News Summary
The Virginia Beach City Council voted to rename Neptune’s Park to ‘The William D. Sessoms Jr. Neptune’s Park’ to honor the former mayor’s extensive contributions to the city. While the decision was largely supported, concerns were raised by Councilwoman Jennifer Rouse about public input in the naming process. The park has been a beloved community venue since its inception and will still retain the name Neptune, thereby honoring local heritage.
Virginia Beach City Council made a significant decision on Tuesday, voting 10-1 to rename Neptune’s Park, located at the Oceanfront, to “The William D. Sessoms Jr. Neptune’s Park.” The change honors former Mayor Will Sessoms, who served the city for a decade and was a council member for over 30 years.
The only dissenting vote came from Councilwoman Jennifer Rouse, who raised concerns regarding the absence of public input in the decision-making process. She emphasized the importance of considering community sentiment and the park’s established identity before proceeding with the name change.
Sessoms, who held the mayor’s position from 2008 to 2018 after being first elected to the council in 1988, played a vital role in Virginia Beach, particularly noted for his fiscal management during economically challenging periods. During the council meeting, current Mayor Bobby Dyer commended Sessoms for his contributions and leadership over the years. In response, Sessoms expressed appreciation for the honor and encouraged ongoing efforts to unify and enhance the city.
Neptune’s Park has been a popular venue since its opening in 2005, hosting a variety of concerts, festivals, and family events along the Boardwalk. The park’s name change brings it officially in line with an informal designation the community has used over the years. Despite the addition of Sessoms’s name, the park will retain the Neptune moniker, a vital aspect of the local identity linked to the beloved King Neptune. This acknowledgment was a point reiterated by Sessoms, reflecting the importance of maintaining the park’s established heritage.
Local residents previously expressed concerns surrounding the potential alteration of the park’s name, citing that “Neptune Park” holds significance in the city’s identity. The park’s history features ties to a controversial land deal and was developed in collaboration through a public-private partnership intended to benefit the nearby Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront hotel.
In addition to his governance roles, Sessoms was influential in establishing the 31st Street Park, known for its amphitheater and public space conducive to community engagement. His involvement in local affairs extended to community service with organizations such as the Virginia Beach Rescue Squad and leading efforts in fundraising for various community projects.
In 2018, Sessoms faced legal challenges related to a conflict of interest but ultimately pleaded no contest to one misdemeanor charge, resulting in his resignation from his mayoral duties. This event marked a turbulent period in his long-standing career, which has nonetheless been characterized by extensive public service.
The decision to rename Neptune’s Park marks a significant moment in Virginia Beach’s local governance and honors a prominent figure in the city’s history. As the city continues to evolve, leaders and council members have indicated their commitment to strengthening community ties while honoring established traditions.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WTKR: Virginia Beach City Council Votes to Change Name of Neptune Park
- Wikipedia: Virginia Beach
- Pilot Online: Oceanfront Park Renamed Will Sessoms
- Google Search: Virginia Beach City Council
- Coastal Virginia Magazine: Events Calendar
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Virginia Beach
- NJ.com: NJ Election Day 2024 Live Results
- Google News: Virginia Beach Neptune Park
- Southside Daily: Virginia Beach Changes Over the Years
- Google Search: History of Neptune Park Virginia Beach
- The Planet D: Things to Do in Virginia Beach
Author: STAFF HERE VIRGINIA BEACH WRITER
VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER The VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HEREVirginiaBeach.com, your trusted source for actionable local news and information in Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach City, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with comprehensive coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—supported by years of expert reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while offering top reporting on high-profile events like the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, East Coast Surfing Championship, and military homecoming celebrations, alongside key organizations such as the Virginia Aquarium, Virginia Beach Convention Center, and Oceana Naval Air Station, plus leading businesses in tourism and defense like Busch Gardens and Northrop Grumman, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREWilliamsburg.com, providing credible, in-depth insights into Virginia's vibrant landscape. HERE Virginia Beach HERE Williamsburg
