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Pardon Our Construction
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Widening the trail at Mount Trashmore Park |
Several of our parks and facilities are undergoing some construction. Here's the scoop on what's being done:
Little Island Park
We're adding 124 new parking spaces to the existing lot, as well as a new entrance and attendant booth. Parking may be limited during construction, but we anticipate completion in time for a busy Memorial Day weekend.
Lynnhaven Boat Ramp & Beach Facility
The parking lot at this facility took a beating during Hurricane Sandy. We're performing the necessary repairs to get the lot back into shape before the busy season is upon us. We anticipate completion by the end of the month. Mount Trashmore Park
If you've been to Mount Trashmore lately, you've probably noticed some heavy machinery and orange fencing. We're in the process of widening the existing trail to 12 feet and adding a new linkage to connect Kids Cove with the lakeside trail. Once the trail project finishes, we'll also be adding low- and high-impact fitness stations along the perimeter trail for those looking to enhance their workouts.
Princess Anne Commons Gateway Park
The Princess Anne Commons Gateway Park project is a major renovation of the former Princess Anne Park site. We've just completed Phase I of the construction which includes a new trail system, restrooms, extensive tree planting and expanded parking. We've also installed a light garden sculpture that was originally located at the former Virginia Beach Pavilion.
The second phase of this project will include new picnic shelters, playground equipment, and other park amenities such as benches and tables. Project completion for Phase II is scheduled for this spring.
West Neck Creek Natural Area
The wooden bridge located on the southeast corner of the Whitehurst-Buffington House will be removed in March due to irreparable deterioration of the bridge's supporting structure. You can still access this section of the trail system, but will be required to circumnavigate from the northern side of the trails. Replacement of the bridge is intended, pending available funding. |
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See the Stars at the Mount Trashmore Star Party!
Friday, March 22 | Dark - 11 pm | Mount Trashmore Park
Take your stargazing to Mount Trashmore Park on Friday, March 22 for our annual Star Party! Come and observe night sky wonders through a variety of telescopes. Learn to identify constellations in the sky as they are pointed out by planetarium coordinator Chuck Dibbs and the Back Bay Amateur Astronomers. Offered in collaboration with the Virginia Beach City Public Schools Planetarium and local astronomy clubs, the event begins when the sky gets dark and goes until 11 pm.
A tent to experience ViewSpace will also be set up. ViewSpace is an exhibit from the Space Telescope Science Institute, home of NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. Learn more about ViewSpace.
Anyone wishing to set up a telescope can also do so. The goal is to share the beauty of the night sky with anyone wishing to learn about it. Event is dependent on clear skies. Also, meet the Tidewater Alliance Star Wars Club - from a galaxy, far, far away, this fanforce will be at the event in full costume!
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Final Call for Bands to Compete to be July 4th Headliner!
 We're looking for talented, home-grown musicians to compete for the headlining performance at this year's July 4th Celebration at Mount Trashmore Park! If you win the competition, you'll have the opportunity to take center stage in front of an estimated crowd of 50,000 people!
Applications will be accepted until this Thursday, February 28. Musicians of all ages and genres are encouraged to apply; there is a $20 non-refundable entry fee, and 75% of the band must reside in Hampton Roads. A panel of judges will review all applications and select up to five bands to perform at a live competition on Friday, April 19. Audiences will have the opportunity to preview the potential winners at this free concert and cast their votes online shortly thereafter. The winner of the competition will be determined by the total number of online votes, and then perform as the headlining musical act at the annual July 4th Celebration at Mount Trashmore Park on Thursday, July 4. Runner-up will win the opening act slot. |
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Save the Date for Cherry Blossom Festival!
Saturday, April 6 | 12:30 - 4:30 pm | Red Wing Park
 Help us celebrate Virginia Beach's international sisterhood with Miyazaki City, Japan, at the 9th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival on Saturday, April 6 at Red Wing Park.
Enjoy the rich culture and beauty of Japanese music, martial arts, creative activities by A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts, an origami display and fold-along with Rich Gray, and various demonstrations. This is a family event that allows everyone to come together and embrace the nature that surrounds us. Featured performances include a drum routine by SOKA Taiko Group.
Food and beverage are available for purchase. You are welcome to bring a blanket or lawn chair for the performances. Parking and admission is free.
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