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Parks director previews aquatic center, Buckroe boardwalk upgrades and expanded access
Summary
Parks & Rec outlined 7 kayak launches, four beaches and plans for a new aquatic complex; staff described a three‑phase Buckroe Boardwalk project with Phase 3 completion targeted for May 21, 2022 and summer construction pauses to protect beach season.
Dave McCauley, director of Parks, Recreation and Leisure Services, reviewed the city's water-based asset inventory — listing beaches, boat ramps, fishing piers, kayak launches and water-view trails — and said the city is designing a new aquatic center and complex with an anticipated groundbreaking in spring.
On Buckroe Boardwalk, McCauley said the three-phase project will include lighting, burying overhead wires, pedestrian access ramps, ADA amenities and improvements to the James T. Wilson Fishing Pier; Phase 3 is scheduled to begin Oct. 1, 2021, with full project completion targeted by May 21, 2022. He added the city will pause construction during the summer season (Memorial Day–Labor Day) to avoid interfering with beachgoers.
McCauley highlighted partnerships with Youth Sailing of Virginia and state agencies for restocking and programming, and said volunteers logged more than 1,500 hours assisting waterfront events and that the Clean City Commission removed about 58,000 pounds of debris last year. Council members urged stronger school partnerships for water safety and using the new aquatic facility to integrate learn-to-swim programs into the schools' PE curriculum.
"Once we do get that facility online is to be able to make sure that every Hampton City School student gets their first introduction to water through the PE curriculum and learns water safety," the city manager said, summarizing staff and council priorities on swim lessons and access.
