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Sunday Afternoon, July 20 ​​​

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Tides Baseball Game

Time: 12pm Departure 

Transportation Mode: Ferry 

Cost: $20.00 

 

Join your APA colleagues for a day at the ballpark as the Norfolk Tides take on Syracuse. Parking is limited so enjoy a free ferry ride on the HRT Ferry or use free Tide Light Rail to reach the game!

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Bricks of Time: Olde Towne Portsmouth Walk

Time: 1PM Departure 

Transportation Mode: Walking

Cost: $25.00 

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Step into Olde Towne Portsmouth, a 20-block National Register Historic District cradling Crawford Bay, where history whispers through one of the densest collections of period architecture between Alexandria and Charleston. Recognized in the City’s Zoning Ordinance and safeguarded by a Historic Preservation Commission, this vibrant residential enclave dazzles with its Federal and Greek Revival townhouses, accented by a rich tapestry of post-Civil War and early-twentieth-century homes. On this engaging two-hour walking tour, uncover the stories behind these architectural gems, from their origins to their preservation, set against the backdrop of a neighborhood that pulses with historical significance. Pause at the iconic Trinity Episcopal Church, a cornerstone of local heritage, and delve into how the City’s innovative planning and zoning strategies—through ordinances, commissions, and community vision—ensure Olde Towne’s legacy endures. This is a journey through time, where every brick and cornice tell a tale of resilience and renewal.

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Kayaking at Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve

Time: 1PM Departure 

Transportation Mode: Bus & Kayak

Cost: $45.00 

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Join us for a relaxing paddle along Hoffler Creek as we explore the natural beauty and rich history of the preserve. This guided tour offers an opportunity to connect with nature while learning about the ecological importance of the creek, the wildlife that call it home, and the vital role it plays in supporting the surrounding community.

Topics will include:

● The history of the land and its conservation efforts

● The ecology of Hoffler Creek

● An overview of local wildlife and their habitats

● The creek’s role in supporting biodiversity and community well-being

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Zoning the Jackpot: Rivers Casino Portsmouth Tour for Planners

Time: 1PM Departure 

Transportation Mode: Bus & Walking 

Cost: $25.00 

 

Join us for an exclusive front and back of the house tour of Rivers Casino Portsmouth, tailored for urban and regional planners eager to explore the nexus of economic development, urban design, and the planning processes that brought this project to life. Begin with the dynamic front-of-house experience, featuring a 50,000-square-foot gaming floor with 1,448 slot machines, 57 table games, and a cutting-edge BetRivers Sportsbook, complemented by top-tier dining options like Admiral’s Steak & Seafood and the Yard House, all within Portsmouth’s evolving Entertainment District along Victory Boulevard. Venture behind the scenes to uncover the operational core of this $340 million development, including a dedicated police substation, advanced security systems, and the infrastructure driving 1,300 permanent jobs and an estimated $16.3 million in annual tax revenue. Learn how planners leveraged tools like special use permits, zoning amendments, and economic incentives to transform this 57-acre site off I-264, navigating Virginia’s evolving gaming legislation and local land-use policies to align with regional growth objectives, stimulate economic vitality, and redefine adaptive urban redevelopment in Hampton Roads.

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Monday Morning, July 21

 

CPAP Project

Time: 8:30AM Departure - 5PM Return

Transportation Mode: Bus 

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Join Community Planning Assistance Program (CPAP) Chair Alan Simpson and representatives from Surry County for an immersive mobile tour focused on the area surrounding the Town of Surry. This tour will examine redevelopment opportunities and corridor improvements along Route 31, with an emphasis on bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, housing development potential, and local economic development initiatives. Participants will engage in on-the-ground assessments and collaborative discussions with local stakeholders. Insights gathered will inform a concise, actionable report synthesizing community input, documenting current conditions, and offering preliminary policy and planning recommendations. This effort supports Surry County’s broader goals for strategic growth, improved connectivity, and enhanced quality of life.

