Virginia Beach City Council Designates $28 million in ARPA Funds To Address Backlog of Parks & Recreation Infrastructure Projects

Continuing a long-standing show of support and recognition of the value of parks and recreation, Virginia Beach City Council recently voted to devote $28 million of the over $136 million received in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for Parks & Recreation capital improvements. More than $500 million in city projects were submitted for consideration by other departments, which makes this investment and support by city leadership even more significant!  

Over the past two years, the global pandemic put a spotlight on the essential nature of parks as people flocked to outdoor recreational amenities in record numbers, with usage jumping 57 percent. However, this record-breaking visitation also put an even greater strain on already degrading infrastructure within our park system. Currently, the capital replacement backlog of deferred maintenance is over $30 million and climbing! 

The $28 million ARPA boost will be divided into three major project groups – 

• $15.2M will address roughly 40 percent of the capital improvements backlog with 60 projects. These include dozens of playgrounds, athletic courts, paving projects, restrooms replacements, and work at Mount Trashmore (the most visited city park) to repair a major ditch, repave trails, and fix the cap on the former landfill turned mountain. 
• $9.4M is designated for a major project, ten plus years in the making, to relocate the Park & Landscape Services division’s maintenance yard to a new location on Dam Neck Road.  
• $3.6M is set aside to upgrade the HVAC systems at six out of seven recreation centers.  

We are so fortunate here in Virginia Beach to have a history of robust public support for our parks and recreation facilities! In 1987, citizens approved a dedicated tax for recreation centers, accounting for 25 percent of the department’s budget. It is clear that city council and leadership recognize the significant value in investing in these amenities – value for residents in the way of personal health and wellness, increased property values, low crime rates, and economic growth.  

With five years to spend the funds, the department’s Planning, Design, and Development division is already getting to work, delivering a tremendous volume of much-needed repairs and replacements at some of the city’s most beloved and utilized parks. Never before has the importance and value of parks and public recreation been as recognized as it is now. The pandemic has put a bright light on just how valuable these services are. And without a doubt, the public will greatly appreciate and enjoy the many improvements that will soon take place! 

Stay tuned for more info about all the projects and timing!