation: Bikeways and Trails Plan, adopted by the City Council of Virginia Beach on October 12, 2004

City of Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach Adopted Biennial Resource Management Plan Fiscal Years 2008-09 and 2009-10, Capital Improvement Program. Adopted by the City Council of Virginia Beach on May 13, 2008

City of Virginia Beach, Comprehensive Plan: Policy Document, adopted by the City Council of Virginia Beach on December 2, 2003

City of Virginia Beach, Comprehensive Plan: Technical Report, adopted by the City Council of Virginia Beach on December 2, 2003

City of Virginia Beach, Department of Parks and Recreation: Virginia Beach Outdoors Plan 2000 Update, Accepted by the City Council of Virginia Beach on February 13, 2001

Commonwealth of Virginia, 2007 Virginia Outdoors Plan, Department of Conservation and Recreation, 2007

Green Infrastructure in Hampton Roads, Hampton Roads Planning District Commission, 2007

Greenways Incorporated, Durham, NC. 2007. http://www.greenways.com

Harnik, Peter. The Trust for Public Land, The Excellent City Parks System, Washington DC. 2006. http://www.tpl.org

The Economic Benefits of Land Conservation, The Trust for Public Land. 2007. http://www.tpl.org

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