Title
Air Power Park 2018 Multi-year Phased Recovery Plan
Purpose
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND:
In the early 1960s, under the leadership of Mayor Ann Kilgore, Hampton set upon a program of civic improvements intended to draw tourists to the City. Among those was the creation Air Power Park, opened to honor those who serve at Langley Air Force Base and NASA Langley Research Center. In the past few decades resources for maintenance and investment in the Park have been deferred or redirected. The result - the condition of the Park has deteriorated and requires substantial attention. Both NASA and USAF (heavily invested in the Park’s condition in that they have representative artifacts on exhibit through loan) have communicated concern with the condition of the park and how it may reflect on them. At the request of the City Manager the Phased Plan has been developed by the team (gathered specifically for this purpose) for Council consideration.
Discussion:
Air Power Park is widely viewed by the citizens of Hampton as a valuable community asset. Civic Dialogues held by the Hampton History Museum (inviting input from the community) informed the team that the community values the Park and supports investment in its continued operation and improvement. In May 2018, Waterwalk at Central Park opened its first section. The entry point to the trail is at Air Power Park, bringing more attention to the condition of the Park and underlining the relevance to its place in Hampton. As a reflection of that renewed interest from the community, attendance at the Park has increased 54% since 2016. In order to meet the community’s expectations, take advantage of the synergy created by the new trailhead, and fulfill the obligations to NASA and USAF, a significant investment in restoring the Park to a proud condition and maintaining that going forward will require funding estimated in the Phased Plan. Funding would be requested through the CIP process and from existing PRLS resources (Pha...
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