virginia beach parks recreation

VIRGINIA BEACH
PARKS RECREATION
ANNUAL REPORT • FY2015
COMMISSION CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE
VIRGINIA BEACH PARKS RECREATION
Parks and recreation programs are vitally important to
to meet the expanding needs of the City,
creating and supporting the quality of life in our community,
especially in its designated strategic growth
ensuring the health of all citizens, and contributing to the economic
areas.The Commission is very proud of our
I S D E D I C AT E D T O P R O M O T I N G H E A LT H Y L I F E S T Y L E S A N D P R O T E C T I N G O U R C O A S TA L
and environmental well-being of our city. Our parks, natural
achievements throughout 2015 representing
E N V I R O N M E N T. W E E N S U R E A L L R E S I D E N T S — R E G A R D L E S S O F T H E I R P H Y S I C A L ,
areas, and open space contribute to the ecological beauty of our
our neighbors, active community groups and
community and provide a place for children and adults to connect
all of the citizens of Virginia Beach.
S O C I A L A N D E C O N O M I C C I R C U M S TA N C E S — C A N A C C E S S O U R PA R K S A N D R E C R E AT I O N
with nature and enjoy the outdoors.
P R O G R A M S . T O G E T H E R , W E A R E I M PA C T I N G T H E Q U A L I T Y O F L I F E F O R O U R C O M M U N I T Y,
the many projects, or you would like to work
partner with all stakeholders in conserving and sustaining the city’s
with the Commission on a project, contact us
275 parks and park facilities, seven recreation centers, as well as
at 385-1100 or fun@VBgov.com. We welcome
7,500 acres of parkland and open space. We are pleased to present
the opportunity to partner with you in making sure our parks
the 2015 Annual Report.
and recreation system meets your needs.
Sincerely,
B Y I M P R O V I N G T H E P H Y S I C A L A N D M E N TA L W E L L - B E I N G O F O U R R E S I D E N T S .
OUR COMMUNITY’S PRIORITIES
+ COMMUNITY ACCESS
Support community access physically,
economically and socially.
+ THE ENVIRONMENT & OUTDOORS
Enable citizens and visitors to enjoy our
outdoor environment.
+ H E A LT H Y L I F E S T Y L E S
Enable citizens and visitors to pursue healthy,
active lifestyles.
+ STEWARDSHIP
Improve and maintain existing parks,
playgrounds, and recreation centers.
V I R G I N I A B E A C H PA R K S &
CHAIR OF THE BOARD
Lillie Gilbert,
PRESIDENT
Carol A. Walker,
VICE PRESIDENT
Jeffrey W. Breeser,
S E C R E TA R Y
Teresa M. Kraus,
C . P. A . , T R E A S U R E R
Nick Anoia
Walter T. Camp
Michael Fentress
Tracey Fink
M. Christina Floyd, Esq.
Ron Kaufman
Steve Johnston
Jason Murphy
Diana Richardson
Susie Walston
As your community representatives, the Commission
FY 2015–2016
continues to faithfully bring the input of the community to the
V I R G I N I A B E A C H PA R K S &
committees, and workshops to determine the resources required
TOMMY J. JOHNSON, CRPC®
Former Chairman,
Parks & Recreation Commission
department and to City Council as we participated in forums,
R E C R E AT I O N C O M M I S S I O N
J. Michael Fentress, C H A I R
DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
Dane Blythe, V I C E C H A I R
Joan Davis, S E C R E TA R Y
William Brunke, IV
Patricia Dolan
Sharon Felton
Kema Geroux
Shaina Moondra
Garland Payne
Lindsey Taylor
Hugh Tierney
Betty Warren
Next year, the department of Virginia
industry, of which Virginia Beach is a truly a leader. The City’s
Beach Parks & Recreation turns 60 years
dedication to open green spaces is a model for our peers nationwide.
old. We initially started as a department in
This year’s opening of the new 67,000 square-foot Bow Creek
Princess Anne County, even before we became
Community Recreation Center with its energy-efficient, LEED certified
incorporated as the City of Virginia Beach.
design is a testament to the City’s commitment to its citizens. Each of
This upcoming anniversary has prompted
our team members – often in partnership with other City departments
many of our team members to share their own
and community organizations – works diligently to promote healthy
stories and memories. Some have served our
lifestyles and help our citizens achieve physical and mental well-being.
community for a long time, and they remember
Our team members also understand the importance of protecting
fondly the children who grew up utilizing our
our environment and its natural resources. We are fortunate to be
services and now, as adults, are teaching their own children the joys
surrounded by this incredibly beautiful coastal environment, and we
of recreation and our parks system.
must safeguard it for future generations to come.
