Mount Trashmore Park: From Landfill to Lush Oasis in Virginia Beach, VA

Mount Trashmore Park: From Landfill to Lush Oasis in Virginia Beach, VA


Mount Trashmore Park is a testament to the transformative power of community vision and environmental stewardship. Located in Virginia Beach, this 165-acre park was once a barren landfill, but through innovative engineering and dedicated efforts, it has been repurposed into a vibrant green space beloved by residents and visitors alike.
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Originally a site for municipal waste disposal, Mount Trashmore was closed in 1971 after reaching its capacity. Recognizing the potential to reclaim this land for public use, city officials embarked on an ambitious project to convert the former landfill into a recreational park. Over several years, layers of soil and grass were added to cover the waste, transforming the once-desolate landscape into a rolling hill known as Mount Trashmore.
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Today, Mount Trashmore Park is a bustling hub of activity, offering a wide range of amenities and attractions for visitors of all ages. The park features multiple playgrounds, picnic areas, and walking trails, providing opportunities for recreation and relaxation amidst lush greenery. Fitness enthusiasts can use the park's expansive grassy slopes for activities such as jogging, yoga, and kite flying.


One of the park's most iconic features is its two man-made lakes, which serve as habitats for fish and waterfowl and provide scenic vistas for visitors. The lakes are popular spots for fishing and model boat sailing, offering tranquil settings for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy nature.


In addition to its recreational offerings, Mount Trashmore Park is committed to environmental education and sustainability. The park features interpretive signage highlighting its unique history and ecological significance and demonstrations of renewable energy technologies such as solar panels and wind turbines.


Mount Trashmore Park is a shining example of how a community can come together to reclaim and repurpose land for the benefit of future generations. From its humble beginnings as a landfill, it has been transformed into a vibrant oasis where people can connect with nature, exercise, and enjoy the outdoors in Virginia Beach.

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