Splash Pads and Dog Park Coming to Level Green Park as Improvement Project Begins

Construction of Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation's (VBPR) $4.2 million renovation project at Level Green Park begins June 28. The walkable, 12-acre park is central to several neighborhoods and will soon provide the Virginia Beach community with an even more enjoyable and inclusive recreational experience.  

“These enhancements to Level Green Park reflect our commitment to fostering a vibrant community space,” said VBPR Director Michael Kirschman. “We believe these new amenities will greatly benefit our residents and encourage more people to take advantage of all the wonderful activities our parks have to offer.” 

Key improvements to this park project were based on public input, including a newly constructed playground in May 2024 that will remain open during park construction. The remainder of these park improvements are expected to be completed by late summer 2025 by contractor, Conrad Brothers of Virginia Inc. Improvements include: 

• Splash pads: Splash pads are an exciting new water feature to provide children and families with sensory stimulation, social development and encourage a healthy way to cool off during the hot summer months. 
• Dog park: A dedicated dog park area will offer a safe, spacious environment for dogs to play and socialize off-leash with separate spaces for large and small dogs. Multiple shade structures with benches will be installed. 
• New basketball courts: Two new full-size basketball courts will be relocated in the park for players of all ages and skill levels. Current basketball courts will be closed for the duration of the project construction. While the park is under construction, residents can use basketball courts close by at College Park Elementary School. 
• Additional parking: To accommodate the expected increase in visitors, the parking lot will be resurfaced and expand from 32 spaces to 86 spaces. 
• Tree and wildflower meadow plantings: A wildflower meadow of southern coastal meadow mix and more than 120 trees will be planted throughout the park, enhancing the park’s natural beauty and providing shade. Increased trees and wildflower planting will improve water quality, remove heat island effects, and provide a habitat for wildlife and pollinators. These meadows tolerate drought and are low maintenance to absorb stormwater runoff. 
• New shelters: Modern shelters with picnic tables will be installed, creating perfect spots for family gatherings, celebrations and community events. This includes three new 15-by-15-foot shelters with tables and one new 20-by-20-foot shelter with tables and a grilling area.  
• Accessible walking trail: Existing trails will be resurfaced, and additional concrete walkways will be constructed, creating accessible trails that conform to the Americans with Disabilities Act throughout the park.  
• Fitness station: A state-of-the-art fitness station will be added, offering strength training and cardiovascular options for park visitors to stay active and healthy. 
• Restroom facilities: New public restrooms will be constructed near the splash pad.

In November 2019, a conception plan was posted to the VBPR website with an online survey for the public, including a ranking of amenities, and the ability to provide written feedback. Two public meetings were held in December 2019. Based on input from these public hearings, the conceptual master plan was created in July 2021. 

To request high resolution images, contact Meredith Noll, Mnoll@vbgov.com. 

About Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation
Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation strives to promote healthy lifestyles and protect the City's coastal environment, as well as to ensure all residents – regardless of their physical, social and economic circumstances – can access Parks & Recreation programs. The department's vision is to be the national leader in providing enriching and memorable lifelong experiences. Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation is the 2023 National Gold Medal Award winner for excellence in Parks and Recreation Management in the Class I category by the American Academy for Parks and Recreation Administration in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association. Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation is accredited by CAPRA, the certifying agency of the National Recreation and Park Association.