• From the 1940s to the 1980s, the property served as the City of Norfolk Lambert’s Point Landfill.

 

• From 2005-2022, the property was operated as Lambert’s Point Golf Course by the City of Norfolk.

 

• In 2018, the City of Norfolk sold approximately 40 acres of the former Lambert’s Point Golf Course

       to  Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD).  The purchase agreement between the City of Norfolk and

        HRSD established a 125 foot-wide easement around the perimeter of the HRSD parcel, which provides

        public access to shoreline along the Elizabeth River.

 

• In January 2023, HRSD took possession of the 40-acre property, and the future of the remaining 15-acre city owned parcel of the former Lambert’s Point Golf course was uncertain.  This open greenspace on the Elizabeth River with paved paths and adjacent parking lot was recognized by citizens as an ideal location for a new city park.

 

• In the spring of 2023, a grassroots citizens group was formed to encourage the City of Norfolk to establish a new city park on the city-owned parcel of the former Lambert’s Point golf course.  Their efforts included securing over 6000 petition signatures in support of a park, meeting with civic leagues across the city to promote awareness and advocate for a park and gaining support from local and regional environmental organizations.

 

• Studies conducted by the Trust for Public Land highlight the fact that Norfolk is underserved when it comes to parks and green space. Norfolk has the highest population density in Hampton Roads, but the lowest percentage of parks and greenspace.  Less than 5% of Norfolk’s land is public parkland, which is well below the national average.  This parkland percentage is significantly lower than in Virginia Beach (17% ) and Chesapeake (27%).

 

• In the summer of 2023, the City of Norfolk conducted an online survey to seek citizen input on the future use of the city-owned parcel and held a Public Forum to discuss HRSD’s expansion plans and the survey results.  The survey revealed overwhelming support for use of the land as a park/greenspace and for recreation related activities.

 

• In April 2024, the City of Norfolk designated the 15-acre remnant parcel for public use as Lambert’s Point Open Space.  HRSD leased their 20-acre northern parcel to the City, making it temporarily available to the public as greenspace adjacent to Lambert’s Point Open Space.