Park Planning

Chesapeake Parks and Recreation acquires land for future parks through purchase, subdivision requirements, and donations. The department's Park Planner, Lennie Luke, works with real estate agents, developers, architectural and engineering firms, citizens, and state and federal officials to acquire, master plan, and develop these properties into future parks. In addition, park planning duties include working on park and environmental issues with various departments such as Planning, Public Works, the Geographic Information System (GIS) committee, and the Chesapeake Historic Preservation Committee.

At present, the Chesapeake park system contains 70 park sites with 2,322 acres of land, excluding athletic fields. These park sites are made up of neighborhood parks (under 20 acres), community parks (20-50 acres), and district park (larger than 50 acres).

Deep Creek Park: Phase I development of Deep Creek Park was completed and accepted by the City in spring 2012. The park contains a picnic area, dog park, jogging trail, ADA-accessible playground, as well as four (4) baseball fields and soccer fields. The baseball and soccer fields have been closed to the general public to allow the turf to establish itself; they are scheduled to open in spring 2013.

Heritage Park: the 291-acre park site near the water treatment plant on Battlefield Blvd S. is currently undeveloped. Meetings have been held with local equestrian groups to determine a master plan for development. Staff will meet with various other civic organizations to help determine a path to development. Currently, there is no funding available for either design or construction.

Elizabeth River Boat Landing and Park: now that the new South Norfolk Jordan Bridge construction is complete and the bridge is open, Parks and Recreation is planning to spruce up the park with amenities that will both compliment the bridge structure, as well as the existing boat ramp and pier facilities. Staff will be working with various community groups to determine what will be added to the park site. Design and Phase I of construction are expected to occur throughout 2013. The design of the park will be planned so that the park can take maximum advantage of its waterfront opportunities.

Battlefield Park: a scenic overlook and pedestrian walk along the trail was installed with the assistance of both Dominion Virginia Power (Volunteer Project), and the Boy Scouts of America - Eagle Program. The Great Bridge Battlefield Museum is making strides with its fund raising, but no date has been set to start construction.

Cascade Park: permanent athletic field lights are being added to this park that will provide for night use of the field. The contractor has been selected (Branham Electric) to do the work and the contract is currently being finalized by the City. Work should begin with in late December 2012 and construction should take 2-3 weeks. All of the work at this site will be completed by March 1, 2013, at the latest.

Centerville Park: two fields are planned to be reworked in spring 2013. Turf at these fields will be redone and irrigation systems added. This work is currently under contract.

Chesapeake City Park: the Chesapeake City Park renovation will be fully complete in the spring of 2013. As part of the renovation, the "NEW" City Park will include a renovated stage, numerous new shelters, and new restroom building, upgraded dog park, paved parking, improved Fun Forest, upgraded Farmer's Market, a new skate park, as well as, new road system for ease of access, for the enjoyment of all of our citizens. The new look of City Park will be a shining example of a true multi-purpose park that will feature something for everyone, including live entertainment shows. A minimum of eight (8) nationally-known performers will play at the park during 2013. A grand opening will be held in March '13 at City Park to celebrate the newly renovated park facility.

Consolvo Park: this project has been bid and a contractor selected (Conrad Brothers). A pre-construction meeting was held late November 2012; the Notice to Proceed issued December 3, 2012. Once under pre-construction, the project will be completed within 4-6 months. It's anticipated that this project will be completed by late spring or early summer 2013.

Dismal Swamp Canal Trail: restrooms/horse trail/Trail head extension - this project has been awarded and the first pre-construction has taken place. Since the trail will remain open during the entirety of the construction, all of the stakeholders are working closely together to ensure the successful completion of the project with minimum interference to events and citizen use. This project has a 4-6 month construction window and will be ongoing until early summer of 2013.

Great Bridge Lock Park: kayak pier/ramp - as a grateful grant recipient, Parks and Recreation staff has been working with the National Park Service to meet the terms of the NPS $66,000 grant that will be used to build the fully ADA-accessible canoe/kayak pier and launch. To date, we are on schedule to be completed by August 2013.

Lakeside Park: new memorial, lighting of fountain - a memorial walk will be completed by July 4, 2013. It will honor fallen soldiers from SN/Chesapeake area (WWI to present). A new LED style lighting fixture is planned for the sculpture at Lakeside, it should enhance the beauty of the recently renovated art work.

North West River Park: new shelter, trail repairs - staff has obtained pricing for three (3) new shelters to be placed at Northwest River Park (NWRP), City Park and Western Branch Park. All of the shelters will be 20' x 30', with the exception of the one at Northwest River Park. The NWRP shelter will be larger (30' x 40') to accommodate both picnicking for large group outings and "Ghost Train" activities.

Oak Grove Park: new shelter - pricing has been obtained and plans are being made to install a 2-table picnic shelter at Oak Grove Lake Park. The shelter will be partially paid for by the Chesapeake Police Department and a memorial marker dedicated to Officer Timothy B. Shock.

Old Mill Run Park: plans are being prepared to develop this site in the spring of 2013. Staff will be working with the Old Mill Run Civic League to assess the needs of the neighborhood. Based on discussions with the surrounding community, Parks and Recreation will develop a plan that will fit within budget and meet the needs of the neighborhood.

Southwestern Park: Parks and Recreation is planning to enhance the amenities at South Western Park. Plans are being formulated to replace the existing picnic shelter, upgrade the trail system, add one-half court basketball area, as well as, enlarge the existing playground and add spring toys.

Western Branch Park: new signage, shelter, dugout roofs - a signage plan has been developed for Western Branch Park. Staff reviewed the existing signage and made recommendations to the Director regarding new wording, location and style of signs. The Western Branch sign plan is being worked on jointly with a sign plan for the newly renovated City Park.

In addition, staff is in the process of obtaining a building permit to allow the installation of dugout roofs on all of the fields at Western Branch Park. The Lowe's in Western Branch is volunteering the labor and most of the materials to complete the work. Work will commence upon receipt of the building permit.