1
Vision for Pleasure House Point Draft Visioning Statement • Pleasure House Point is a public natural area that belongs to all citizens of the City of Virginia Beach as well as an Education Center focusing on improving the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Indigenous vegetation and wildlife habitats are preserved in order to serve as green infrastructure and public access is provided for Virginia Beach residents to enjoy and learn from the scenic environment. Original Vision Statement • A unique Landmark on the Lynnhaven River that balances preservation and restoration of the existing natural features with low-impact public access opportunities that incorporate environmental education and stewardship in tune with the natural features of the property and adjoining waters. 2
Draft Guiding Principles • All actions on the site are made through the lens of protecting the existing maritime forest, riparian buffers and wetland areas on the site; balancing the need for public access with restoration opportunities. • The site should be managed as a public natural area with patrons governed by behavior regulations that are developed and enforced focusing on passive recreational uses that respect the land, water, wildlife and other patrons. • Diverse education opportunities will be offered for the public during site visits to promote stewardship and increase knowledge of coastal ecosystems. Educating the public can help restore and protect the Lynnhaven River and Chesapeake Bay as well as raise awareness regarding values and benefits of natural areas 3
Draft Guiding Principles continued… • Any physical improvements to the site should be made utilizing the very latest in sustainable (environmental, financial and social) design and operating practices. Consideration will be given to the potential impacts that restoration/improvements may have on other habitats. • The Master Plan for Pleasure House Point is a living document which will include input from interested citizens over the long-term 4
Identified Issues, Areas of Concern, Areas for Further Study • Berms to remain as trails with bridges and openings • Remove berms to improve wetlands, habitat, fisheries • Current perimeter trail offers numerous water vistas • Public Access • No pets (w/o leash) • Road alignment doesn’t give access to McLeskey property • Removal of berms that would cause wetland drowning with sea level rise • Some public facilities for trash collection and restroom • Can help effort to restore and protect the Lynnhaven River • Parking on Marlin Bay Drive and Pump Station • Realign Marlin Bay Drive intersection @ Southern intersection • Natural signage guiding usage and restrictions • Land access is sensitive to wildlife habitat 5
Identified Issues, Areas of Concern, Areas for Further Study continued… • Environmental/Education • Can help effort to restore and protect the Lynnhaven River • Opportunity to educate and raise awareness regarding values and benefits of natural areas • Fishing • Crew Team Launch • “Love it to Death” – Overuse! • Current location of CBF pier bisects the marsh • Access impeded by operations relative to dredging (equipment, storage, ops, etc) • Be sensitive to wetlands, wildlife with design • Emergency vehicle access direct to the boat launch • Rules subject to review • Crime Prevention • Dogs! 6
Recommend
More recommend
