About Virginia Beach's Ocean Park

This morning I woke up and spent about an hour reflecting on the experiences of my life. I have to confess, my dream as a little girl was to travel the world. I wanted to experience different cultures, meet the people of foreign lands and see the amazing sights this wonderful world of ours has to offer.

The beginning of the quest started when I was 16, a few months after my Dad passed away. One of the most difficult times in my life. I was so defeated and angry. That trip to Europe opened my eyes to the world beyond Virginia Beach.

Later I married my husband and we made a commitment to start traveling for vacations. I have seen things I could never have imagined as a little girl. I have been so blessed.

I have stood on the peak of a mountain in Switzerland, admired the redwoods of California, flown into the Grand Canyon, dived the great white wall in Fiji, ridden on the Audubon, held hands in the rainforest, swam with wild spotted dolphins but best of all, was I had someone to share my highs and lows with.

If today were my last day, I could honestly say I had the opportunity to live my dreams.

Through the end of 2010, Chris will donate $250.00 on behalf of every family that she helps buy or sell a home. In honor of September's Hunger Action Month, Chris is challenging the real estate community to join her in her mission to end hunger in Hampton Roads.

On September 26, 2009 from 9:00AM - 2:00PM, at Realty Executives, 316 Office Square Lane, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 (behind Pollards at Witchduck Road & Princess Anne Road) Chris will sponsor her first annual food drive by accepting donations of can goods or non-perishables for the Foodbank. She is urging everyone to help end hunger in Hampton Roads.

Hunger affects us all. One in four people in our community are hungry. Statistics show you may know someone who is hungry and don't even realize it, may be your friends, your neighbors, your coworkers, OUR CHILDREN! "No one should go hungry."The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia has seen a 32% increase in the need for food.

Please help put an end to this tragedy and stop hunger in our local community. For more information, go to: http://www.ChrisFaircloth.com

Ocean Park is a neighborhood located in the northern part of the City of Virginia Beach. It is bordered to the east by Lynnhaven Inlet, to the north by the Chesapeake Bay, to the south by The Lynnhaven River, and to the west by Pelican Dunes/Aeries on the Bay neighborhoods. It consists primarily of single family homes, duplexes, duplex condos, and townhomes (Mariner's Landing). There are a few undeveloped lots remaining as well.

Ocean Park began to take shape in the early 1900's. With the construction in the 1950's of the first half of the Lesner Bridge over Lynnhaven Inlet, came vehicular traffic on Shore Drive. For decades it has been the home of the Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad.

In the 40s and 50s, more small beach cottages were built often with 2 bedrooms and 1 bath. A railroad track bisected the neighborhood and it's trestle was all that crossed Lynnhaven Inlet at this time. The beach was fished by commercial fishermen who still harvest from the old pound nets.

The neighborhood has a variety of home styles. Recently there has been a bit of building/redevelopment activity. Many of the old small homes are being replaced by larger, 2-unit condominiums. This process is referred to as "infill development". This redevelopment over time creates an eclectic variety of homes, but has also increased population density. If you are someone who likes subdivisions where all of the homes are somewhat similar to one another, Ocean Park may not be for you.

Ocean Park does have a very active civic association. Ocean Park has recently becomethe location of the city boat launch facility at the base of the Lesner Bridge at the old dredge spoils site. Here there is a parking facility, bath house, and beach access. Nearby is also a small city park with playgrounds for children.

Public schools that Ocean Park feeds into are Thoroughgood Elementary, Great Neck Middle, and Cox High Schools.

Feel free to post additions, corrections, or questions about Ocean Park.