The Ocean Park Civic League Board of Directors was approached in late November 2024 regarding the Virginia Beach City Council’s decision to pursue the Wetlands Mitigation Project at Pleasure House Point. Understanding the considerable impact this project would have on our community, we quickly reached out to our partners at Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF), Lynnhaven River Now (LRNow), Friends of Live Oaks (FOLO), and others to gauge their expertise on strategies moving forward. We also took the time to discuss the project with, and learn details from, our elected officials, local experts, and our residents.

Those discussions confirmed that local environmental experts (e.g. CBF, LRNow, etc) support of the project. Their statements are available on our website (www.opcl.org). We also learned the City intended to quickly move forward with this effort despite the significant impact to the maritime forest to advance flood mitigation efforts across the Lynnhaven River. Our understanding is that wetlands restoration was the intent for this property since 2012. Over the years, the delays in moving forward with the wetland restoration project resulted in profound tree growth in the area as nature took its course, creating the space we all know today.

While this project will have considerable impacts to our neighborhood, the long term outcomes will result in an accessible, preserved natural area that encourages a healthier Lynnhaven River. We are saddened at the loss of the maritime forest and habitat in these 12 acres and appreciate the help of our many neighbors who have volunteered their time to preserve the space, from moving saplings to undergoing trainings to help wildlife in the area. We also appreciate the efforts of our neighbors who have worked with us to hold our representatives accountable.

Collectively, our passion for our neighborhood is unparalleled and speaks volumes to how special we know this area of Virginia Beach to be. We appreciate everyone’s dedication to this effort and look forward to our continued partnerships on behalf of our neighborhood.

Respectfully,
Ocean Park Civic League Board of Directors