Tag: hiking

🌿Come Help This Saturday, September 19th! Pleasure House 🌅 Point 🚯Clean Up from 9-12!

Any time you can give between 9 am and 12 pm to walk the trails and pick up trash is greatly appreciated! Walk the trails and view the completed wetlands- everything growing and lots of birds and pick up some trash along the way!

The Ocean Park Civic League has been the sponsor for the Adopt-A-Spot(Park) program for Pleasure House Point since the city opened it as a park.  Suzi Walton, the civic league president at the time, saw to it that, as the community was so instrumental in the process of discouraging the development of the natural area and fighting for its survival, that we (the Ocean Park community) should be the designated sponsor.  And as she was formerly an administrator in the city’s Parks and Rec Department, she was able to claim it for us.  She conducted the first cleanups and had enormous support from the board, many of whom showed up to participate in the removal of an enormous amount of refuse.  

Mary Faust has organized the cleanups of PHP for many years. She reminds us that the city does not undertake any cleanup responsibilities for PHP since it is a ‘preserve’. The work that the community does to clean up trash and litter at Pleasure House Point is enormously important so that it will be a beautiful natural place for all to enjoy. Mary is ready with bags, gloves and grabbers! (not to mention the delicious treats!). Thank you, Mary!

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LBR Boat Ramp Report: June 26-June 28

Report from Parks and Rec: ” This was a below average busy weekend with a total of 347 launches. Scattered showers and wind occurred throughout the weekend:

Friday, June 26 –        121 total launches, car parking did not fill. The overflow lot was used for 3 larger trailers. We did not have to close using the barricades at any time.

Saturday, June 27 –     95 total launches, car parking did fill up around 11:45am and was full until around 3:10pm. The overflow lot was used for approximately 29 vehicles with trailers. We continue to be limited on parking in overflow due to soft sand. We did close the facility to trucks and trailers around 9:00am using the barricades. VBPD was notified that the ramp was closed to trucks and trailers. All signage was changed at that time to indicate we were full.  Text alert system was utilized.

Sunday, June 28 –       131 total launches, car parking did fill up around 12noon and there was limited available parking throughout the day. The overflow lot was used for approximately 37 vehicles with trailers We did have to close the facility, and barricade operations were implemented around 10:50am. VBPD was notified that the ramp was closed to trucks and trailers. All signage was changed at that time to indicate we were full.  Text alert system was utilized for closure.

Notes:

The VBPD officers on ATV’s continue riding through our facility and talking to staff regarding any issues as part of the VBPD summer ops plans.  

The new Text Alert system has been successful for when the boat ramp is full. As of today, 325 people have opted in to receive the alerts. When the boat ramp is full staff will send a message to the ECCS watch desk and they will send an alert text notifying those people that the ramp is full at that time. A follow-up text will then be sent when we re-open. 

Staff continue to deal with uncooperative boaters when the boaters are launching and recovering their boats.

Parking Enforcement:

Total Citation Count: 55

Total Read Count:      467    (this is the number of vehicles scanned during enforcement visits)“

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⚓️ LBR Report : June 19-22

Mike Parkman from Parks and Rec gives details here

 Parks and Recreation staff share weekly updates regarding weekend activity at the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp (LBR):

Friday, June 19 –        40 total launches, car parking did not fill. The overflow lot was not used. We did not have to close using the barricades at any time. Even though the Sail 250 parade of sails was this day, the weather was rainy in the morning with some winds.

Saturday, June 20 –     173 total launches, car parking did fill up around 10am and was full most of day. The overflow lot was used for approximately 29 vehicles with trailers. We continue to be limited on parking in overflow due to soft sand. We did close the facility to trucks and trailers around 9:00am using the barricades. VBPD was notified around 9:15am that the ramp was closed to trucks and trailers. All signage was changed at that time to indicate we were full.  

Sunday, June 21 –       188 total launches, car parking did fill up around 10:00am and there was limited available parking throughout the day. The overflow lot was used for approximately 33 vehicles with trailers We did have to close the facility and barricade operations were implemented around 9:50am. VBPD was notified that the ramp was closed to trucks and trailers. All signage was changed at that time to indicate we were full.  We did have a couple officers come through the facility and the neighborhood.

Incidents to report:

On Sunday around 3:45pm, EMS and Fire responded to a 911 call from a boater coming into the ramp from the water with injuries and was taken to the hospital.

Notes:

The VBPD summer beach patrols have started and officers on ATV are also riding through our facility and talking to staff regarding any issues.

