January 18

Happy New Year!
DEPARTMENT REPORT
January 2018
PRT’s Living Christmas Tree at the Bagley Stage, Chesapeake City Park
for WCTV-Chesapeake Television’s Annual Sing-A-Long
This report covers highlights of
department activity for the period
July through December 2017.
www.cityofchesapeake.net/parks-rec-tourism 1

Greetings and Happy New Year!
The staff at Parks, Recreation and Tourism hope you had a great holiday and wish you all the best for 2018!
This department report covers activities that occurred from July through December 2017 with an emphasis on
Projects. For a complete listing of projects, see pages 43-47 at the end of this report.
Why not try a new class, sign up for a park hike, compete in the Senior Games, or come to a new event in 2018?
Follow us on Facebook for the latest updates and offerings. We look forward to another year of enhancing the
quality of life for citizens, their families and visitors to Chesapeake!
Contents
PROJECTS – FOR A DETAILED LISTING SEE PAGES 42-46 PAGES 3-14
PARKS 3-8
TREE REMOVAL, PARK/FACILITY SECURITY 9
ATHLETIC AMENITY AND PLAYGROUND IMPROVEMENTS 10
PARKS AND FACILITY MAINTENANCE 11
ATHLETIC FIELD LIGHTS 12
FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS 13
NEW SIGNAGE 14
PARK CONNECTIONS 15
COMMUNITY CENTERS, YOUTH PROGRAMS 16-20
55 & BETTER 21
THERAPEUTIC RECREATION 22-24
INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS 24-25
SPECIAL EVENTS 25-29
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS 30-34
WESTERN BRANCH MIDDLE SCHOOL ART PROJECT 32
VOLUNTEERS, CLEANUPS AND RENTALS 33-34
ATHLETICS 35-37
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS 38
TOURISM 39
CHESAPEAKE CONFERENCE CENTER 40-41
PROJECT UPDATES 42-46
2

PARK PROJECTS
Walkability and connectivity for ADA Compliance and a Healthier Chesapeake have been a major department goal for the
past few years. Taking steps to achieve that goal, sidewalks have been added to make playgrounds, shelters and other
amenities more accessible to all. Many of these projects tie shelters, playgrounds and parking lots together making areas
more accessible for parents with strollers, folks with disabilities, and others. Our goal is to make our parks enjoyable and
safe for everyone to enjoy.
Bells Mill Park
The jail expansion project provided opportunities for enhancements
to the park, which are now complete. Improvements include a new
park entry with direct access to Albemarle Drive and an asphalt
parking lot that includes an area for buses to turn around.
View from the park trail to
the new parking lot.
View of new sign and
entranceway from
Albemarle Drive.
Drone view of the park taken in
August 2017
Sunrise at the park
New trees were
planted and a
sidewalk
installed as part
of the finishing
touches to the
project.
BELLS MILL PARK TRAIL
Hiking Trail 2.68 mi.
Addition for 5K
3

Chesapeake Arboretum
New garden signs for all trees were constructed and
installed by citizens Ed Bradley and Phil Johnson.
Invasives were sprayed and undergrowth was tagged to
identify species.
A new fence was installed around Camellia Cove.
Bridge D (left) and Bridge G (right) were replaced.
New picnic tables
The wiring and electrical to the Greenhouse have been revised. A
heavy-duty plastic was installed and another layer will be added this
month. Painting was done and a lockable storm door was added.
Tropical plants are now being grown for inside/outdoor use for
various projects.
4

City Park
A buffer row of 30 Atlantic White Cedars was planted along
the drainage channel behind the fitness area. The trees will take
a few years to fill in but will provide a visual and sound buffer
for the park as well as a riparian buffer for the drainage
watercourse.
Creekwood South
A new ADA-accessible sidewalk has been installed from the road to the playground.
Stonegate Park
New roof on shelter
Elizabeth River Park
New shed built to house the new golf cart.
5

Greenbrier Sports Park
Sidewalks were added to provide connectivity to the parking lot, port-a-johns, and tennis courts. No more tracking
mud onto the courts!
Park Paving Projects
Paving is complete for the parking lots leading to the boat
ramps. Directional parking for boaters will be realigned for
ease of ingress and egress. Additional parking areas by the
Great Bridge Lock were also paved leading to the boat
ramp/kayak launch area. New pavement striping is complete
and signage is in process.
Great Bridge Lock Park
Completed paving - boating/kayak launch area parking lot
First phase of paving in process
Additional paved parking areas
Completed handicapped striping
in process
6

Deep Creek Lock Park
The parking lot was re-paved and re-striped.
Northwest River Park
20 new picnic tables were delivered to the park in December
and will be ready for spring picnics!
New Ranger boat for patrolling surrounding park waterways
7

