VIRGINIA BEACH — City Council will vote Tuesday on a fundraising agreement with a local nonprofit to help pay for the construction of Rudee Park.
The Virginia Gentlemen Foundation wants to led the fundraising effort and donate to the cause, according to the city.
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The council agreed in August to move forward with plans for a public park on land in the resort area’s southernmost point overlooking Rudee Inlet. The park will feature a walking path on top of the 1st Street jetty, a water plaza and splash pad, a fishing ledge, elevated walkways with an ocean overlook and a grassy sunset lawn cascading toward Rudee Inlet.
The council already has set aside $50 million from a tourism tax fund to build the park. But council members hope to offset that cost by obtaining at least $20 million in sponsorships, which could include naming rights on elements of the park or programs and events held there. The fundraising team will include a national consultant and a local nonprofit to lead the effort.
If approved, Virginia Gentlemen Foundation will be able to keep up to 10% of the funds raised for administrative purposes.
Virginia Gentlemen Foundation was one of three respondents to the city’s original request for ideas for the park in 2022. Scott Taylor, chair of the foundation, did not return requests for comment.
The foundation formed in 2007 and is known locally for its efforts to help people with disabilities. When Josh Thompson, the brother a founding member, was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease, the foundation supported fundraisers for ALS, launching the JT Walk and Beach Party.
The group also built JT’s Grommet Island Park and Playground on the beach at 2nd Street and YMCA at JT’s Camp Grom, an adventure camp for wounded veterans and their families and children with disabilities.
Josh Thompson died in 2020. He was the son of Virginia Beach real estate developer Bruce Thompson, who has been an long-time supporter of the foundation’s projects.
Fundraising does not require a city procurement or request for proposal process, according to city spokesperson Ali Weatherton.
She cited other fundraising groups that have partnered with the city on projects including the Sandler Center Foundation, which raised $15 million for construction of that venue, and the Virginia Aquarium Foundation’s drive for more than $10 million for the Virginia Aquarium South Building.
Stacy Parker, 757-222-5125, stacy.parker@pilotonline.com