Such a monumental anniversary reminds me of why I grew
Our department does all of this with the assistance of our
to love parks and recreation and how I grew up as a “parks and
Parks & Recreation Commission, Open Space Advisory Committee,
rec kid.” When I was 6, I signed up for a flag football program.
Bikeways & Trails Advisory Committee, and the Virginia Beach Parks
Unfortunately, there were not enough children signed up. Instead
& Recreation Foundation, along with the support of our Mayor, Vice
Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation is accredited
of letting me slip by the wayside, the staff member asked if I would
Mayor, City Council, and City Leadership. I would like give a special
by CAPRA, the certifying agency of the National
like to “help” with the program – setting up cones, keeping score,
note of gratitude to our City Manager, James Spore. Through his 24
Recreation and Park Association.
being a referee, and learning the sport. Each week, I would “go
years of leadership, he has shown unwavering support for Parks &
to work” and assist. I truly enjoyed these responsibilities and the
Recreation and our City has benefitted greatly. As we move forward,
process of setting up programs. Thinking back, this was my first
our department’s commitment to providing a balanced, sustainable,
“job” in parks and rec. While attending high school and college, I
and value-focused system of parks, recreation, and public spaces that
also worked in several recreation positions including opening and
create a sense of community will continue to endure.
running a skate shop, being a camp counselor, and overseeing a
Recreationally Yours,
R E C R E AT I O N F O U N D AT I O N
Pete Striffler, P.E.,
The Parks & Recreation Commission serves as an integral
If you should have interest in any of
summer recreation program.
Those early experiences shaped my dedication to this
M I C H A E L J . K A LV O R T, C P R E
Director,
Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation
PA R K S & R E C R E AT I O N E M P L O Y E D
1,374
EMPLOYEES
IN FY15
462 FULL TIME
9 1 2 PA R T T I M E
PA R K S & R E C R E AT I O N H O S T E D O V E R
101,000
F Y 15
AT T E N D E E S
8,290
PROGRAM
PA R T I C I PA N T S
SERVED BY
OUT-OF-SCHOOL TIME
PROGRAMS IN 2015
1
8 9 6
6 1 5
VISITS
4 8
2 7 7
MEMBERSHIPS
I N F Y 1 5 , T H E AV E R A G E F U N D E D
MAINTENANCE FREQUENCY WAS A
21 DAY
DURING THE
3 , 4 2 0 PA R T I C I PA N T S S E R V E D E A C H
D AY D U R I N G T H E S C H O O L Y E A R
I N D I V I D U A L I Z E D A C C O M O D AT I O N P L A N S F O R C I T I Z E N S
W I T H D I S A B I L I T I E S T O E N A B L E PA R T I C I PAT I O N I N G E N E R A L
R E C R E AT I O N P R O G R A M S W I T H T H E I R FA M I L I E S & P E E R S
MOWING
CYCLE
LINEAR
MILES
497
320
STUDENTS ON THE SWIM
4 S C H O O L S • 2 ND G R A D E
ADVANCED WATER SAFETY
PA R T I C I PA N T S
9,008
VOLUNTEERS
E Q U I VA L E N T T O
O F D I V I D E D H I G H W AY M O W E D M U LT I P L E
T I M E S F O R A N A P P R O X I M AT E T O TA L O F
1 , 5 0 0 M I L E S M O W E D . T H AT ’ S A L M O S T T H E
S A M E D I S TA N C E I T W O U L D TA K E T O T R AV E L
VIRGINIA BEACH RANKED
AMONG TOP 25
PA R K S Y S T E M S I N U N I T E D S TAT E S
2,886,762
PRIVATE SWIM
3
9
3,0 L E S S O N S
IN FY15
FROM VIRGINIA BEACH TO AUSTIN, TEXAS!