Oak Grove Lake Park
A new sidewalk was installed connecting the parking lot into the park. The parking lot was re-graded and expanded on the sides,
creating more parking space for patrons. The ruts that were on the trail around the lake were filled in and smoothed over.
Western Branch Athletic Complex
The old swings were removed and a new Max Net Climber was installed.
8

TREE REMOVAL
When necessary, Grounds staff remove hazardous trees throughout the city for safety and other reasons.
A citizen reported
several dead trees at
Major Hillard Library.
This dead tree was
removed at Battlefield
Park South
After removal,
vegetation was
cut back and
with clearing and
mulch, the site
looks fresh and is
safe again!
This large oak tree in
the Sunrise Hills Play
Area was trimmed back
to keep branches from
encroaching on
residents’ property
PARK/FACILITY SECURITY
Video system upgrades at Elizabeth River Park
Camera additions in the outside lot area at Great
Bridge Community Center
Camera addition in the Teen Zone at
Dr. Clarence V. Cuffee Community Center
9

ATHLETIC AMENITY AND PLAYGROUND IMPROVEMENTS
Some of the projects appear below. For a complete listing, refer to the Project Updates at the end of this report.
The concession stand at Western Branch
Athletic Complex was opened and is used
for various athletic events.
Day 1 of
installation of the
playground at
Rena B. Wright
8 regular and 2 ADA heavy-duty
picnic tables were installed at Western
Branch Park.
Installation Complete!
Oscar Smith High School Tennis Courts
10

PARKS AND FACILITY GROUNDS MAINTENANCE
The grounds were cleaned, pruned and mulched for fall events at the South Norfolk Community Center.
Pruning and mulching at
the libraries
Staff cleared and graded the site of the Great Bridge Battlefield
& Waterways Visitor Center prior to construction and in time
for the Groundbreaking Ceremony on September 22
Crush and Run was added and area was re-graded at
Hinton Street
Staff tore down dilapidated Bridge H at the Chesapeake Arboretum
11

ATHLETIC FIELD LIGHT INSTALLATION
Indian River Middle School ballfield light installation.
New lights at Sparrow Road Intermediate ballfield.
Rena B. Wright Primary ballfield light installation, new fencing and dugouts!
12

FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS
River Crest Community Center now has new cabinets in the
kitchen and Art Room. The facility and gym were also painted.
Floor refinishing at River Crest Community Center
The bumper pool and foosball tables were refinished at Indian
River Community Center.
New electrical height and backstop motors were
installed on all basketball goals.
New foaming soap dispensers, complete with the city logo, were installed in
facilities throughout the city as a Housekeeping efficiency. Not only does
foaming hand soap require less soap to achieve the same effect as regular
soap, it is also environmentally friendly. Having less consistency, it’s less
likely to clog drains. It also conserves water, as industry studies have
revealed that people who wash their hands with foaming soap use 16 percent
less water to lather and rinse than those who use regular soap. More hand
washes can also be achieved, reducing packaging and transportation impacts
on the environment.
13

NEW SIGNAGE
The department has added and replaced many park signs throughout the city within the past 6 months that are now our standard,
monument-shaped signs. These signs are easily recognizable to our citizens.
Pole Banner Project - The Chesapeake 9/11
Memorial is one of five community projects that can
be funded by businesses purchasing a banner.
Banners will be displayed for 12 months. Prices are
based on traffic volume at the intersection with the
streetlight, costs are either $750 or $1,500. For more
information: 757-774-6960 or www.chescharities.org.
14

PARK CONNECTIONS
Whether it’s attending an informative nature-based instructional program, watching the eclipse or the sun rise,
Chesapeake parks are places where people connect with friends, family, community and nature.
Bells Mill Park
Cub Park 57 enjoyed the view of the Eclipse from
Bells Mill Park in August
Chesapeake Arboretum
Students from Veritas Collegiate Academy enjoyed
Linda Bradley’s informational talk about the Arboretum. Linda
is a Master Gardener and also an Arboretum Board member.
The United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Ocean Service (NOS) Center for
Operational Oceanographic Products and Services (CO-OPS) has been working on the design, development and testing of a
real-time tidal measurement system, “The Hermit,” for use in coastal regions with limited infrastructure. By utilizing Oak
Grove Lake for the testing, they are able to simulate shallow coastal deployments and test new hardware and software
enhancements. This convenient location is saving taxpayer dollars by accelerating our ocean measurement system test and
evaluation processes. When this buoy is deployed in coastal environments, the buoy has to be secured with hundreds of
pounds of chain and a pyramid anchor. The calmness of the lake makes the deployment and recovery capable from a small
16 ft vessel and limited overhead lifting capabilities.
Sydney Mazat received the Gold Award from
Girl Scouts for her assistance with the Junior
Park Ranger Program she devised with PR&T
staff. Youth who attended Northwest River
Park’s Family Fun Day event in September
were provided a booklet to be completed
about nature and conservation while at
the park. Successful program participants
were rewarded with a June Ranger Badge.
Junior Ranger Program
15

