Current Status & Next Steps

Mobilization and construction at the site began on March 17, 2025.

April 2025 - June 2025: Wetlands Bank Construction

  • Modify land elevation to support wetland development with future sea level rise considerations. These land modifications will not cause neighborhood flooding.
  • Create a shallow marsh area designed for water detention and filtration.
  • Establish a network of small tributaries to enhance water flow and habitat diversity, in turn, increasing terrapin turtle accessibility.

June 2025 - November 2025: Bridge Construction & Vegetation Planting

  • Replace the existing storm pipe with a pedestrian bridge to ensure connectivity of the existing trail access over the widened mouth of wetland area.
  • Plant native wetland species to promote biodiversity and ecosystem stability.
  • Plant upland trees to enhance habitat variety and improve environmental resilience.

For questions about this project, please email phpwetlands@vbgov.com.

The Project's Future

The Pleasure House Point Wetlands Restoration Area will feature public trails within and alongside the wetlands and marsh. The area will provide a place for pedestrians and water recreation enthusiasts to experience the area’s rich biodiversity, both on land and in the water.

Purpose of the Project

The Pleasure House Point Wetlands Restoration Project aims to restore eight acres of partially wooded land to its natural state of tidal wetlands. Natural tidal wetlands filter pollutants from entering our waterways, provide habitats for plants and animals, aid in flood protection, and contribute to the diversity of the unique area. 

The project creates a sustainable solution for future City projects such as dredging, flood protection and roadway development, by mitigating wetlands usage and maintenance.

In addition to low lying wetlands grasses and plantings, over 600 trees will be planted including 336 live oaks and 192 water oaks.

Preserving Pleasure House Point: A Return to Natural Wetlands
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Background

Before the 1970’s, the area was partially wooded with a broad expanse of wetlands. Between 1971-1972, it’s estimated that over a million cubic yards of dredge material were placed over the wetlands, altering its natural state. In 2012, the City of Virginia Beach and partners preserved Pleasure House Point, protecting it from potential development.

Quick Facts

Project Milestone

Cost

Project Milestone

Design:

Cost

$430,000

Project Milestone

Construction:

Cost

$11,525,000

Project Milestone

Long-term monitoring:

Cost

$135,000

Project Milestone

Total:

Cost

$12,090,000

Project Milestone

Timeline

Project Milestone

Design:

Timeline

November 2024-February 2025

Project Milestone

Construction:

Timeline

March 2025-October 2025

Project Milestone

First year monitoring:

Timeline

October 2025-October 2026

Project Milestone

Tenth year monitoring

Timeline

October 2035-October 2036

Project Milestone

Long-term monitoring

Timeline

October 2036

  • Funding: Project funds will come from the Coastal Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and the Flood Protection CIP.