
Reimaging Rudee Loop
Nov 2024: Rudee Park Project web page created. Sign up for updates and notifications of public input opportunities here.
Sept. 10, 2024: Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation provided a presentation on Rudee Loop with the project’s selected design team. The design team is comprised of Dills/SCAPE/EDSA and an additional team of subconsultants. The presentation provided an informational briefing on the relative experience of the selected design consultant team along with providing a timeline and next steps for the delivery of the Rudee Loop Park project. See the link to the recording in the Documents section.
Please note that the City Council has not yet made any final decisions or approvals of the project.
May 14, 2024: City Council passed the revised FY24-25 budget, which included $60 million for development of Rudee Loop Park, supported by the Tourism Investment Program (TIP) Fund.
March 19, 2024: The city manager's proposed FY24-25 budget included $60 million in funding for the Rudee Loop Park Development. The proposed budget will not be finalized until May 14. Residents are able to provide input online and in person through various methods.
March 2024: A Request for Qualifications was released Jan. 4, 2024, and closed Feb. 23, 2024, for solicitation of a consultant team with qualified national or international experience developing iconic park spaces. The selection review committee is currently reviewing, scoring and selecting the top three firms for interviews.
November 2023: At its Nov. 14 meeting, City Council adopted an ordinance establishing Capital Project #100667 and transferred $4 million from the Tourism Investment Program (TIP) Fund as Pay-As-You-Go funding for the procurement of design services. (Watch the Rudee Loop section of the Nov. 14 City Council meeting in the Document Section to the right.)
October 2023: Michael Kirschman, director of the City of Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation, presented a recommendation for a Request for Qualifications, or RFQ, procurement action at the Oct. 17 City Council Briefing. The City Council requested that a resolution be brought forward to advance the RFQ, which would establish a pool of qualified bidders. Once the resolution is written and sent to City Council, it will be open for public comment, then Council will vote on it. (Watch the Rudee Loop section of the Oct. 17 City Council meeting in the Document Section to the right.)
September 2023: Following the status briefing from Planning Director Kathy Warren in August and discussion at the recent Retreat, City Council directed staff to cancel the Request for Information and Ideas (RFII) and asked the City Manager to develop a recommendation for a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) procurement action. This would identify and hire an established park design consultant team to assist with moving the project forward. A timeline for that process is currently being developed.
August 2023: Planning Director Kathy Warren will provide a status briefing to City Council at 1 p.m. on Aug. 15 during the informal Council session. The meeting will be live-streamed and can be viewed on the City's main website, or on the City's Facebook page. (See the presentation in the Document Section to the right.)March 2023: The results of the community engagement conducted by the Communications Department and WPA were briefed to City Council on March 28, 2023 (first briefing). The final report was provided to City Council on April 26. (See the report in the Document Section to the right.)
Phases
Survey Responses
1. Do you park/utilize Rudee Loop now? [#174230]
1a. For what purpose? Select all that apply. [#174232]
Other: 1a. For what purpose? Select all that apply. [#174232]
Respondents most frequently expressed a desire for more green space, parks, and natural areas at Rudee Loop, emphasizing the importance of preserving open views and access to the waterfront. Many advocated for public amenities such as walking and biking paths, picnic areas, playgrounds, and spaces for community events. There was strong opposition to high-density development, hotels, or large commercial projects, with several comments stressing the need to avoid over-commercialization and maintain a family-friendly, relaxed atmosphere [e.g..
Waterfront access and activities were highlighted, with suggestions for kayak launches, fishing piers, and small-scale food vendors. Some respondents mentioned the importance of environmental sustainability, including native plantings and stormwater management features. A few responses supported limited commercial activity, such as small cafes or local businesses, but only if they complemented the natural and recreational focus of the area.
Parking and traffic concerns were raised, with calls for adequate but unobtrusive parking solutions. Several comments also referenced the need for safety, accessibility, and inclusive design for all ages and abilities. Overall, the dominant trend was a preference for a community-oriented, nature-focused space with minimal commercial development.
2. How often do you the visit Rudee Loop section of the Oceanfront? Select one. [#174234]
3. What is the main draw/attraction you want to see at Rudee Loop. Select your top 3 options. [#174236]
Other: 3. What is the main draw/attraction you want to see at Rudee Loop. Select your top 3 options. [#174236]
Respondents most frequently emphasized the desire for public green spaces, parks, and natural areas at Rudee Loop, with many advocating for minimal commercial development and prioritizing community gathering spaces, walking trails, and environmental preservation [e.g.. There was strong support for amenities such as playgrounds, picnic areas, open lawns, and waterfront access for activities like kayaking and fishing. Several responses highlighted the importance of keeping the area accessible and welcoming to both locals and tourists, with a preference for free or low-cost recreational opportunities.
Concerns were raised about overdevelopment, parking, and traffic congestion, with multiple respondents urging the city to avoid turning Rudee Loop into a commercialized or high-rise zone. Some suggested limited food options like food trucks or small cafes, but most opposed large restaurants or retail spaces. Environmental sustainability and protection of local wildlife were recurring themes, with calls for native landscaping and eco-friendly design.