Life-Saving Event
at Indian River Community Center
On October 4, 2017, Mr. Michael Lee, a patron who regularly plays Pickleball
with the Indian River Community Center’s Pickleball group, had a cardiac event
and passed out while at the center. Staff member, Michelle Ellison, jumped into
action and assisted Mr. Lee. Michelle had staff members, Lena Ingram and Angie
Harris, call 911 and also asked them to retrieve the AED (automated external
defibrillator) device from the office while Michelle began giving CPR to Mr.
Lee. When Lena and Angie brought the AED machine, she applied the patches to
Mr. Lee’s chest and let the AED machine process his vitals. The AED indicated
that a shock was needed to assist Mr. Lee. After the shock was given, First
Responders arrived, one of whom was Officer Seery with the Police Department.
Mr. Seery had responded to a PulsePoint alert while on duty at neighboring
Indian River Middle School. Complete medical care was then given to Mr. Lee.
Lt. Gomes of the Chesapeake Fire/EMT division also arrived on the scene to
assess the medical emergency. Lt. Gomes took possession of the AED device and
thanked Michelle and the center staff for assisting Mr. Lee. Staff handled this
life-threatening situation very professionally. They were also able to quickly
access Mr. Lee’s contact information and provide it to the First
Responders. Thurman Diamond of Parks, Recreation and Tourism staff, was on
the phone with another staff member while the incident was occurring. He
happened to be close by the center and quickly came to the scene to assist. Lt.
Gomes was very pleased with the staff response and advised that without Mrs.
Ellison taking the action she did to provide immediate medical assistance, Mr.
Lee may not have survived. These are practices that staff are trained in but rarely
use. It was a great example of proper training in action.
Fire Department staff have indicated that this type of event is a very rare
occurrence and is only the second case in many years of a non-public safety
employee starting CPR and delivering a lifesaving shock.
A publicity event was held at the center in October when Mr. Lee got to
personally thank all those involved in the life-saving incident.
Parks, Recreation and Tourism staff involved in this event were recognized at the
November 29 th Parks, Recreation and Tourism staff meeting at Dr. Clarence V.
Cuffee Community Center. Fire Chief Elliott and Thom Schwalenberg, Division
Chief/Chief Medical Officer, took part in the recognition and emphasized the
importance of CPR and the use of AEDs and PulsePoint. Staff will also be
recognized with a civilian life-saving award at the Chesapeake Fire Department’s
annual awards ceremony in February 2018.
An AED is a portable device that the general public can use to check the heart
rhythm during a SCA (sudden cardiac arrest) incident. The AED comes with
instructions and voice prompts and can send an electric shock to the heart if
required. If not treated, an SCA usually results in death within minutes.
PulsePoint AED is a software application that alerts citizens trained in CPR when
there is a cardiac emergency. The application will also provide locations for the
closest AEDs that are publically accessible.
Michael Lee thanks Michelle Ellison
Parks, Recreation and Tourism staff, Officer Seery and first
responders recognized at the publicity event at the center.
Staff recognition with Chief Elliott and Division
Chief/Chief Medical Officer Thom Schwalenberg at the
PR&T Quarterly Staff Meeting
16

Rokeby Center
A new ceramics kiln was installed at
the Center in December. This kiln will
support further expansion of our very
popular ceramic classes. These classes
introduce participants to the techniques
of cleaning, staining, glazing and
finishing greenware with the final
phase being firing.
AED installed
Watercolor Class
Community Centers
The community centers stay involved with various community groups, organizations and city agencies. They offer a
wide variety of amenities, activities and programs for all.
Camelot Civic League held its annual “Community
Appreciation Banquet” on October 13 in the Camelot
Community Center gymnasium. Teddy Santos,
Recreation Specialist II currently assigned to Camelot
was a recipient of the “2017 Points of Light” Award.
Camelot Community Center – youth in the gym
17

More from Community Centers
Free meals were provided to the Summer Blast and community center youth over the summer. Participants were able
to board Chesapeake Public Schools’ Nutrition Bus and get their meals. Healthy eating is often discussed with Youth
Programs.
Camelot Community Center youth
enjoying their lunches
Stay & Play learning through
“My Plate Nutrition Program”
at
Deep Creek Community Center
Stay & Play
at Indian River Community Center
Homework time at River Crest
Community Center
Summer Blast
Miss Virginia Teen visited Summer Blast
at the Western Branch Community Center
Summer Blast Field Trip at
Great Bridge Community Center
Water Day at Dr. Clarence V.
Cuffee Community Center
Summer Blast Field Trips to Game Works and Destination Playground
Indian River Community Center
18

