Tag: travel

⚓️ 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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⚓️ LBR Report: June 5-7 2026 and ⛵️Sail 250🇺🇸

Lynnhaven Boat Ramp Report from Parks and Recreation Dept:

Sail 250: 

Ships will begin anchoring in the Lynnhaven anchorage beginning Tuesday June 16. 32 total ships from 15 different countries. 

Parade of Sail: Underway from Lynnhaven Anchorage at 0735 hours on Friday June 19. 

The Lynnhaven Boat Ramp area has been identified as a Casualty Collection Point (CCP) should a mass casualty event occur on one of the ships or at the anchorage. Other than this it will be normal operations. 

The boat ramp will be fully staffed for the Sail 250 weekend with anticipation of large crowds for the parade of sails and normal boaters and beachgoers. We also expect larger weeknight crowds with people trying to see the ships from the beach. 

June 5-7: “This was an extremely busy weekend with a total of 480 launches. 

Friday, June 5 – 165 total launches, car parking did fill around 1pm with sporadic availability throughout the remainder of 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 6 – 189 total launches, car parking did fill up around 11am and was full most of day. The overflow lot was used for approximately 50 vehicles with trailers. We did close the facility to trucks and trailers around 10:30am using the barricades. We also changed the new electronic signs to full and notified the VBPD that the ramp was closed to trucks and trailers. This was a very busy day as we had to turn away about 40-50 boaters due to our trailer parking being full. In addition to the number of trailers turned away, most of the boaters that came early to launch remained on the water until late afternoon, so we had very little turnover throughout the day. 

Sunday, June7 – 132 total launches, car parking did fill up around 10am and there was limited available parking throughout the day. The overflow lot was used for larger oversized trailers on this day. We did have to close the facility around 1030am-415pm, and barricade operations were implemented. Police were notified that our facility parking was full and patrolled the area throughout the day. 

Incidents to report: 

Other than increased attendance at the facility during the evening hours each night review of the camera footage from the weekend showed nothing except people utilizing the beach as intended. Security had no additional reports of issues during their scheduled times. On Monday, June 8 at approximately 9:41pm, I did get an update from security that the Real Time Crime Center alerted VBPD of some high school students gathering on the beach. Security reported that VBPD came onsite but no found no major issues or violations. 

Notes: 

1. The new digital signs were implemented this weekend. Although we had to turn away a lot of boaters the staff felt that the signs were very beneficial. Our hope being that people will do better about not turning off Shore Drive when they see we our full. This will take time. 

2. We have noticed an influx of larger boats coming to the facility due to the perceived issues at the Owl Creek boat ramp. With this there have been many new citizens launching and recovering that are not used to our procedures. During the weekend of June 6-7, we had several incidents of verbal abuse towards staff, citizens not abiding by established procedures when launching and recovering their boats, and uncooperative drivers trying to circumvent our barricade operations for road closure. Even with a full complement of staff, users are not being compliant to what staff are communicating. 

Parking Enforcement: 

Total Citation Count: 42  Total Read Count: 416 (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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Shore Drive Condo (Marlin Bay) Project

Update: Proposed Condominium Project on Shore Drive

Statement from the Ocean Park Civic League
As the proposed 52-unit McLeskey condominium project on Shore Drive moves through the City of Virginia Beach’s approval process, including Planning Department review, Planning Commission consideration, and a final City Council vote, the Ocean Park Civic League has not reached a clear consensus. Resident sentiment is considerably mixed, and we respect the sincerity in each position.


The project — which also includes a small commercial component and requires a rezoning that would increase allowable density from 4.25 to nearly 24 units per acre — raises several concerns we believe warrant close attention. We also recognize that some residents see potential value in new housing inventory and added investment along the corridor, and we take that perspective seriously as well.

  • Scale, Density, and Height: We’re closely watching how a nearly 62-foot building fits along this section of Shore Drive- Ocean Park. The developers have taken community input into consideration as this plan for the building is stepped down to 34 ft (three stories) adjacent to the townhouses behind it. Beyond those neighbors, we’re also considering how this structure changes the view and feel of Shore Drive and the adjacent Pleasure House Point Natural Area — affecting everyone who lives, walks, or drives through this stretch of the corridor.
  • Neighborhood Character and Alignment: Does this project reflect who Ocean Park is — a historic coastal community with a distinct identity — and does it align with Virginia Beach’s own long-term vision for the Shore Drive Corridor? We think that’s a fair and necessary question.
  • Traffic and Parking: Getting in and out of this site safely on Shore Drive is one concern. We are equally focused on what happens to on-street parking along Marlin Bay Drive. There is a real trade-off: limiting building height can reduce space for ground-level parking beneath the structure, pushing resident and guest vehicles onto already tight neighborhood streets. We want a design that solves the parking problem without worsening the height issue.
  • Stormwater Management: Every new Bayfront development must demonstrate it will not worsen flooding, runoff, or drainage for surrounding properties. This corridor is already vulnerable, and that must be part of the conversation.
  • Protection of Pleasurehouse Point Natural Area: Adding 52 residential units next to this natural preserve will bring more people and pets. Off-leash dogs and inadequate waste disposal already pressure the area’s wildlife habitat, nesting grounds, and trails. Many new residents living steps away could accelerate damage to a resource the whole community treasures.

