The Lake Lawson Lake Smith Natural Area preserves 40 acres of natural oasis on three peninsulas situated between two freshwater reservoirs in northern Virginia Beach. Our landscape architect’s* master plan effort included public design workshops, conceptual master plans, feasibility studies of priority elements such as the boat launch and new circulation, and the Master Plan Report. Plans for the 40-acre park include: an updated access point, additional parking, updated boat ramp, kayak/canoe launch, trails, restrooms, interpretive signage, storage for rowing shells, overlooks, shoreline restoration and preservation of most of the land on two of the three parcels.
We* also developed construction documents for the initial improvement phase which includes fishing station upgrades, the boat ramp and crew pier, outdoor education area, trails, overlook structures, parking and the pedestrian bridge linking the north and south peninsula. We developed strict tree and natural resource protection specifications which apply to all construction activities on the sensitive site, and provided construction observation services throughout the course of the project.

*This work was done by InSites prior to joining forces with VIA