We have started a Text Alert for when the boat ramp is full. As of today, 159 people have opted in to receive the alerts. When the boat ramp is full staff will send a message to the ECCS watch desk and they will send an alert text notifying those people that the ramp is full at that time. A follow-up text will then be sent when we re-open. Please see attached flyer.

Parking Enforcement:

Total Citation Count: 55

Total Read Count:      497    (this is the number of vehicles scanned during enforcement visits)

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⚓️ LBR: June 12-14

This was an extremely busy weekend with a total of 460 launches. 

Friday, June 12 – 175 total launches, car parking did not fill but was sporadic availability throughout the afternoon. The overflow lot was used for 4-5 vehicles. We did not have to close using the barricades at any time. 

Saturday, June 13 – 139 total launches, car parking did fill up around 10am and was full most of day. The overflow lot was used for approximately 25 vehicles with trailers. We did close the facility to trucks and trailers around 10:55am using the barricades. VBPD was notified that the ramp was closed to trucks and trailers. Several vehicles with trailers were asked not to park on the road and wait for entry into ramp. Most were not compliant and were very rude to staff. Police assisted staff with these people and pushed these boaters out of the neighborhood. 

Sunday, June 14 – 146 total launches, car parking did fill up around 12:45 pm and there was limited available parking throughout the day. The overflow lot was used for approximately 25 vehicles with trailers We did not have to close the facility and barricade operations were not implemented. 

Incidents to report: 

On Friday approximately 8:20 pm, public safety arrived onsite for a report of a possible drowning in our area and heavy storms also came through around 8:45pm. 

On Saturday, approximately 11:40 am, person in a vehicle with trailer, drove up to the barricades attempting to bypass staff to enter the Boat Ramp. Staff informed the man that the ramp was closed so he muttered some expletives and drove thru the neighborhood. He came back and parked in front of the barricade and refused to move. Staff informed him that he was blocking traffic and that he needed to move, the man refused and police were called. When informed about the police being called, he then drove off, called staff a name and then threatened staff. Police responded and found the boater causing the issue and gave them a warning. 

On Sunday, we had a boat break down on ramp #1 and had to close that ramp for launching and recovering for approximately 15-20 minutes. 

Parking Enforcement: Friday, June 12 to Monday, June 14, 2026 

Total Citation Count: 58 

Total Read Count: 469 (this is the number of vehicles scanned during enforcement visits) 

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⚓️ Lynnhaven Boat Ramp Report: April 24-26

Small craft advisory and colder temperatures appeared to be a deterrent. Total of 200 launches over the weekend.

Friday, April 24 –        84 total launches, car parking did not fill up there was available parking throughout the day. The overflow lot was not used. We did not have to close using the barricades at any time.

Saturday, April 25 –    112 total launches, car parking did fill by 11:30am.  Barricade operations were not implemented. The overflow lot was not used. We did not have to close using the barricades at any time.

Sunday, April 26 –       4 total launches, car parking was not full. The overflow was not used. Barricade operations were not needed. Small craft advisory, temperatures, and wind created a poor day for the beach and boating.

Incidents to report:

Sunday April 26 – Around 7pm, there was around 25-35 people on the beach playing music that was audible from the office. Due to a light rain, they were all directly under the bridge. Staff approached two people in the group that had parked in the trailer lot around 7:40pm and asked them to park in the car lot and staff described the two people as respectful and polite. They weren’t causing any issues for staff or patrons and were receptive to staff telling them to stay out of the trailer lot and to let their buddies know. Staff saw the group under the bridge and said they didn’t see anything that required any notification to Supervisor or police.  A citizen that was walking her dog approached staff and inquired about the gathering shortly after but wasn’t complaining, seemed more intrigued than anything. Staff had zero problems from the group and communicated with security guard when the shift change occurred. No reports from the security guard that any issues arose that evening. After reviewing the camera footage on Monday morning, it appeared the crowd may have grown to about 35-40 and there were some speakers visible in the footage. The beach was clear by about 830pm.

New staff hours beginning this weekend for the remainder of summer:

May 2 – May 22                      5:30am – 8:30pm

May 23 – Sept 4                      5:30am –9:00pm

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⚓️ Lynnhaven Boat Ramp Report April 17-20

Overview: During the high season in Virginia Beach, Parks and Recreation staff share weekly updates regarding weekend activity at the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp (LBR). Reports from the Department of Parks and Recreation about the activity levels and events at the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp are provided so that the community is aware of the numbers and what the Parks and Rec employees are seeing.

This is the first weekly report for the 2026 season from Mike Parkman, Parks and Recreation Supervisor

Friday, April 17 –        92 total launches, car parking did not fill up there was available parking throughout the day. The overflow lot was not used. We did not have to close using the barricades at any time.

