Community Campaign Hopes to Preserve Open Space
Community groups hope to raise $4M to preserve Pleasure House Point  | Through a partnership with Trust for Public Land, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, the City of Virginia Beach and the local community, the largest undeveloped parcel of land on the Lynnhaven River, 122 acres known as the Pleasure House Point property, may be preserved instead of converted to high density development. The Trust for Public Land has initiated a plan to purchase the property and sell parcels to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, the City of Virginia Beach and a yet to be determined commercial developer.
Citizens and community groups have rallied in an effort to raise $4M, so the entire property may be preserved as natural area, rather than having a portion commercially developed. The goal of this community-led campaign is to supplement the funds already committed for the purpose of acquiring the Pleasure House Point property for the people of the City of Virginia Beach, to increase the proposed municipal park and natural habitat preserve. The Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation Foundation has agreed to participate as the designated 501(c) (3) organization.
Learn more about this fundraising effort and how you can help. |
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Attend the Stumpy Lake Overlook Ribbon Cutting
Thursday, October 7 at 2 pm | Entrance of Natural Area, South of Elbow & Indian River Roads
New overlook provides scenic views of Stumpy Lake | We'd love to show you what we've been working on in this beautiful area of our City. Attend the Stumpy Lake Natural Area Overlook Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Thursday, October 7 at 2 pm at the entrance of the Natural Area walkway, south of the intersection at Elbow & Indian River Roads in Virginia Beach.
Utilizing the Open Space Acquisition Program, the City purchased the 1,400-acre property known as Stumpy Lake, located along the south central City boundary near Chesapeake in 2001. Acquired to preserve its natural character, Stumpy Lake currently consists of a 278-acre lake, with approximately 970+ acres of undeveloped, forested land surrounding the lake. There is an existing nature trail through a wooded area in the northwest portion of the site that is open for use between dawn and dusk. As a valuable aesthetic resource, the Stumpy Lake Natural Area Overlook provides an opportunity for passive recreational uses, such as hiking and birdwatching. We're also working on designing a canoe launch and parking area at the northwest corner of the lake, near the trail head.
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Check Out the Virginia Beach Night Life!
Meet Pavo the Barred Owl at Owl Prowl |
No, we're not talking about heading down to the strip, but the kind of night life right in our own backyard. Bring your family to one of our wild night programs to experience our parks and natural areas at night when they are usually off limits!
Explore the woods of Lake Smith on our Family Nite Hike, complete with a warm drink to top off the evening. Or, join us for an Owl Prowl adventure as we call in some of our local owls at Lake Smith. If you're feeling adventurous, come out to our Outdoor Haunted Walk and stroll along the path at West Neck Creek Natural Area as you take in some of the wild animals that call Virginia Beach home. As we continue on to the Buffington House, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy some children's activities, take a grave site tour and conclude the evening with fireside stories. Whatever you chose, we are sure you will enjoy the walk on the wild side!
Family Nite Hike (age 5 & up)
Saturday, October 9 from 8 to 9 pm; no additional cost | #96423
Owl Prowl (age 13 & up)
Saturday, November 13 from 5 to 7 pm; no additional cost | #96419
Outdoor Haunted Walk (age 5 & up)
Saturday, October 30 from 6 to 8 pm; $2/person | #96425 |
Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation believes all of our diverse citizens have a right to participate in community recreation and we are committed to creating equal access for everyone who may have a challenge or barrier. If you or your child requires additional support, we can help. Learn more about our accommodation and inclusion services. |
We welcome your comments and questions. Feel free to email us at fun@vbgov.com. |
