Construction underway as Neptune’s Park gets a new stage canopy
VIRGINIA BEACH — If you’re heading to Audacy’s Oceanfront Concerts on the beach at 31st Street this weekend, you may notice the adjacent public park is closed.
That’s because construction of a new stage canopy is underway. Neptune’s Park is expected to reopen at the end of May, in time for the Jackalope adventure sports festival May 31-June 2, according to the city.
The Neptune Festival’s annual spring wine event is scheduled to take place in the park May 18. However, if the work does not look like it will be complete by then, a new location may be announced soon, according to festival staff.
The roughly $2.5 million canopy project began in October. E.T. Gresham of Norfolk is the general contractor.
The original canopy, installed in 2006, was a temporary, fabric structure that needed to be disassembled and stored during the winter and high-wind events.
The new canopy will be able to withstand hurricane-force winds and will fully cover the existing stage, ramps and front rows, according to the city.
The venue, next to the King Neptune statue, is used more than 75 times a year for special events and entertainment.
Shamin Hotels bought the adjacent 31st Street Hilton and the park land from developer Bruce Thompson’s company in 2018. The city has an easement for Neptune’s Park and its stage ensuring the property is maintained and remains open to the public. The city assessment of the park is $2.6 million.
Jackalope organizers are planning to hold music and activities in Neptune’s Park. The free event, which was first held in Virginia Beach last year, will feature skateboarding, bouldering, base jumping and skimboarding on the beach at 31st Street.
Stacy Parker, 757-222-5125, stacy.parker@pilotonline.com