Saturday, April 18 –    151 total launches, car parking did fill.  Barricade operations were implemented beginning at 11:05 am and ended around 1:20pm. The existing 4 boat ramp full signs were changed to full; we put the 6 additional neighborhood signs out. The overflow lot was not used due to the sand haul operations making the site unusable for parking. We anticipate this being an issue on future weekends as well.

Sunday, April 20 –       3 total launches, car parking was not full. The overflow was not used. Barricade operations were not needed. Small craft advisory, temperatures, and wind created a poor day for the beach and boating.

Parking – Meters went active April 1.

Incidents to report:

  • On the evening of Friday, April 17th, 2026, a significant number of individuals, primarily college and high school-aged, began showing up at the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp. Security was on post, regular vehicle parking areas were near full capacity, and the boat and trailer parking section was more than half occupied with trailers. Security was dealing with the parking demand that was quickly exceeding capacity, resulting in increased attempts by standard vehicles to utilize the restricted boat and trailer parking area. Elevated vehicle and foot traffic was observed in the adjacent beach area throughout the evening. At approximately 8:30 PM, I, Mike Parkman, stopped by the boat ramp just to check on things since I was in the area. I spoke to security and decision was made to contact Virginia Beach non-emergency dispatch and the Real Time Crime Center to advise them of the developing conditions. I also spoke directly to Lt. Kosmas from the 3rd precinct. At approximately 9:00 PM, multiple Virginia Beach Police Department units arrived on scene and established a visible presence in the area. Additional units arrived shortly thereafter, increasing law enforcement visibility and resulted in the gradual dispersal of the crowd by approximately 10:00 PM. No incidents of note were reported, and conditions returned to normal operations for the remainder of the night.
  • No additional issues on Saturday or Sunday evenings.
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🌿Thanks to all who helped at the Pleasure House 🌅 Point 🚯Clean Up from 9-12 on March 14! See you April 18th!

Any time you can give between 9 am and 12 pm to walk the trails and pick up trash is greatly appreciated!

The Ocean Park Civic League has been the sponsor for the Adopt-A-Spot(Park) program for Pleasure House Point since the city opened it as a park.  Suzi Walton, the civic league president at the time, saw to it that, as the community was so instrumental in the process of discouraging the development of the natural area and fighting for its survival, that we (the Ocean Park community) should be the designated sponsor.  And as she was formerly an administrator in the city’s Parks and Rec Department, she was able to claim it for us.  She conducted the first cleanups and had enormous support from the board, many of whom showed up to participate in the removal of an enormous amount of refuse.  

Mary Faust has organized the cleanups of PHP for many years. She reminds us that the city does not undertake any cleanup responsibilities for PHP since it is a ‘preserve’. The work that the community does to clean up trash and litter at Pleasure House Point is enormously important so that it will be a beautiful natural place for all to enjoy. Mary is ready with bags, gloves and grabbers! (not to mention the delicious treats!). Thank you, Mary!

  • Saturday, March 14 from 9-12 start at the Marlin Bay Trailhead on Marlin Bay Drive
  • Saturday, April 18 from 9-12 start at the Marlin Bay Trailhead on Marlin Bay Drive
  • Saturday, May 23 from 9-12 start at the Marlin Bay Trailhead on Marlin Bay Drive
  • Saturday, June 20 from 9-12 start at the Marlin Bay Trailhead on Marlin Bay Drive
    • Summer Break too hot!
  • Saturday, September 12 from 9-12 start at the Marlin Bay Trailhead on Marlin Bay Drive
  • Saturday, October 17 from 9-12 start at the Marlin Bay Trailhead on Marlin Bay Drive
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🌿Come Help This Saturday, March 14th! Pleasure House 🌅 Point 🚯Clean Up from 9-12!

Any time you can give between 9 am and 12 pm to walk the trails and pick up trash is greatly appreciated!

  • Saturday, March 14 from 9-12 start at the Marlin Bay Trailhead on Marlin Bay Drive
  • Saturday, April 18 from 9-12 start at the Marlin Bay Trailhead on Marlin Bay Drive
  • Saturday, May 23 from 9-12 start at the Marlin Bay Trailhead on Marlin Bay Drive
  • Saturday, June 20 from 9-12 start at the Marlin Bay Trailhead on Marlin Bay Drive
    • Summer Break too hot!
  • Saturday, September 12 from 9-12 start at the Marlin Bay Trailhead on Marlin Bay Drive
  • Saturday, October 17 from 9-12 start at the Marlin Bay Trailhead on Marlin Bay Drive

The Ocean Park Civic League has been the sponsor for the Adopt-A-Spot(Park) program for Pleasure House Point since the city opened it as a park.  Suzi Walton, the civic league president at the time, saw to it that, as the community was so instrumental in the process of discouraging the development of the natural area and fighting for its survival, that we (the Ocean Park community) should be the designated sponsor.  And as she was formerly an administrator in the city’s Parks and Rec Department, she was able to claim it for us.  She conducted the first cleanups and had enormous support from the board, many of whom showed up to participate in the removal of an enormous amount of refuse.  