We encourage all residents — whether supportive or skeptical — to stay engaged and make their voice heard.
The project is expected to come before the Virginia Beach Planning Commission on June 10, where it will receive a formal recommendation before advancing to City Council for the final decision, likely later this summer. There are two straightforward ways to make your voice heard now:

Everyone who would like to express concerns or support of the project is encouraged to write a letter to the Planning Commission (PlanningCommissioners@vbgov.com) and/ or speak at the June 10  meeting (details below). Another opportunity will come when the project is considered by the City Council. Your input is welcome and important.

Your input matters at this stage. The OPCL will continue to share updates as the process moves forward.

Shore Drive Condo Project ( Marlin Bay)

Shore Dr Condos – Bayfront Advisory Commission – 2026-02-19Download
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Shore Drive Condo (Marlin Bay) Project

Update: Proposed Condominium Project on Shore Drive

Statement from the Ocean Park Civic League
As the proposed 52-unit McLeskey condominium project on Shore Drive moves through the City of Virginia Beach’s approval process, including Planning Department review, Planning Commission consideration, and a final City Council vote, the Ocean Park Civic League has not reached a clear consensus. Resident sentiment is considerably mixed, and we respect the sincerity in each position.


The project — which also includes a small commercial component and requires a rezoning that would increase allowable density from 4.25 to nearly 24 units per acre — raises several concerns we believe warrant close attention. We also recognize that some residents see potential value in new housing inventory and added investment along the corridor, and we take that perspective seriously as well.

  • Scale, Density, and Height: We’re closely watching how a nearly 62-foot building fits along this section of Shore Drive- Ocean Park. The developers have taken community input into consideration as this plan for the building is stepped down to 34 ft (three stories) adjacent to the townhouses behind it. Beyond those neighbors, we’re also considering how this structure changes the view and feel of Shore Drive and the adjacent Pleasure House Point Natural Area — affecting everyone who lives, walks, or drives through this stretch of the corridor.
  • Neighborhood Character and Alignment: Does this project reflect who Ocean Park is — a historic coastal community with a distinct identity — and does it align with Virginia Beach’s own long-term vision for the Shore Drive Corridor? We think that’s a fair and necessary question.
  • Traffic and Parking: Getting in and out of this site safely on Shore Drive is one concern. We are equally focused on what happens to on-street parking along Marlin Bay Drive. There is a real trade-off: limiting building height can reduce space for ground-level parking beneath the structure, pushing resident and guest vehicles onto already tight neighborhood streets. We want a design that solves the parking problem without worsening the height issue.
  • Stormwater Management: Every new Bayfront development must demonstrate it will not worsen flooding, runoff, or drainage for surrounding properties. This corridor is already vulnerable, and that must be part of the conversation.
  • Protection of Pleasurehouse Point Natural Area: Adding 52 residential units next to this natural preserve will bring more people and pets. Off-leash dogs and inadequate waste disposal already pressure the area’s wildlife habitat, nesting grounds, and trails. Many new residents living steps away could accelerate damage to a resource the whole community treasures.

We encourage all residents — whether supportive or skeptical — to stay engaged and make their voice heard.
The project is expected to come before the Virginia Beach Planning Commission on June 10, where it will receive a formal recommendation before advancing to City Council for the final decision, likely later this summer. There are two straightforward ways to make your voice heard now:

Everyone who would like to express concerns or support of the project is encouraged to write a letter to the Planning Commission (PlanningCommissioners@vbgov.com) and/ or speak at the June 10  meeting (details below). Another opportunity will come when the project is considered by the City Council. Your input is welcome and important.

Your input matters at this stage. The OPCL will continue to share updates as the process moves forward.

Shore Drive Condo Project ( Marlin Bay)

Shore Dr Condos – Bayfront Advisory Commission – 2026-02-19Download
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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 24-26

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 weekly report for the weekend of April 24-26, 2026. 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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