25
LEARN TO SWIM
4
9
6,2 PA R T I C I PA N T S
THERE WERE
163
SPECIAL EVENTS SEASON
486
RECREATION CENTER
UNIQUE
T O TA L PA R K V I S I T O R S
IN FY15
62%
OF VIRGINIA BEACH
RESIDENTS
LIVE WITHIN ½ MILE (10 MIN. WALK)
OF A PARK
2,055
VOLUNTEERS PICKED
U P 1 8 , 0 7 9 L B S . AT
CLEAN THE BAY DAY
CLEANING 194 MILES ALONG
T H E C H E S A P E A K E B AY
57.5
119,671
FULL TIME
EMPLOYEES
VOLUNTEER HOURS
E Q U I VA L E N T T O
$2.8 MILLION
*Based on the value of volunteerism determined
by the Department of Labor & Statistics
AT T E N D A N C E F O R G R O U P F I T N E S S I N C R E A S E D F R O M
IN FY14
99,055
TO
IN FY15
VIRGINIA BEACH URBAN TREE CANOPY
INCREASED
105,791
NUMBER OF GROUP FITNESS CLASSES INCREASED FROM
IN FY14
9 7 8 , 8 4 1 T O TA L PA R T I C I PA N T S
1 2 , 4 9 9 PA R T I C I PA N T S
867 CLASSES • 3,199 LESSONS
5,589
TO
IN FY15
6,177
R E C R E AT I O N C E N T E R
AT H L E T I C S • F Y 1 5
AMPLIFIED OUR PRESENCE
I N T H E D I G I TA L L A N D S C A P E
2040 UTC GOAL:
2 014
45%
2008
RECOMMENDED UTC:
40%
U T C B A S E D O N 2 0 1 2 D ATA :
36%
38%
38%
U T C B A S E D O N 2 0 0 8 D ATA :
36%
SPORTS LEAGUES • FY15
O F B I K E W AY S , T R A I L S & W I D E
SIDEWALKS IN VIRGINIA BEACH
13,000
FA C E B O O K L I K E S
15,000
EMAIL SUBSCRIBERS
*According to the City of Virginia Beach
2015 State of Urban Forest Report
TENNIS • FY15
273 MILES
I N F Y 1 5 , # V B PA R K S R E C
FOR ON-ROAD CYCLISTS:
20 MI
37 MI
3 9 MI
40 MI
BIKE LANES
SIGNED BIKE ROUTES
WIDENED OUTSIDE LANES
SAMANTHA CIARDIELLO
453,000
WEBSITE VISITORS
PAV E D S H O U L D E R S
P E D E S T R I A N S & PAT H C Y C L I S T S :
58 MI
55 MI
24 MI
Outdoor Programs has provided our son with the
opportunity to learn and improve upon a skill that
he didn’t know he had. Just one Archery Demo
Day opened his eyes to a new sport and made him want
to learn more about it. The clinics and weekly classes
have allowed him to gain knowledge and experience.”
PAV E D S H A R E D - U S E PAT H S
8 F T. + W I D E S I D E W A L K S
S O F T PAT H S
253
UNIQUE PARTICIPANTS
THERAPEUTIC
R E C R E AT I O N
/ V B PA R K S R E C
/ V B PA R K S R E C
F O L L O W E R S G R O W I N G D A I LY
I play in the Adult Coed Sand Football
League and my son plays tackle football for
Great Neck Athletic Association. We have
benefited by being able to enjoy a sport, be outside,
exercise, learn the game of football, and meet new
friends. For my son, every game is a new experience.
Sometimes kids struggle when they play a sport, and
they learn from that and get better each game. It’s
more about learning than the wins and losses.”
LISA CUELLAR
3.1%
PA R K S & R E C R E AT I O N
FUNDING
PA R K S & R E C R E AT I O N
$56,950,845
CITY
96.9 %
O P E R AT I N G
BUDGET
ALL OTHERS
$1,773,516,260
$1,830,467,105
WHERE
IT GOES
My daughter was having a hard time
adjusting to going to Out-of-School Time
After School Program. Ms. Diana gave her
encouragement and greeted her warmly each day.