Mary Faust has organized the cleanups of PHP for many years. She reminds us that the city does not undertake any cleanup responsibilities for PHP since it is a ‘preserve’. The work that the community does to clean up trash and litter at Pleasure House Point is enormously important so that it will be a beautiful natural place for all to enjoy. Mary is ready with bags, gloves and grabbers! (not to mention the delicious treats!). Thank you, Mary!

 Come help on the Saturday clean ups!

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Fireworks Questions (and answers!)

A few questions have come up in the comments on the fireworks survey. Perhaps others would also be interested in the information. Our Fireworks Chair Jill Doczi, who has been doing this since 2011, responds:

(Additional information on the fireworks: how it got started, dates in the past etc are on the OPCL/Fireworks page on the website)

Why can’t the fireworks show be on July 3, 4 or 5?
We have been informed by the Fire Marshal that we would not receive a permit for July 3 or 4 due to staffing constraints. A fire marshal must be on site for the duration of loading, set up and the show. To have it on July 5, our show would have to begin loading  early on July 4 posing the same city staffing issue.

Why don’t we have people stationed at the beach accesses to collect money from those who attend but don’t live in the neighborhood or from neighbors who forgot but may donate on the spot? We place donation signs at each beach access with a QR code for this purpose. Having people collecting cash would not only be unsafe for the volunteers, would also be impossible to track, and sadly could open us up to theft. We discourage cash donations in general so we can provide accountability. 

Why don’t we collect donations from the high rises and Westminster Canterbury? We already do. The organizing communities for the show are Baylake Pines and Ocean Park. We collect from every household in Ocean Park including Pelican Dunes, Chesapeake House, Bay Vista, 3556 on the Bay, Aeries on the Bay, Water Oaks and Three Ships Landing. Additional communities like Chesapeake Beach and Westminster help through donations and we thank them for their support.

Why can’t we collect earlier? Great idea! We can start promoting earlier through all our communication channels. Donations are welcomed at any time through the fireworks page on our website. We don’t distribute envelopes earlier because regardless of when we put them on mailboxes, most donations start coming in June. If we distribute too early, the envelopes get set aside and forgotten or lost. 

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LBR Activity Report: June 27-29

We receive reports from the Department of Parks and Recreation about the activity levels and events at the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp. We provide this information so that the community is aware of the numbers and what the Parks and Rec employees are seeing.

LYNNHAVEN BOAT RAMP | WEEKEND REPORTS

Overview: During the high season in Virginia Beach, Parks and Recreation staff share weekly updates regarding weekend activity at the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp (LBR). These updates are captured below and are regularly distributed to the Bayside Advisory Committee (BAC) Chair and to the Ocean Park Civic League (OPCL) President, among others, for further dissemination.

JUNE 27-29, 2025

Another hot weekend in the books. We had a total of 532 launches over 3 days. Below is a breakdown by day:

  • Friday, June 27: 127 total launches, car parking was filled from 630am-730am due to some type of run event. The remainder of the day was ordinary parking use. 
  • Saturday, June 28: 221 total launches, car parking was full from 9:25 am until around 9:00pm. The overflow was used for 61 vehicles with trailers.  
  • Sunday, June 29: 180 total launches, car parking was full from 10:20am-415pm. The overflow was used for 41 vehicles with trailers. Heavy rain around 6pm. 

This weekend was very busy, especially on Saturday. Staff were able to manage traffic and parking of trailers so that barricade operations were not needed.

Incidents to report:

  • Friday from 630am-730am: a large group of runners came to the facility to park for a meet up run. There were many cars parked in the boat ramp parking. Staff were not aware in advance and there were no scheduled or permitted activities for this day for this facility. Staff did receive a call from Mrs. Dawe asking about what was happening. Staff told her that it appeared a running group had a meet up run. 
  • Saturday at about 12:30pm: the fire department showed up to facility as response to a call of a disabled jet ski out in the bay. 

Review of video data from Friday until Monday morning showed a lot of cars after hours until after midnight each night but no apparent loitering in the parking lots.  

Parking Enforcement: 38 citations written (for a total of 309 citations written since April 1)

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