Virginia Beach will move ahead with an ambitious plan to build a park on eight acres of prime Oceanfront real estate following a delay over concerns that included the price of a parking garage.
The City Council on Tuesday directed city staff to pursue a version of the Rudee Park plan built only with surface parking for an estimated $42.6 million rather than with a garage, which would have increased the cost to about $70.5 million.
Vice Mayor Rosemary Wilson, who represents part of the resort area, said the additional spaces from a garage aren’t worth the greater cost. She and her colleagues supported moving ahead with the project.
Planned amenities at the future Rudee Park include natural play areas, paths, trails and scenic overlooks.
“These are the kinds of things that bring young families to our city,” Wilson said. “They want to have a really nice park to take their children. I think we’re going to get more visitation from our own folks coming down, as well as people are going to want to come and be part of this wonderful park.”
In June, the council paused the project to get additional information about private financing and addressing issues such as Rudee Loop’s use as a staging area for special events at the Oceanfront, which is easier with surface parking rather than a garage at the site.
Though $50 million already is set aside, officials said Virginia Beach will lower the public cost through private fundraising amid a time of competing needs at the Oceanfront.
City Parks Director Michael Kirschman said the city believes it can raise $20 million in private funding in a five-year capital campaign.
During a presentation to the council, he recommended hiring a national consultant who would work with a local nonprofit and the city on fundraising. There’s already interest in private support, he said.
He said a possible nonprofit could operate the park at a cost of $2 million to $3 million per year while realizing as much as $3.5 million in earned revenue.
“We believe that once built, the best way to set up this park would be to set up a 501(c)3 conservancy,” he said.
Its board would have members with private and city representatives, who would hire an executive to operate and plan programs for the park. There would be opportunities for sponsorships and naming rights for amenities within Rudee Park.
Kirschman also addressed issues such as how the park will ensure continued access for locals for surfing and fishing; lessen the amount of impervious surfaces in the area; and address potential flooding concerns by elevating the park property.
Kirschman said the park will become a destination for tourists and locals alike.
“Parks of this magnitude drive tourism, increase stays, increase visits and increase taxes,” he said. “These things really become special places, and cities become known for spaces like this.”
Before giving the go-ahead to the staff, Mayor Bobby Dyer asked his colleagues whether there were objections. He heard none.
“We want people in Virginia Beach coming to their beach, and that’ll do it,” he said. “We’re okay to move forward.”