My daughter warmed up to Ms. Diana and began to
relax at after school care and now she greatly enjoys
participating. Thank you, Ms. Diana for all your help
and kindness!”
30.2%
GENERAL FUND
WHERE IT
M I C H E L E K E L LY
COMES
FROM
Since joining MYLA (Mayor’s Youth Leaders
in Action) my daughter, Destinee, has
matured in many ways. I have watched
her go from a shy, quiet young lady to someone
who is willing to lead and looking for more ways
to get involved in her community. MYLA offers
young people the opportunity to be leaders in the
community and role models to their peers. MYLA
has helped mold my daughter into a committed
young lady who has shown a responsibility and
passion to change her community. Her mother and I
are very proud of the positive change that MYLA is
making in her life.”
PA S T O R V I R G E S P E A R S O N J R .
$17,178,782
32.3%
6.2%
26.5%
LANDSCAPE
DEBT SERVICE
MANAGEMENT
$3,532,042
FEES & CHARGES
$15,084,021
$18,398,068
26.1%
20.4%
PA R K S
COMMUNITY
$2,355,369
R E C R E AT I O N
CENTER REFERENDUM
PROGRAMS
$14,873,921
$11,605,366
8.6%
18.3%
O P E N S PA C E F U N D
$4,884,263
8.3%
R E C R E AT I O N
CENTERS
$10,433,234
S TAT E
8.6%
$4,747,858
O P E N S PA C E
0.3%
$4,884,263
OTHER
6.2%
$182,000
A D M I N I S T R AT I O N
$3,532,042
4.1%
2.8%
TRANSFERS
$1,604,094
0.6%
FUTURE CIP
COMMITMENTS
$365,534
0.4%
OTHER
$221,832
LAKE LAWSON/
LAKE SMITH
CELEBRATES
GRAND
OPENING
+
PA R K S & R E C R E AT I O N W A S E X C I T E D
T O A N N O U N C E the grand opening of
the Lake Lawson/Lake Smith Natural Area
on Friday, October 3, 2014. The 42-acre
preserve in the northwest border of the
City was specifically designed to showcase
the natural environment.
© PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS GIERSCH
+
T H E R E N O VAT E D N AT U R A L A R E A
+
IN ADDITION, THE SHORELINE
N O W F E AT U R E S A N E W b oa t ra m p,
p i c ni c s hel ter, p l a y g round , f i s hi ng a nd o ve r lo o k
p l a tf orms , a nd a f l oa ti ng c rew d oc k . A n e w
p ed es tri a n b ri d g e c onnec ts the north a n d so u t h
p a rc el , a nd ha rd s urf a c e tra i l s were i ns t a lle d t o
a c c omp a ny the renov a ti ons ma d e to th e so f t
s urf a c e tra i l s .
W A S S TA B I L I Z E D to p rev ent eros io n a n d
re- es ta b l i s h na ti v e v eg eta ti on. L oc a ted a t t h e
c orner of Shel l R oa d a nd Northa mp ton B lvd
i n the B a y s i d e a rea of V i rg i ni a B ea c h, L a k e
L a ws on/L a k e Smi th Na tura l A rea i s a n e t w o r k o f
three wood ed wa terf ront p eni ns ul a s of la n d t h a t
were a c q ui red i n mul ti p l e p a rc el s b etw e e n 2 0 0 5
a nd 2009 throug h the C i ty of V i rg i ni a B e a ch
Op en Sp a c e A c q ui s i ti on P rog ra m.
THE “TREE CITY USA” AWARD
I D E N T I F I E S V I R G I N I A B E A C H A S A C O M M U N I T Y T H AT H A S A
P R O V E N C O M M I T M E N T T O A C H I E V I N G A S U S TA I N A B L E U R B A N
FOREST WELL INTO THE FUTURE. AS OUR TREES CONTINUE TO
GROW AND THRIVE, OUR CITY WILL BENEFIT FROM CLEANER AIR
A N D W AT E R , C O O L E R T E M P E R AT U R E S A N D E N E R G Y S AV I N G S .
