The Transformation of Rudee Loop into Rudee Park: A Journey from Vision to Community-Focused Reality

Over time, the Rudee Park project in Virginia Beach has evolved significantly, reflecting a community-driven approach to maintain public access and create a public space that balances recreation, ecology and accessibility.  

Rudee Loop, an 8-acre site near Rudee Inlet at the southern end of Virginia Beach’s Resort Area, has long been recognized for its potential. Initially highlighted in Virginia Beach's Resort Area Strategic Action Plan, the site originally was envisioned as a mixed-use development area.  

What We Heard 

In 2022, the City of Virginia Beach issued a Request for Information and Ideas (RFII) to invite qualified local, regional and national real estate developers to offer ideas for redeveloping the Rudee Loop site. Four proposals were submitted, and subsequently presented to the public for comment and discussion. Extensive community feedback on the proposals indicated the strong desire for the long-term preservation of public access, open space and the creation of a destination public park.  

Additionally, over 4,000 participants voiced their opinions, overwhelmingly supporting the creation of a world-class public park with areas for recreation, events and cultural enrichment. Residents also emphasized the need for practical amenities such as restrooms, shade structures and accessible pathways. Here is how they voted: 

• Public open space, recreate: 2,906 
• Restrooms, showers, shade/seating, parking: 2,895 
• Events, culture, nature: 1,841 
• Play, games, activities: 1,630  

Hotel, resort and residential development ranked among the lowest-scoring uses for the Rudee Loop site. 

Opportunities for public input highlight the City’s commitment to direct community involvement in shaping urban spaces. It demonstrates Virginia Beach’s dedication to transforming Rudee Loop into more than a destination — a vibrant community hub that aligns with residents' aspirations and reflects their collective vision. 

Virginia Beach community members have expressed that the site is best suited as a public open space. Now, it’s time to determine what specific features should be included in the design. 

Project Goals & Scope 

In early 2024, The City of Virginia Beach issued a nationwide Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to solicit proposals from professional design teams with a demonstrated track record in designing significant parks and public spaces of the highest caliber for communities in the United States or abroad. 

After receiving and evaluating 13 competitive proposals, the City selected the design team led by Dills Architects, which includes nationally recognized landscape architects, SCAPE and EDSA. Biederman Redevelopment Ventures is also on the team and will be instrumental in assisting with the potential programmed amenities for the park. Their proposal focused on a collaborative planning and design process. Their project goals include enhanced public access, engagement of the ocean waterfront, improving connectivity, creating human connections, designing flexible and engaging event and activity spaces, incorporating public art, integrating parking, and designing for resilience.   

The scope of the Rudee Park project is separated into two phases, to further emphasize the importance of community engagement.  

Phase 1: Public input and master planning, which includes a detailed review of existing studies and a robust community engagement process involving surveys, stakeholder interviews, public meetings and digital outreach. Based on the community input, multiple conceptual designs will be created for the public to evaluate, leading to a final master plan that will enhance access, views and public spaces while supporting events, art and connectivity. The plan will also integrate technical analyses and cost estimates to ensure the project aligns with community goals.  

Phase 2: Design development and construction documents, which includes analysis and phased implementation of the master plan, as well as detailed construction documents, while addressing all necessary studies, permits and stakeholder coordination. It also involves preparing plat surveys, estimating costs at each phase, and overseeing construction administration and management to ensure successful implementation. 

Envisioning Rudee Park 

Currently the design team and the City of Virginia Beach are in the early stages of Phase 1. We are gathering feedback and ideas from residents, business owners and local stakeholders. In October, the design team hosted focus groups to gather preliminary feedback. Building on the comments gathered in 2022, here’s what Virginia Beach residents have envisioned for Rudee Park so far: 

1. Public Access and open green space 
2. Parking and connectivity
3. Paths and trails 
4. Family friendly, active and wet play
5. Recreation and exercise (skate)
6. Art and iconic features
7. Amenities (baths, showers, food and beverage)
8. Gathering spaces, shade
9. Events venue (smaller and diverse) 
10. Games and places to relax 

Provide Your Input 

The community still has plenty of time to participate in the future of Rudee Park. Your voice matters, and we want to hear it! The next public engagement sessions will be 6-7:30 p.m., Dec. 9-11, and offer in-person and virtual options.  

• Dec. 9, Kempsville High School, 5194 Chief Trail
• Dec. 10, Holland Road Annex Library, 2323 Holland Road
• Dec. 11, Virtual (link will be posted on RudeePark.com)

These sessions are a great opportunity to learn about the project, voice your opinion and hear from other Virginia Beach residents. Attendees will be able to vote on their vision of Rudee Park, mark their transportation route to the Oceanfront and write in other ideas. Let’s write the Rudee Park story, together. 

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