Speak up now for Buckroe Beach Park
By Cory Barham
Daily Press
October 13, 2006
To be or not to be able to enjoy the Chesapeake Bay at Buckroe Beach Park is the question. The precious stretch of sand that is still public at Buckroe is the only truly accessible beach in Hampton. Plans to develop the controversial Lots B, which will probably keep the 10-acre "neighborhood park," are now underway. But towering over it could be about 15 acres of lovely, high-rise housing with fabulous views of Chesapeake Bay.
Only 182 residents showed up at the design meetings last week; then, the planning committee presented four composite ideas.
The good news is there's a possibility of having a more spacious, safe park with sculptured lawns, the bay view, the carousel, little eating kiosks and other marvelous things. Buckroe Beach Park could and should be something extra special to welcome residents and guests of the Peninsula - and go beyond the simple concept of "a neighborhood" park.
Sometimes, life should be a beach - no, not every person wants to get in the water or even on the sand. Maybe some folks would just love being close to it and leisurely enjoying the view of sand, surf, sun, sky, a starry night, lush green space and lots of happy people all around.
This is the eleventh hour for the citizenry of the oldest English-speaking town in America to be fair, share, to have a lot of heart and to speak up for an absolutely delightful Buckroe Beach Park.
Cory Barham
Hampton