TREE CITY
USA
35 YEARS
VOLUNTEERS CLEAN UP OUR LANDSCAPE
H U N D R E D S O F V O L U N T E E R S H AV E G I V E N T H E I R T I M E , S K I L L S A N D D E D I C AT I O N T O
E N S U R E V I R G I N I A B E A C H S TAY S C L E A N A N D B E A U T I F U L T H R O U G H O U T T H E Y E A R .
T H R O U G H O U R A D O P T- A - P R O G R A M S , R E S I D E N T S O R G A N I Z E L I T T E R P I C K - U P S F O R
H I G H W AY S , R O A D W AY S , PA R K S , T R A I L S , A N D W AT E R W AY S .
+
+
T O D AT E , M O R E T H A N 2 3 1 S P O T S
H AV E B E E N A D O P T E D . In April 2015,
as part of the Professional Landcare Network
(PLANET) Day of Service, STIHL Inc. employees
volunteered to improve the landscape at
Marshview Park by removing dense vines,
deceased trees, and invasive plant species.
Over the past six years, STIHL employees have
volunteered over 1,960 hours and saved the City
of Virginia Beach well over $90,000 through the
company’s participation in PLANET Day of Service.
A D D I T I O N A L PA R T N E R S with this project
include Asplundh Tree Service and Virginia
Dominion Power. Then in June 2015, Virginia Beach
Parks & Recreation partnered with the Chesapeake
Bay Foundation for the 28th Annual Clean the Bay
Day when thousands of volunteers descended on
streams and beaches of the bay to remove harmful
litter and debris from our waters.
4,880
VOLUNTEERS
WHO CONTRIBUTED
6,193 HOURS
AND COLLECTED OVER
26,830 LBS.
H
S
A
R
T
OF
PROJECT GREEN TEENS
GO FOR WORLD RECORD
M A N Y W O U L D A G R E E T H AT O Y S T E R S A R E D E L I C I O U S , B U T D O N ’ T R E A L I Z E T H AT T H E Y
A L S O S E R V E A N I M P O R TA N T R O L E I N O U R E C O S Y S T E M . P R O J E C T G R E E N T E E N S , A PA R K S
& R E C R E AT I O N V O L U N T E E R G R O U P T H AT S T R I V E S T O I M P R O V E T H E E N V I R O N M E N T,
C O O R D I N AT E D A F O U R - D AY P R O J E C T I N M AY 2 0 1 5 T O B U I L D O Y S T E R C A S T L E R E E F S
A L O N G T H E E A S T E R N B R A N C H O F T H E LY N N H AV E N R I V E R AT G R E AT N E C K PA R K .
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A SINGLE 3-INCH OYSTER
C A N F I LT E R
S
N
O
L
L
A
G
0
6
O F LY N N H AV E N R I V E R
W AT E R P E R D AY !
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T H E S T R U C T U R E S will not only serve as
areas for oyster colonies to grow, but also help to
stabilize the shoreline, provide marine habitat, and
purify the waters of the Lynnhaven River.
P R O J E C T G R E E N T E E N S submitted the
oyster project for consideration by the Guinness
Book of World Records as the first and largest
oyster castle reef built entirely by teens.
M AY O R B I K E D T O W O R K O N
“NATIONAL BIKE TO WORK DAY”
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I N H O N O R O F N AT I O N A L B I K E T O W O R K D AY O N M AY 1 5 , 2 0 1 5 , Virginia Beach Parks
& Recreation and Mayor Will Sessoms invited citizens to take a three-mile ride with him from the
Princess Anne Recreation Center to City Hall. Virginia Beach has significantly grown its bikeways
infrastructure over the last 30 years. There are now over 250 miles around the City, both on-road
and off-road, plus 23 additional miles on state and federal lands within the City.
PROMOTING HEALTHY LIFESTYLES
+
VIRGINIA BEACH WAS SELECTED AS THE
T H I R D A N D F I N A L C I T Y for Nickelodeon’s
“Road to Worldwide Day of Play,” after a
7-year-old Virginia Beach student won the
grand-prize opportunity to bring Nickelodeon
to his hometown for three days
of action-packed events.
+
THE GOAL OF “ROAD TO WORLDWIDE
P L AY ” is to inspire kids to get physically
active. In September 2014, Nickelodeon
hosted a Day of Play at Mount Trashmore Park
which was co-sponsored by From One Hand to
Another and Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation.