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VIG & PMT Port of Virginia Tour

Time: 8:30AM Departure

Transportation Mode: Bus 

Cost: $25.00 

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Join us for an up-close mobile tour of two of the terminals that make up America’s Most Modern Gateway at The Port of Virginia. We’ll visit Portsmouth Marine Terminal which serves as the staging port for the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project as well as the container terminal, Virginia International Gateway. We’ll hear about how this economic engine drives commerce to and through Virginia and the integral role planning plays in supporting the Port’s growth.

 

“The Port of Virginia is “America’s Most Modern Gateway.” The Port of Virginia is more than a traditional port or terminal network. We are a modern gateway to any market, powered by world-class operations, continuous investments, infrastructure and investment partnerships and a dedication to service that port users can count on for years to come."

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Note: All participants will need to bring a government issued ID.

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Chesapeake Industrial Waterfront 

Time: 8:30AM Departure

Transportation Mode: Boat 

Cost: $70.00 

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Boat tour of the area studied in Chesapeake's award-winning Industrial Waterfront Study. This tour offers a unique perspective of the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River and will highlight key industrial sites and resilient natural areas. Participants will explore Chesapeake's future plans for preserving the balance between industrial development and environmental sustainability. The tour will be between 2-3 hours.​​

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Transit Tour

Time: 9:45AM - 12:30PM

Transportation Mode: Ferry, Bus, Light Rail 

Cost: $25.00 

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Sail, ride, and walk with Hampton Roads Transit as you make your way to the Norfolk Tide light rail facility!  Participants of this mobile tour will ride the Elizabeth River Ferry, catch the Tide light rail, and walk no more than two miles through downtown Norfolk and along the Elizabeth River Trail to get a behind the scenes tour of Virginia's first light rail system, the Tide. Along the way, Ray Amoruso (Chief Planning and Development Officer) and Sibyl Pappas (Chief Engineering and Facilities Officer), will discuss the history of the light rail and ferry and the future of transit in Hampton Roads. Wear comfortable walking shoes, and dress for the weather.

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Generously Sponsored By: Hampton Roads Transit

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Monday Afternoon, July 21

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Elizabeth River Trail: Norfolk's Waterfront Reimagined

Time: 1:45PM Departure

Transportation Mode: Ferry & Walking 

Cost: $25.00 

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Take a walk through the heart of Norfolk's iconic waterfront on the Elizabeth River Trail (ERT). Once a forgotten industrial rail line, the ERT has grown into a 10.5-mile urban trail connecting 28 neighborhoods and redefining how cities build trails that center people, place, and possibility. What began as a grassroots effort to reclaim a working waterfront has evolved into a bold vision of resilient infrastructure, inclusive design, and public space with purpose- and the journey isn't over yet. This guided mobile tour will showcase a vibrant stretch of the ERT, starting with a scenic ferry ride across the Elizabeth River and winding through Norfolk's Downtown Waterfront. Along the way, you'll explore how the trail activates space through public art, stormwater infrastructure, pop-up parks, and creative placemaking, with a refreshing stop at Neptune's Fury Café to soak it all in. This walk offers a glimpse into how the ERT is shaping the city today, while building toward a future regional trail network that connects to Virginia Beach, the Virginia Capital Trail, and beyond. You'll hear how the ERT is transforming the trail into a national model for equity, connectivity, and resiliency. Whether you're here for the history, the planning innovation, or the views, this trail truly has something for everyone.