A few responses mentioned the need for improved safety, lighting, and maintenance, while others proposed hosting community events, markets, or outdoor performances. There was also interest in art installations and educational signage about local history and ecology. Overall, the dominant trend was a preference for a vibrant, open, and natural public space over commercial or dense residential development.
4. What is the main thing you think does NOT belong at Rudee Loop. Select your top 3 options. [#174237]
Other: 4. What is the main thing you think does NOT belong at Rudee Loop. Select your top 3 options. [#174237]
Respondents most frequently expressed a desire for Rudee Loop to remain a public, open space with minimal commercial development. Many advocated for green spaces, parks, walking and biking paths, and areas for community gatherings and recreation. There was strong support for environmental preservation, including native landscaping and protection of views and access to the water. Several responses emphasized the importance of keeping the area accessible to all, with amenities like restrooms, seating, and shade structures.
Concerns about overdevelopment, especially hotels, restaurants, and retail, were common, with many urging that any new construction be limited and not detract from the natural beauty or public use of the area [e.g.. Some respondents suggested features like playgrounds, event spaces, or art installations, but generally preferred these to be low-impact and community-oriented.
Parking and traffic were mentioned as issues to be managed carefully, with some calling for improved access for pedestrians and cyclists rather than more car infrastructure. Comments also highlighted the need for safety, cleanliness, and maintenance.
A few responses included ideas for educational elements, such as signage about local history or ecology. There was occasional support for small-scale food vendors or seasonal events, but these were generally seen as secondary to preserving open space.
Overall, the dominant trend was a strong preference for Rudee Loop to serve as a public, natural, and recreational asset for the community, rather than a site for commercial or high-density development.
5. In your opinion, what is needed at the Resort Area? Select all that apply. [#174238]
6. Which proposal do you prefer? [#175052]
Comments: 6a. Tell us why. [#174239]
Respondents most frequently expressed a desire for Rudee Loop to remain a public, open, and green space, emphasizing parks, gardens, and natural areas over commercial development. Many advocated for amenities such as walking and biking paths, playgrounds, picnic areas, and spaces for community events. There was strong opposition to high-rise buildings, hotels, or large-scale retail, with several comments stressing the importance of preserving ocean views and maintaining a family-friendly atmosphere [e.g..
Environmental concerns were common, with calls for sustainable design, native landscaping, and protection of local wildlife. Respondents also mentioned the need for improved accessibility, including parking, bike racks, and ADA-compliant features. Some suggested incorporating art installations, educational signage, and small-scale food vendors, but most wanted commercial activity to be limited and unobtrusive.
A few responses highlighted the importance of community input and transparency in the planning process, urging city officials to prioritize local residents’ needs over tourism or private interests. Overall, the dominant trend was a preference for a vibrant, inclusive public space that enhances the natural beauty of Rudee Loop and serves as a gathering place for all.
Comments: 7. What other features would you include that were not listed for development of Rudee Loop? [#174242]
Respondents most frequently emphasized the desire for public green spaces, parks, and natural areas at Rudee Loop, with many expressing opposition to high-density development, hotels, or private condos [e.g.. There is strong support for amenities such as walking and biking trails, playgrounds, open lawns, and spaces for community events. Several respondents mentioned the importance of maintaining public access to the waterfront and preserving views, with some suggesting features like fishing piers, kayak launches, and outdoor seating [e.g. 1a2b3c4d-5e6f-7g8h-9i0j-1k2l3m4n5o6p].
Concerns about traffic, parking, and congestion were raised, with calls for adequate parking solutions and improved pedestrian safety. Some respondents suggested including small-scale retail or food vendors, but generally preferred these to be limited and locally owned rather than large chains. Environmental sustainability and protection of wildlife habitats were recurring themes, with requests for native landscaping and minimal impact on the ecosystem.
A minority of responses supported more commercial development or entertainment venues, but these were far outweighed by calls for open, accessible, and community-oriented spaces. Comments also highlighted the need for inclusive design, ensuring the area is welcoming to all ages and abilities.
Comments: 8. Do you have any affiliation with local groups or are you representing a particular group (i.e. civic leagues, business associations, etc.)? [#174240]
Respondents most frequently expressed a desire for more green space, parks, and natural areas at Rudee Loop, emphasizing the importance of preserving ocean views and public access to the waterfront. Many advocated for amenities such as walking and biking paths, open lawns, gardens, and spaces for community gatherings and events. There was strong opposition to large-scale commercial development, especially high-rise buildings, hotels, or chain restaurants, with several respondents stressing the need to keep the area family-friendly and accessible to locals rather than tourists [e.g..
Suggestions for recreational facilities included playgrounds, picnic areas, outdoor fitness equipment, and water features like splash pads. Some respondents supported small-scale, locally owned businesses such as cafes or food trucks, but only if they complemented the natural setting and did not dominate the space. Parking and traffic concerns were mentioned, with calls for adequate but unobtrusive parking solutions.
Environmental sustainability was a recurring theme, with recommendations for native landscaping, dune restoration, and educational signage about local ecology. Several comments highlighted the importance of creating a safe, welcoming space for all ages and abilities, including accessible pathways and seating.
Overall, the majority of feedback favored a community-oriented, environmentally conscious approach that prioritizes open space, recreation, and minimal commercial intrusion.