Maps of Virginia Beach’s bikeways and trails also can be found at V B G O V. C O M / B I K E W AY S
VIRGINIA
BEACH
LAUNCHED
VB PARKFINDER
MOBILE APP
+
ONE OF THE CITY’S
S T R AT E G I C I N I T I AT I V E S is to create
greater access for its citizens through mobile
technology. This year, Parks & Recreation
launched the VB ParkFinder mobile app,
which allows residents to search for over 200
city parks and recreational facilities by name
or proximity.
+
T H E A P P A L S O F E AT U R E S a link
to driving directions from any location via
the built-in GPS feature, and offers a filter
for specific recreational amenities such as
basketball courts that have lights or boat
launches. And it’s more than a location
finder – it also highlights events at the
recreation centers and parks.
BEST OF ALL,
THE APP IS FREE.
STUDENTS ON
THE SWIM
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T O H E L P K E E P O U R C H I L D R E N S A F E , PA R K S &
R E C R E AT I O N PA R T N E R E D W I T H V I R G I N I A B E A C H C I T Y
PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND THE AMERICAN RED CROSS
TO LAUNCH STUDENTS ON THE SWIM (SOS), A FREE
W AT E R - S A F E T Y E D U C AT I O N A L P R O G R A M D E S I G N E D
FOR 2ND GRADE CLASSES IN TITLE I SCHOOLS.
T E A C H I N G O U R C H I L D R E N T O S W I M I S A F U N D A M E N TA L N E C E S S I T Y.
The statistics are startling and tragic. Among children ages 1 to 14, fatal drowning remains
the second-leading cause of unintentional injury-related death. The fatal drowning rate of
African American children ages 5 to 14 is almost three times that of Caucasian children in the
same age range. To help close this gap, the Students on the Swim program provides children
in Title I schools the opportunity to build lifelong water safety skills. Children experience a
two-week American Red Cross-certified program, with a total of 10 lessons that incorporate
the Standards of Learning (SOLs).
COUNCIL MEMBER ROSEMARY WILSON
+
C H A M P I O N E D T H I S P R O G R A M and worked
tirelessly with all the partners to make this program a
reality because of her own near-death experience in
the water as a child. Virginia Beach City Public Schools
Superintendent Dr. Aaron Spence served as a keynote
speaker during the launch event in November. The SOS
program is completely donor supported, and wouldn’t
be possible without the support of gold-level donors like
Acoustical Sheetmetal, Inc. and SwimWays. Virginia Beach
Parks & Recreation Foundation is seeking donors to help
expand the SOS program to help even more students.
NEW AND
FREE SPECIAL
EVENTS
INTRODUCED
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+
S U N D AY F U N D AY S E R I E S
A N D PA R T Y AT T H E P I E R
bring out festivity seekers in droves.
M E M O R I E S T H AT L A S T A
LIFETIME ARE MADE ON THE
D AY S W H E N FA M I L I E S C O M E
TOGETHER AND ENJOY
a gratifying atmosphere of good cheer.
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H O S T I N G A F F O R D A B L E FA M I LY E V E N T S R E F L E C T S T H E
V E R Y C O R E O F PA R K S & R E C R E AT I O N ’ S C O M M I T M E N T
TO OFFER PROGRAMS FOR ALL RESIDENTS.
This past event season, the City was proud to launch several new events
that featured activities designed to appeal to diverse cultures and multigenerational families. The Sunday Funday Series, featuring Eat the Streets
757 food trucks, offered some laid-back fun at Mount Trashmore Park. The
Party at the Pier beach music concert presented by Siebert Realty invited
residents to kick off their shoes and dance in the sand. Finally, did anyone
hear thousands of children laughing and singing at Mount Trashmore Park?
During the Summer Movie Night Series presented by Checkered Flag
Toyota, our smallest residents showed their love for movies like “Frozen,”
“Toy Story,” and “Despicable Me 2.”
PEACE
MONUMENT
HONORS
VIRGINIA
BEACH’S
SISTER CITY
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T H I S Y E A R AT T H E 1 0 T H
ANNUAL CHERRY BLOSSOM
F E S T I VA L , the City dedicated a Peace
Monument to symbolize the spiritual
serenity of nature and the eternal prayer
for world peace, harmony and prosperity.