More from Community Centers
Events, Programs and Amenities
Special African Drum Event at Cuffee Community Center
YMCA Friends and Family Day
at Cuffee Community Center
South Norfolk Women’s Club held an Art Contest. Two winners
were chosen: Cameron Ballance and Janiya Snyder, both 8 years
old. They received gift certificates and their art work will be
displayed in the South Norfolk Historical 2018 Calendar.
Campostella Civic League and Chesapeake
Commonwealth Attorney’s Office had a
successful basketball tournament at
Cuffee Community Center
Community Center staff training conducted through
Chesapeake RU Ready – CHKD’s Program,
Understanding Depression & Anxiety in Youth
Deep Creek Community Center’s Gym
19

More from Community Centers
Taekwondo Demonstration, one of the many programs
held during the Chesapeake Commonwealth
Attorney’s 6 week-program “Traveling the Road to
Success”. Other topics included Self-awareness and to
choose between good and bad influences, learn to set
and obtain goals, and learn to recover from mistakes.
The program was held at the Cuffee Community
Center.
Halloween brought a lot of
events and activity, crafts,
Trunk-or-Treat, parades and
more.
Back to school got kicked off with the annual Unity in the
Community Day at Dr. Clarence V. Cuffee Community Center’s
Back “2” School Jamz. Approximately 1000 backpacks were filled
with school supplies and given to the youth.
Teamwork was one of the topics
discussed by the Girl Scouts
when they visited the South
Norfolk Community Center.
Tike Tunes Parade at
Great Bridge Community Center
Crafts at Indian River Road
Community Center
4 th Annual Trunk-or-Treat at
South Norfolk Community
Center
20

55 and Better
55 and Better Staff
USO Dance held at the River Crest Community Center in July
55 & Better Programs
Ceramics • Tai Chi ▪ Jewelry-Making • Chair Yoga ▪ Beginner Quilt Project, Drawing Fundamentals • Indoor
Gardening ▪ Open Pickleball • Paint for Fun • Peppy Steppers • Soul Steppers • 757 Sophisticated Steppers •
Rockin’ to the Oldies • Bus Trips • Food Demo• Rock Painting
Paint for Fun
nunoject
Food Demo – Spiralizing
Quilt Project
The annual Fish Fry was held at City Park
in June. Music was provided by the Winds
of Grass.
The Silver Strand Senior Club
celebrated their 45 th
Anniversary at Dr. Clarence
V. Cuffee Community Center
with special guest
Councilmember Ella Ward.
Bingo Madness was held in August at
River Crest Community Center. The
sponsor was Allcare Transportation
Services under the direction of Owner,
Casey Turchetta. This new company
provides non-medical local and state-tostate
transportation services 365 days a
year.
Rock Painting Class
Senior Exercise Group at Camelot Community
Center
The Annual Art Expo and “Meet the Artist” Reception took place in
November. There were more than 70 in attendance for the reception including
several senior artists. Attendees enjoyed the sounds of returning Harpist, Karen
Stowe, with Tidewater Arts Outreach, one of the 55 & Better collaborative
partners. There were a total of 23 participating artists, and the Jewelry-Making
and Ceramics class facilitators displayed their artwork, a new addition this year.
21

Therapeutic Recreation
Programs and Events
Alley Cats • C.R.E.w Club ▪ “Yogie” with Mogie • AMP Beginniners and Intermediate Karate at Great Bridge ▪
AMP Intermediate Karate at Western Branch • Respite Night at Brickheadz
Turkey pine cone project
Making Halloween soap at The
Portlock in South Norfolk
AMP Beginning Karate
in Great Bridge
Summer Explorers Therapeutic Recreation Summer Day Camp concluded its final week by diving into the tech-savvy
2000s. The session began with activities centered around the 1920s, 1940s, 50s and then the 60s. The camp was held at The
Portlock in South Norfolk.
Participants visited the American Military
Aviation Museum
22

More from
Therapeutic Recreation
The Annual Bahama Bash was held in August at River Crest Community Center
Special Olympics held their end-of-year picnic at
Deep Creek Park
Special Olympics Softball Team Chesapeake placed
3 rd in the State Games in Richmond
Chesapeake Parks, Recreation and Tourism and Area 2
Special Olympics hosted the Chesapeake Cup Soccer
Tournament in October at Deep Creek Park. Two hundred
athletes, spectators, and volunteers cheered on teams from
Chesapeake, Norfolk and Virginia Beach as they competed to
qualify for State Game play. Athletes were led in a warm-up by
Wade Crawford-Get SO Fit Coach. Olympic Town was open
during game play for athletes to enjoy some lawn games, face
painting, and a flag football demonstration. Flag football is the
newest sport with Special Olympics and has gained support
from the Washington Redskins! The Chesapeake Eagles placed
2 nd in their division play and the Chesapeake Patriots took home
the first place spot! Chesapeake Teams participated in the State
Games in Virginia Beach in November.
23