 

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High Street Revival: Adaptive Use in Downtown Portsmouth

Time: 2:45PM Departure

Transportation Mode: Walking 

Cost: $25.00 

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Discover Downtown Portsmouth, a National Register Historic District that traces its roots to the 1752 town plan, expanded in 1763 and 1909, and now thrives as a testament to adaptive ingenuity. Anchored by the bustling High Street corridor, this eclectic district blends late 19th- and early 20th-century architecture, reflecting the town’s evolving story of growth and resilience. On this captivating two-hour walking tour, explore how major structures along High Street have been reimagined for 21st-century vitality, balancing economic revitalization with the preservation of their historic charm. Highlights include the Seaboard Coastline Building, the interactive Children’s Museum of Virginia, the innovative Mustard Seed Place, the timeless Commodore Theater, and an exclusive inside look at the Professional Building at 505 High Street—freshly transformed from office space into a dynamic mixed-use hub. This tour unveils how Portsmouth harnesses adaptive use to breathe new life into its past, forging a future where heritage and progress coexist seamlessly.

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Tuesday Morning, July 22​

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Roots & Resilience: Portsmouth’s African American Legacy

Time: 8:30AM Departure

Transportation Mode: Bus & Walking 

Cost: $35.00 

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Uncover the profound legacy of African Americans in Portsmouth, whose indelible mark spans the city, region, and nation from the Revolutionary War to the present day. This tour weaves a powerful narrative through time—tracing their resilience and achievements across the Civil War, both World Wars, the struggles of segregation, the triumphs of the Civil Rights Movement, and the ongoing echoes of Black Lives Matter. Celebrate the trailblazers who shaped education, journalism, arts and culture, sports, politics, and national security, leaving an enduring imprint on American history. Journey through Portsmouth’s key sites and stories, spotlighting the people and places that illuminate Black heritage, with a special stop at the Portsmouth Community Colored Library Museum—a treasure trove of local history and a testament to community strength. This is more than a tour; it’s an exploration of courage, creativity, and contributions that continue to resonate.​

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Tuesday Afternoon, July 22​

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Urban Eden: Paradise Creek to Ryan Resilience Lab

Time: 1:45PM Departure

Transportation Mode: Bus & Walking 

Cost: $35.00​

 

Embark on a journey of ecological transformation with the Elizabeth River Project, a local nonprofit championing the restoration of the Elizabeth River through innovative education and hands-on projects. This tour kicks off at Paradise Creek Nature Park, a 40-acre urban oasis in Portsmouth, born from a partnership with the City and reimagined from a former dumping grounds surrounded by superfund sites into the city’s third-largest public park. Stroll through forested trails and restored wetlands nestled within a bustling industrial harbor, just steps from residential neighborhoods, and hear the inspiring tale of how this land was reclaimed to foster healthy shores and vibrant recreation along the Elizabeth River. Then, cross the river to Norfolk for an exclusive visit to the cutting-edge Ryan Resilience Lab, a 6,500-square-foot marvel, that opened in May 2024 and was designed by Work Program Architects, in collaboration with Stromberg/Garrigan & Associates, as a global beacon for coastal resilience. Explore this nationally acclaimed hub—where environmental research, community events, and the arts converge—and marvel at its sustainable features, from eco-friendly green roofs and solar power to rainwater cisterns and a redeveloped living shoreline that replaced an aging bulkhead. With its educational park and dock, the Lab teaches coastal communities worldwide how to combat sea-level rise and shrink their carbon footprint, offering a visionary model for harmonizing urban life with nature’s renewal.

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HRSD SWIFT Research Center Tour

Time: 1:45PM Departure

Transportation Mode: Bus & Walking 

Cost: $35.00 

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The SWIFT Research Center is located at our Nansemond Treatment Plant, 6909 Armstead Road, Suffolk, VA. The plant has a check-in guard so you will need to announce yourself to the guard and you will be permitted through. The SWIFT Research Center is the first building on the right as you enter the gate, and parking is available in front of the building. The tour will take approximately one hour, and part of the tour takes place outdoors, weather permitting. Tours last approximately 60-75 minutes depending on attendee questions and engagement, and typically concludes outside, weather permitting. *Please note the Nansemond Treatment Plant is under construction. You will need to take a right into the SWIFT Research Center entrance sign before you reach the construction zone. If you drive past the “detour” sign, you’ve gone too far. 

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