The festival and Peace Monument celebrate
Virginia Beach’s international sisterhood
with Miyazaki City, Japan since 1992.
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THE NINE-FOOT MONUMENT
IS CONSTRUCTED OF A
30,000-POUND BOULDER
EXTRACTED OUT OF THE DEEP
M O U N TA I N S O F T E N N E S S E E .
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T H E J A PA N E S E E D U C AT I O N
C U LT U R E C E N T E R I N C . A N D
H A N S H I , TA K E M I C H I K U W A H A R A
A N D H O N B U D N B K J A PA N ,
A S W E L L A S PA R T I C I PAT I N G
DNBK MEMBERS WORLDWIDE,
G E N E R O U S LY C O N T R I B U T E D
TO THE FUNDING FOR THIS
P R O J E C T.
INDIVIDUALS
WITH
DISABILITIES
EXPLORE,
SOAR AND
SHINE!
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O U R T H E R A P E U T I C R E C R E AT I O N P R O G R A M S
serve to enrich the quality of life for
participants, enhance their skill development,
leisure education and recreation participation
as well as increase personal independence.
We love Camp Explore, and we look forward to
it every year. It’s the highlight of our daughter’s
summer, and it’s just an amazing program.”
RACHEL HALE
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H A N G 1 0 ! PA R K S & R E C R E AT I O N
HOSTED ITS ANNUAL SURF N’ FUN
P R O G R A M I N J U LY 2 0 1 4 , giving individuals
with disabilities a chance to carve up the waves! This
was the 8th year that our Therapeutic Recreation unit
featured this bodacious program for those with mild
to moderate intellectual disabilities including autism,
ADD/ADHD, traumatic brain injuries, vision or
hearing impairment, among others. Each participant
received a 30-minute instructional lesson on surfing
or body boarding.
Their faces just light up with happiness when they’re
out there riding the waves.”
K A R E N M O R G A N - H I L L , T H E R A P E U T I C R E C R E AT I O N
This summer was one of the best Matthew
has had. Not only did Camp Explore keep the
children stimulated all day, they made the
parents part of the program also. We had a barbecue
lunch, played carnival games, and viewed the best talent
show ever. It was worth every dime, and you saw that
your money was well spent. The amount of work put into
this program is amazing. The staff took the initiative to
remove his AFOs and put them back on so he could join
activities like everyone else. The staff was professional
but still very fun.
The environment was safe and clean. I am that mom
that needs that “warm and fuzzy” when I leave my
child, and Camp Explore is just that! I felt like I was
leaving Matthew with family; there was a lot of love at
Camp Explore.
The swimming program is such a blessing; Matthew
loves the water. He is fearless so the idea that he is
learning water safety and swimming techniques is
so awesome. I don’t worry about him being fearless
in the water, and he has more independence. The
surfing was thrilling! It was another testimony that
Matthew and his peers can do anything they want!
What a great opportunity!”
K E L LY S E A R S
BOW CREEK
RECREATION
CENTER HOSTS
ITS GRAND
OPENING
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I N M A R C H 2 0 1 5 , PA R K S &
R E C R E AT I O N C E L E B R AT E D
THE LONG-AWAITED GRAND
OPENING OF THE NEW
Since joining the rec center and taking
part in group fitness classes, I’ve not
only become more fit but I’ve also met
great people. My mood, stamina and health
have improved a great deal. I’ve done Zumba,
Pilates and Barre, and I love them all.”
DEIDRE BRUMSEY
BOW CREEK COMMUNITY
R E C R E AT I O N C E N T E R ,
L O C AT E D O F F
ROSEMONT ROAD.
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THE NEW $28 MILLION
BOW CREEK COMMUNITY
R E C R E AT I O N C E N T E R is a 67,743
sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility that features
an indoor double gymnasium, a youth game
room, classroom space for early childhood
programs, and expansive meeting rooms.
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THIS LEED-CERTIFIED,
E N E R G Y- E F F I C I E N T
R E C R E AT I O N C E N T E R is the first
city building to include LED lighting both
indoors and outdoors. It also boasts a
heating and cooling system that utilizes
a geothermal well field as a heat source.