More from Therapeutic Recreation
The Monster Mash was held in October at River Crest Community Center
C.R.E.w Club held their annual Holiday Potluck at the Portlock in South Norfolk.
They then took a trip to the Norfolk Botanical Gardens to see the holiday lights.
Instructional Programs
Science Camp and Canoe Camp at Northwest River Park held in July.
Youth Basketball Camp
24

Kids’ Days Instructional Program at the
Chesapeake Arboretum with the Virginia Museum of
Natural History
Tots Explorers Visiting Chesapeake Public
Schools’ Nutritional Bus
Special Events
Food Truck Hump Days on the Great Bridge Waterways took place again for the 4 th year in cooperation with Great Bridge
Battlefield and Waterways History Foundation. July held a record kayak participation of 77 people! The event ran from April
until September, every 1 st and 3 rd Wednesday of the month.
Mr. and Miss Abilities,
Matthew Burk and Hannah
Heckler, made a grand
entrance on the Fire Boat
in June.
AMP Beginning
Karate provided
demonstrations.
The Movie & More series continued every month through October
at Chesapeake City Park, Northwest River Park, Elizabeth River
Park, Western Branch Park and Deep Creek Park. Movies included
Storks, Dory, Angry Birds, Life of Pets, and Trolls.
25

More Special Events
This year’s Celebrate Freedom Concert and Fireworks was held on July 3 rd at Chesapeake
City Park and it was likely the biggest one ever. Over 12,000 people joined in on the
annual festivities. This year the main stage showcased Chesapeake Parks, Recreation and
Tourism’s Miss and Mr. Abilities 2017 winners Hannah Heckler and Matthew Burk, plus
our ongoing class programs: pre-ballet, ballet, tap and jazz youth classes. The basketball
courts in the children’s area was transformed into another stage that highlighted the
cheerleading classes that are also offered through PRT.
July 4 th Parade and Festival at Lakeside Park The South Norfolk Civic
League had perfect weather this year for its annual July 4 th Parade and
Festival at Lakeside Park. As usual, the parade was a wonderful display of
patriotism from the hearts of those in the Hampton Roads area. Once the
parade ended, parade goers extended the fun into Lakeside Park where they
heard “J and the Band” perform on the main stage. Concessions from local
food trucks and vendors supplied the crowds with varying menus.
One Love Caribbean Steel Drum Band played at
Elizabeth River Park as part of the free Sunday
Concert Series.
26

More Special Events
There were many other events throughout the remainder of 2017. These are
some of the highlighted events.
9/11 Ceremony of Remembrance - September
Chesapeake City Park
Symphony Under the Stars – September
Chesapeake City Park
Family Fun Day – September
Northwest River Park
Bark in the Park – October
Chesapeake City Park
AutumnFest – October
Chesapeake Arboretum
Dismal Swamp Canal Trail
Ghost Train - October
Northwest River Park
27

More Special Events
Waterways Heritage Festival – October
Battlefield Park South
Dismal Swamp Art Festival – October
Dismal Swamp Canal Trail
Holiday Craft Show – November
Chesapeake Conference Center
Battle of Great Bridge – December
Battlefield Park South
Fine Arts Commission Meet and Greet
Tom Retnauer and Lisa Doud of the Fine Arts Commission conducted a Meet and Greet at the Chesapeake Conference Center in
November. Arts organizations who have applied for a grant with the Commission were in attendance. An overview of the
Chesapeake Fine Arts Commission and the grant process was provided. Mike Barber discussed the many available venues
throughout the City for performances, competitions and concerts.
28

More Special Events
The 2017 Holiday Brass Concert was once again well attended, with an
estimated audience of more than 850. The ballet, hip-hop and jazz
instructional programs performed before the Virginia Symphony Concert.
There was a pre-event Facebook Live post with Live recordings of the
dance performances. The videos resulted in a total of 2,535 views, and
combined with the posted pictures, reached 5,112 viewers.
Facebook Live recording of Instructional Tap Class
Chessie was in the house for photo opportunities
29

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Spirit Days & Community Days
In July and August, Special Events
partnered with Chesapeake Human
Services and a wide variety of non-profit
organizations in the community to offer
positive activities, promote a sense of
community, and provide information on
available services. This series of free
events at Camelot Park, Dunedin Park,
Holly Cove and Johnson Park featured
games, free hot dogs and treats, music and
basketball tournaments. Children and adults had the opportunity to see, tour and touch
City of Chesapeake equipment like fire trucks, construction cranes, ambulances and
police boats up close and personal. The series concluded with the Buffalow Friends and
Family Community Day and school supply giveaway.
Special Programs hosts various events with and for the community some of
which are: Clean the Bay Day, Adopt-A-Spot, Chesapeake Recycles Day,
Chesapeake Notable Yards, Spirit Days and Community Days, and Business
Beautification Winners.
Notable Yard Winner, Aaron White
30

