This project includes the design, acquisition of property, and construction to convert the Bow Creek Golf Course in the Princess Anne Plaza neighborhood into a park with stormwater storage.
While construction is underway on the eastern half, the northwest corner of the golf course has been opened to the public and includes about two miles of interim public trails (temporary trail networks). Access to this area is located north of the Bow Creek Recreation Center near the outdoor playground (adjacent to the Center’s main access from Club House Road).
The project has experienced some trespassing and minor vandalism, most of which has occurred during Friday and Saturday nights. For everyone’s safety, please do not enter the Bow Creek Stormwater Park construction areas or touch/interfere with any construction equipment. As an active construction site, there is potential for personal injury or harm if one ventures into restricted construction zones.
The Windsor Woods, Princess Anne Plaza, and The Lakes neighborhoods are located in what was once the undeveloped headwaters of the Lynnhaven River. According to aerial photos from 1949, the area was originally forest, surrounded by farmland. Much of the area has relatively low elevations, which coupled with increasing sea levels (approximately one foot over the last 50 years) and the increasing frequency of storms with significant tides and rainfall amounts, has resulted in severe flooding of the neighborhood during extreme events.
Creating storage to manage rainfall from intense storms is critical to mitigating flooding within the homes and streets of these neighborhoods. This innovative and collaborative project with Parks & Recreation converts the City-owned Bow Creek Golf Course into a 100-acre multi-faceted park that will provide significant stormwater storage to mitigate flooding, restore natural systems, and provide recreational opportunities.
The Park is being constructed in two phases, working east to west and includes over one million cubic yards of excavation. The contractor, Trident Civil, started construction in the eastern half of the park in July 2023 and is anticipated to complete construction of the eastern half in early 2027. The design of the second phase is in progress.
Sign up to receive email updates on the Flood Protection Program projects in Windsor Woods, Princess Anne Plaza and The Lakes. Or for more project-specific information, check out the Flood Protection Program’s Monthly Status Reports, which can be found on the Flood Prevention Bond Referendum Oversight Board’s page.
