Tag: nature

We need your help! We have raised 50% of our goal! Please Donate today if you love the fireworks!

Thanks to your incredible generosity, we’ve reached 50% of our fundraising goal for the fireworks show!

DONATE Here TODAY!
or donate in PayPal

or mail a check to: Box 55385 Virginia Beach, VA 23471

WE NEED DONATIONS from Jill Doczi:

“Please know that you support our community fireworks celebration through donations to the show. Active participation in your community provides events like these for you, your friends and family to enjoy. Thank you for your support.”

Organizing communities: Baylake Pines and Ocean Park (including Pelican Dunes, Chesapeake House, Bay Vista, 3556 on the Bay, Aeries on the Bay, Water Oaks tand Three Ships Landing). Additional communities like CXB help through donations and we thank them for their support.

To receive updates make sure you email communication@opcl.org.
Additional information on the OPCL website at www.opcl.org

Secure credit card through Cheddar Up or PayPal:

PayPal:

Cheddar Up:

Check: “OPCL Fireworks” and mail to:
OPCL, Fireworks
P.O. Box 55385

Costs have gone up and will continue to go up with all the bridge construction and tariffs. Your donation is appreciated!

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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 Report May 29-31

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

Total of 480 launches over the weekend. 

Friday, May 29 – 132 total launches, car parking did fill late in the afternoon around 5pm. The overflow lot was not used. We did not have to close using the barricades at any time. We had a big rush of boaters getting on the water in late afternoon/evening. 

Saturday, May 30 – 138 total launches, car parking did fill up around 12noon and there was sporadic availability parking throughout the day. The overflow lot was used. We did not have to close using the barricades at any time. A small craft advisory was in effect for the bay and high gusty winds. 

Sunday, May 31 – 210 total launches, car parking did fill up around 11:00 am and there was limited available parking throughout the day. The overflow lot was used. We did have to close the facility around 12:45 pm and barricade operations were implemented. Police were notified at 12:40 pm that our facility parking was full. 

Incidents to report: 

Reviewed camera footage from the weekend and no issues to report. 

On Sunday, around 3pm staff encountered a disabled boat on ramp #4. Staff were quick to close that ramp to give the boater time to sort the issue. The ramp was closed for less than 15 minutes. The remaining 3 ramps were fully operational. 

Notes: 

As of June 3, the eastbound digital sign has been installed. The westbound sign should be completed by June 5. Once the installation is complete, the control software will be installed, and staff will be trained on how to use the controls. We hope to have the signs fully functional by the June 12-14 weekend. 

Parking Enforcement: 

Enforcement runs from May 1- October 31. 

Total Citation Count: 52 

Total Read Count: 406 (this is the number of vehicles scanned during enforcement visits) 

Staff hours this summer: 

May 23 – Sept 4 5:30 am –9:00 pm 

Security staff:


8:00pm – 2:00am 7 days a week 

“In addition to our specific on our assigned security guard, there is an additional security guard that checks city facilities Tuesday through Saturday between the hours of 11:00pm and 7am. The Lynnhaven Boat Ramp is included on the list of facilities that they visit.”

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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 Report August 8-10

Lynnhaven Boat Ramp
Channel from Lynnhaven Boat Ramp to Lynnhaven Inlet

During the high season in Virginia Beach, Parks and Recreation staff share weekly updates regarding weekend activity at the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp (LBR):

“This past weekend August 8-10 was comparatively slower overall to our higher attended weekends this summer. Again, there were small craft advisories for most of the weekend and it very windy each of the days. We had a total of 320 launches over the 3 days:

Friday, August 8 –       34 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, August 9 –  137 total launches, car parking filled around 10:55am and was busy the remainder of the day.  The overflow was not used.  Barricade operations were not needed.

Sunday, August 10 –   149 total launches, car parking was full from 10:30am-6:30pm. The overflow was used for 15 vehicles. Barricade operations were not needed.

Incidents to report:

  • Captain Gordon reported that on Thursday, August 7 the midnight shift officers held their muster meeting at the boat ramp.
  • Staff reported that they spoke to several of the party barge captains to explain and reinforce getting their passengers loaded and unloaded quicker and not to tie up the docks while waiting. All were compliant. 
  • On Sunday afternoon we had a boat breakdown on Ramp #4 which slowed launching and recovery operations down for a short period.
  • Review of video data from Friday until Monday morning showed limited car traffic after hours. Police Real Time Crime Center was seen monitoring the cameras during the overnight. Security is doing a great job of keeping cars out of the trailer lot and checking the front lots as requested.
  • Staff have reported one of the Dominion Power lights in the parking lot is out. We have submitted a work order to have it looked at.

Additional information:

  • The purchase orders for digital real-time Full/Open signs for the boat ramp have been received and the signs are on order. Delivery and install TBA.
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LBR Activity Report: July 18-20

During the high season in Virginia Beach, Parks and Recreation staff share weekly updates regarding weekend activity at the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp (LBR):

“Overall, the weekend was a bit slower for launches due to the marine forecast and expected late afternoon thunderstorms, but the car parking continues to be very heavy throughout the day. We had a total of 468 launches over the 3 days. Below is a breakdown by day:

Friday, July 18: 85 total launches, car parking did not fill up. The overflow lot was used for 4 trailers. We did not have to close using the barricades at any time.

Saturday, July 19: 208 total launches, car parking was full from 9:15 am until around 8:00pm. The overflow was used for 56 vehicles with trailers. Barricade operations was not needed. Heavy car traffic all day through 9pm.

Sunday, July 20: 175 total launches, car parking was full from 11:00am – 8:15pm. The overflow was used for 25 vehicles. Barricade operations was not needed.

Incidents to report:

On Friday night around 8:45pm, a person on a jet ski was reported to have been traveling at a high speed on crab creek and creating a large wake. When the rider came to the ramp, a resident whose home backs up to crab creek, approached the rider about the wake she created and potential damage to his boat that was moored on his dock. Staff and security intervened and it was de-escalated and the resident left the boat ramp.

Review of video data from Friday until Monday morning showed heavy car traffic after hours until after midnight Friday and Saturday night but no visible loitering in the parking lots. Police were onsite Saturday night/Sunday morning from approximately 11:30pm-10:50pm walking around and keeping cars out of trailer parking. Police also came through the lot Sunday morning around 12:50am.

Garda Security is working well. We have been working with the contractor and Emergency Management to fine tune the standing orders. Approximately 6 residents were out last Thursday, first night of security, to introduce themselves.”

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