MORE COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Department staff host, co-host and attend many community events to spread the news about what the department and City
have to offer. Staff also provide needed tables and chairs for other special City events or community emergency needs.
Staff networked with City coworkers and shared information about the City, region and department services during the
Health and Wellness Expo held at the now named Courtyard Square Park.
Chessie, the department mascot, attends community events
outside the department to promote department awareness.
He got invited to Breakfast with Santa at Fire Station 5 in
December.
In time of need…
Staff assisted with delivery of tables and chairs for New Galilee
Missionary Baptist Church, which was a disaster resource center for
fire victims from the Chesapeake Crossing apartment community.
The goal of this resource was to create a “one-stop-shop” to connect
residents with assistance from various agencies.
31

Western Branch Middle School – Sharing Resources
Art students at Western Branch Middle School refurbished 4 old benches from the Chesapeake Arboretum and converted them to
useful art to be used at their school.
Kambar Khoshaba, Western Branch Middle School
Principal, art students, Mike Barber and former
Mayor, Alan Krasnoff
32

VOLUNTEERS and CLEANUPs
Members of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and their
families picked up trash at Oak Grove Lake Park.
A group from the Army Corps of Engineers conducted a
park cleanup at the Chesapeake Arboretum.
In October, the
Chesapeake
Environmental
Improvement
Council (CEIC)
hosted its first
Adopt-a-Park
Clean-up Event at
City Hall and the
Municipal Tree
Trail. Nineteen
volunteers from the
CEIC and the
community together
cleared 110 lbs of
trash.
Volunteers cleaned up
around Lake Lesa at
Northwest River Park
Students from TCC
Chesapeake and
Grassfield High School
helped with the last
Recycles Day of the year
at TCC Chesapeake.
The City and CEIC participated in the Keep America Beautiful annual America Recycles Days with 6 Recycling Days held at
various locations throughout the City in 2017.
33

RENTALS
Geocaching of Hampton Roads had their picnic at Chesapeake City Park in September. Chessie stopped by to join
the fun.
One of our many event venues, this rental was at the Western Branch Community Center
Two of the shelters at Deep Creek Park next to Destination Playground
34

Athletics
Adult softball is a popular sport in Chesapeake with 2100 participants in 2017. Tournament winners for the summer season
are listed below..
Summer Season
New Life #2, Tidewater Champions of Men’s Church Division,
prays with COVA at the end of the championship game.
Winner of the Coed Lower Division: New Life
Church
Winner of the Coed Upper Division (East/West)
Tournament: Team Chichos
Winner of the Men’s Open Upper Division
(Clipper) Tournament: ND/21
Coed Champions - Winner: 757 Rental Homes -
Virginia Beach
Chesapeake Men’s Championship, Chesapeake
Tournament, and Tidewater Championship Tournament
Winner: Edinburgh Family Dentistry
35

Lower Men’s Church Division Tournament
Winner: Westhaven Baptist Church
Men’s Church Upper Division Tournament
Winner: New Life #2
Fall Season
Winner of the Men’s Open Clipper Division Fall:
518 Auto
Winner of the Men’s Open Lower Division Fall:
Keith’s Professional Services
Other Division Winners:
Colonial/Commonwealth Division: (1) Keith’s Professional Services (2) Al’s Painting
Continental Division: (1) PTP (Past Their Prime) (2) Al’s Painting
Dominion Division: (1) Destroyers (2) N 2 Win
Youth Volleyball League at Western Branch
Community Center
36

Football Season
Youth League Winners
Jr. Champion Indian River Hokies
Jr. Champion Indian River Hokies
Midget Champion Indian River Cowboys
Midget Champion Indian River Cowboys
Volleyball
37

Public Communications
The annual July is Park and Recreation Month got citizens excited about what Chesapeake Parks, Recreation and Tourism
has to offer. The month’s activities also debuted the “Chessie Activity and Coloring Book” now on sale in the Visitor Center
for $1. Our Park Ranger, Kenya Carter, provided the illustrations, and Sydney Hicks, wrote the winning “Chessie” poem that
appears on the inside cover. Sydney read her poem to the crowd during Celebrate Freedom at Chesapeake City Park. This
book was designed to appeal to children and teach them about Chesapeake parks and animals through the department’s
lovable bear, Chessie.
There was a “Get Your Play On” photo contest on our Facebook page where citizens were asked to share their “Play”
pictures with us. Pictured bottom left is the winner, Jenica Smith, and to the right her “Play” picture taken at Elizabeth
River Park. Other play pictures were posted throughout the month.
Double advertisement in August on the Jordan Bridge for Eat the Streets and Angry Birds movie at Elizabeth River Park.
38

