Rudee Park
Let's write the Rudee Park story, together.
About Rudee Park
Located at the southern end of the Virginia Beach resort, the 8-acre site was once part of the local system of beach dunes, maritime forest, and sand shoals broken by what is now Rudee Inlet.
One of the most beautiful and dynamic properties on the East Coast, locals and visitors immerse themselves in the open access and views to the Atlantic Ocean, inlet waterways, beaches, and coastal ecology.
Public importance of the site has grown over time, making Rudee Loop a premier destination for all the communities across the City of Virginia Beach.
Following decades of debate and public input, the City of Virginia Beach has committed to open public access and use of the site by creating a world-class public destination, Rudee Park.
Let’s write the Rudee Park story together.
What we Heard
At the end of 2024, the Rudee Park design team hosted three community events and an online survey to gather feedback on the programs and amenities residents want to see in the park.
The team also engaged high school students across Virginia Beach to incorporate a younger perspective into the vision.
So far, Phase 1 has collected over 48,000 data points, from these sources:
- Verbal and written comments from in-person events
- Student discussions
- Community events
- Stakeholder focus groups
- Online survey
In total, nearly 7,000 people across the city contributed their voices. The community’s input has been instrumental in shaping the three design concepts that were presented in February 2025. A copy of the presentation that was shared in the concept review meetings is available.
From the collected data, here’s how residents prioritized their preferences (select images to enlarge/view PDF):
Arriving at a Concept
On May 20, 2025, City Council was briefed on the Rudee Park Master Plan, which included a conceptual plan that outlines the features and designs preferred by residents, collected through public feedback.
Some unique elements that received significant public support and can be seen in the master plan are:
- Immersive natural trails/paths.
- Inlet steps down to the water.
- A shared-use pedestrian and cycling path woven through the park.
- Nature-based play areas.
Rudee Park Concept Rendering
May 20, 2025, City Council Presentation
An elevated path frames the central “Beach Village,” with a hub of restrooms, showers, food and beverage offerings, while providing scenic overlooks of the ocean, inlet and park.
Underpinning the park’s identity — and crucial to its success — is a commitment to maintaining and enhancing the culture and ecology of Virginia Beach. Native plantings can be found throughout the park, creating a natural feel as an authentic part of Virginia Beach.
A water plaza and splash pad, anchored by a signature “wave” waterfall, pays tribute to the city’s surf culture and connection to the water. Vehicular access remains at Atlantic Avenue, while 2nd Street provides key beach parking to support the resort area and water sports.
The Beach Village enhances Grommet Island with new amenities and seating, creating a celebration landmark for activity at the southern end of the boardwalk. Opportunities for public art will spotlight local talent and celebrate the city’s vibrant creative community at all the primary park entries and water plaza.
Next Steps
Make Rudee Park a world-class destination with input from all the communities of Virginia Beach.
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October - December 2024: Public input & design collaboration.
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January/February 2025: Refine design options & begin public input.
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February/March 2025: Present design options for public input.
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March/April 2025: Design collaboration and synthesis of input.
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April/May 2025: Begin input on final park design.