This type of system uses the moderate
temperatures below ground to boost
efficiency and reduce operational costs
by using the earth as a heat source in the
winter and dissipating heat into the
ground in the summer.
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A S A PA R T O F T H E P R O J E C T,
the stormwater management system
was improved to handle onsite drainage
and has the added benefit of improving
drainage efficiency in the surrounding
neighborhood as well. Additionally,
new stormwater ponds were designed
to be landscaped water features with
meandering walking paths around
the perimeter and an outdoor deck
overlooking the water and the golf course.
KEMPSVILLE
RECREATION
CENTER
UNDERGOING
REPLACEMENT
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T H E C E N T E R W A S O R I G I N A L LY
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WHEN THE NEW
I N F E B R U A R Y T O M A K E W AY
FOR A NEWER, MORE
M O D E R N FA C I L I T Y.
79,457-SQUARE-FOOT
K E M P S V I L L E R E C R E AT I O N
will feature an indoor pool with zero-depth
entry for younger children, six 25-meter lap
lanes, two 1-meter diving boards, an aqua
track, an indoor walking/jogging track, as
well as fitness areas, a double gymnasium,
early childhood program classrooms, youth
activity rooms, therapeutic recreation
program space, multipurpose rooms,
and more.
R E C R E AT I O N C E N T E R ,
CENTER, CLOSED ITS DOORS
were invited to share memories of Kempsville
Recreation Center from the last 37 years on
the center’s designated graffiti walls. Before
demolition, the writings and drawings were
captured by a photographer, and shared in a
virtual photo montage.
C E N T E R R E O P E N S in early 2017, it
VIRGINIA BEACH’S OLDEST
K E M P S V I L L E R E C R E AT I O N
O P E N E D I N M AY 1 9 7 7 . Residents
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CONCEPT AND FLOOR PLANS
for the new Kempsville Recreation Center
can be found at:
V B G O V. C O M / K E M P S V I L L E
During the construction period, members
can access all six Recreation Centers, with
Bow Creek Recreation Center only 4.8 miles
away and Williams Farm Recreation Center
only 5.2 miles away from the Kempsville site.
The rec center water polo league is a super addition to the aquatic offerings at the rec center. Our son,
Tristan, absolutely loves it and we are happy to have him in the water, active, and engaged throughout the
winter. The coaches are patient and knowledgeable and the kids learn what it means to work as a team and
encourage each other to success.”
DR. KAREN BEARDSLEE KWASNY
RESIDENTS PREVIEW
MARSHVIEW PARK
RENOVATIONS
RESIDENTS PREVIEW
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I N F Y 2 0 1 5 , PA R K S & R E C R E AT I O N
WORKED ON THE NEXT PHASE OF
T H E M A R S H V I E W PA R K M A S T E R
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M A R S H V I E W PA R K I S H O M E to 100
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A N E W A S P H A LT T R A I L was opened in
P L A N that was developed in 2012. The
renovations will include dog parks, paved trails,
open field play area, playground, picnic shelters,
parking area and a potential restroom building.
acres of wooded property on Lake Rudee in the
oceanfront area. The site is generally located
between the neighborhoods of Lands End
Condominium, Salt Marsh Point, Seatack, and
Shadowlawn and is open daily from dawn to dusk.
January 2015 and there are numerous unpaved
trails to explore. The property offers unique
cultural, recreational and environmental benefits
and experiences to the city and its residents.
VIRGINIA BEACH
PARKS RECREATION’S
VISION IS A BALANCED,
S U S TA I N A B L E A N D VA L U E - F O C U S E D
S Y S T E M O F PA R K S , R E C R E AT I O N
A N D P U B L I C S PA C E S T H AT C R E AT E
A S E N S E O F C O M M U N I T Y.
OUR MISSION IS TO:
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D E L I V E R PA R K S , R E C R E AT I O N
+
SUPPORT TIERED LEVELS OF
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P R O G R A M S A N D P U B L I C S PA C E S
that reflect the priorities of our community.
S E R V I C E that recognize the diverse
needs of our community.
F O C U S O N S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y
of core programs, services and facilities through
efficient and effective business practices.
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