Tourism
In August, the PBA
Open Frame kicked
off at AMF Western
Branch. Staff
provided welcome
bags and pull up
banner for
tournament.
Also in August, staff attended the Military
Recognition Reception at the Sheraton Norfolk
Waterside. The Hampton Roads Chamber holds
this reception to recognize top military personnel
from local commands. These receptions provide an
excellent opportunity to network with members of
the arms forces community.
The CVB hosted 32 staff members representing 13 Virginia
Welcome Centers in October for a Fall Familiarization Tour,
showcasing the best that Chesapeake has to offer. Stops
included Elizabeth River Park, Bergey’s Corn Maze,
Chesapeake Planetarium and much more. The group enjoyed
presentations from Trout Unlimited, VA Department of Game
& Inland Fisheries, and Great Dismal Swamp National
Wildlife Refuge. They were also able to sample cuisine from
Bergey’s, Mission BBQ, Windy City Pizza, Black Pelican, and
the Delta Hotel. Lodging was sponsored in part by LTD
Management Company.
Chesapeake was included in Sports Virginia E-
News in the Summer 2017 issue that reached
out to approximately 468 people. Staff
attended the Sports Virginia meeting in
Richmond on June 22 in Richmond. They are
looking for events and venues that can be held
on sand or in in water for their next blog. It
was an extremely informative meeting with
much discussion on upcoming conferences.
39

Chesapeake Conference Center
In June, Redskins Fans joined us for a special night with Dexter
Manley, John Riggins and Joe Jacoby – three of the greatest
players to ever wear the burgundy & gold.
In October, VenuWorks of Chesapeake, LLC partnered with
Boys & Girls Club of America and Buffalo Wild Wings for the
9 th Annual Team Up for Kids Dinner to honor the youth of
Hampton Roads.
Also in October, Virginia’s Full-Figured Fashion Week
celebrated “5 Years of Sparkle,” with everything sparkling
and shiny and full of curves.
In November, former Indian River High School football and
wrestling star and retired United States Army Colonel, Greg
Gadson, was inducted into Chesapeake Sports Club’s Legends of
Honor.
40

More from the Chesapeake Conference Center
Also in November, Chesapeake Mayor
Dr. Rick West and his wife, Vicky, were
all smiles with the Executive Sous Chef
Mario Wiggins at the Taste of
Chesapeake.
Candyland came to life at The 19 th Annual
Jingle Ball Chesapeake VA on December
1, 2017. Approximately 400 people
enjoyed the sounds of popular band
Strictly Bizzness and a dinner buffet
prepared by Executive Chef, Antwan
Bryant. This year’s event featured a new
Jingle Mingle Lounge complete with
casino tables, a photo booth and lounge
furniture. “Everything was wonderful this
year,” said one guest.
41

Project Updates January 11, 2018
PARK
CENTERVILLE
WORK TO BE PERFORMED/UPDATES
Improvements to the parking lot include installation of a fire
lane, 10 handicapped parking spots and respective signage,
and directional arrows.
CHESAPEAKE ARBORETUM New Arboretum sign.
New parking lot perimeter fencing.
Plant identifying signage.
Greenhouse enhancements.
Bridge Status
Bridges D, F and G replaced.
Bridges A, B, E, H, J, and K will be repaired as funding is
available, order based on evaluation of each bridge.
Bridges C and I need to be replaced.
New shelter/gazebo
Main trail widening as needed
BELLS MILL PARK
Enhancements include a new park entry and sign with direct
access to Albemarle Drive and an asphalt parking lot that
includes a large area for buses to turn around.
Perimeter fencing added
Sidewalks installed
CITY PARK
Tree buffer re-planted to create riparian buffer for drainage.
New road fencing perimeter – Phase I
Electrical upgrades
Replacement shelter
CREEKWOOD SOUTH PARK New ADA-accessible sidewalk installed.
PROJECTED
COMPLETION DATE
Spring 2018
Completed.
Completed.
Completed.
Completed.
Completed.
TBA
TBA
February 2018
Winter 2018
Completed.
Spring 2018
Summer 2018
Completed.
Completed.
Winter 2018
Spring 2018
Completed.
DEEP CREEK LOCK PARK
New benches installed.
Paving of parking lot adjacent to piers and the canoe put-in.
Near complete with clean up remaining.
Completed.
Winter 2018
ELIZABETH RIVER PARK New storage shed built adjacent to the concession building. Completed.
GREAT BRIDGE LOCK PARK
INDIAN RIVER (NORTH)
PARK
Paving and striping of parking lot by the boat ramp and
canoe/kayak put-in completed. Additional paving done to the
parking lot coming into the boat area, completed. Grading
and signage nearly complete. Some clean up remaining.
Final punch list and furnishings at Rokeby Center.
Perimeter fencing around road and parking area.
Winter 2018
Completed.
Completed.
42

