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.