Projects (continued)
43

ATHLETIC LIGHTS/ATHLETIC AMENITY IMPROVEMENTS
ATHLETIC LIGHTS
ATHLETIC AMENITY
IMPROVEMENTS
TENNIS COURTS
Indian River Middle School (Pony Baseball) Replacement
lights.
Sparrow Road Intermediate (Baseball) Replacement lights.
Crestwood Park (Softball)
Crestwood Middle School
Repair Fence
Greenbrier Sports Park
Added connecting sidewalks to the tennis courts, the parking
lot and portable toilets.
Rena B. Wright Primary School
Replacement of all field and perimeter fencing, adding new
dugouts new lighting and dugouts, floors and bleacher pads.
New 12-foot gates to be installed along 1 st base for new
maintenance access.
Western Branch Middle School Playground
Install Guard Rail Fencing
Oscar Smith High School-Resurfacing of tennis courts.
Grassfield High School –Resurfacing of tennis courts.
Completed.
Completed.
Spring 2018
Completed.
Completed.
Completed.
Completed.
Completed.
Summer 2018
ATHLETIC FIELD IMPROVEMENTS - TURF
Full renovation to
include sod cutting to
establish arcs, infield
dirt upgrades, Turface
added, mounds rebuilt,
and grading of
infields.
Deep Creek Middle Baseball
Great Bridge High Varsity Softball
Deep Creek High School Baseball
Western Branch Intermediate Pony
Oscar Smith High Varsity Softball
Deep Creek Elementary (JV & Varsity Softball)
Completed.
Completed.
Winter 2018
Sod cut to establish
areas and grading of
infields for regular
maintenance program.
Deep Creek Middle Softball
Franklin Field Softball
Hickory Middle Baseball/Softball
Portlock Primary Softball Fields
Rena B. Wright Softball
Southeastern Elementary Baseball
G. A. Treakle Elementary Baseball
44

SCHOOL/PARK PLAYGROUND IMPROVEMENTS
CRESTWOOD PARK
Replacement of ages 5-12 playground. Spring 2018
PLAYGROUND
DEEP CREEK CENTRAL Installation of new playground. February 2018
PLAYGROUND
FENTRESS PLAYGROUND Installation of new playground. Completed.
OAKBROOKE PARK Replace missing and outdated swings. Completed.
NORTHWEST RIVER PARK Install new Max Net Climber on playground. Completed.
RENA B. WRIGHT Installation of new playground. Completed.
WESTERN BRANCH PARK Install new Max Net Climber on playground. Completed.
45

CHESAPEAKE
CONFERENCE CENTER
DEEP CREEK
COMMUNITY CENTER
GREAT BRIDGE
COMMUNITY CENTER
INDIAN RIVER
COMMUNITY CENTER
RIVER CREST
COMMUNITY CENTER
ROKEBY CENTER
SOUTH NORFOLK
COMMUNITY CENTER
WESTERN BRANCH
COMMUNITY CENTER
SECURITY CAMERA
INSTALLATION
FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS/PROJECTS
Replacement of interior lighting.
Interior painting and other improvements.
Carpet replacement.
Walkway renovation.
Install new ADA door openers and push pads.
Install new curb cut for ADA
Annual gym floor refinishing.
Remove old score clocks in gym and repair walls.
Annual gym floor refinishing.
New ADA door openers and push pads.
Remove old score clocks in gym and repair walls.
Annual gym floor refinishing.
Replace roof.
Replace kitchen and art room cabinets
Paint interior and replace all window blinds.
Update basketball goal systems from manual to electrical
systems.
Annual gym floor refinishing.
Paint exterior and interior walls/trim and all kitchen cabinets. Install
new tile floors in office, kitchen, storage, hallways, multipurpose
room. Repair and refinish hardwood floors in main multipurpose
room and on stage. Update and rewire all electrical
Install new lighting and fixtures. Replace restroom fixtures
(toilets/sinks). Install new countertops and appliances in kitchen.
Install new picnic shelter with grill. Install concrete patio and ADAaccessible
sidewalks to both entrances and to shelters. Install
additional fencing around basketball court. Create automobile turn-aaround.
Install new ADA door openers and push pads.
Water Playground/Spray Park
Annual gym floor refinishing.
Water/Playground/Spray Park
Annual gym floor refinishing.
McNeil Park Building – Added video recorder to system to
extend record time.
Progressive Drive – Updated cameras in the alley and back lot.
The Portlock Annex - Camera installed to view the entrance.
The Portlock at South Norfolk – Video and security system
updated to provide more visibility and security.
Western Branch Concession – Installed video system.
Summer 2018
Summer 2018
Summer 2018
Summer 2018
Spring 2018
Completed.
Completed.
Completed.
Completed.
Spring 2018
Completed.
Completed.
Spring 2018
Completed.
Completed.
Completed.
Completed.
Completed.
Spring 2018
Fall 2018
Completed.
Fall 2018
Completed.
Completed.
Completed.
Completed.
Completed.
Completed.
CITY FACILITIES New foaming soap dispensers added as a Housekeeping efficiency. Completed.
46