By Robert B. Case, PhD, PE
The two-mile WaterWalk in central Hampton is both beautiful and utilitarian. It provides scenic views of Coliseum Lake, Newmarket Creek, and Lake Hampton; and provides access from nearby residential housing to nearby commercial centers via the safe, healthy, economical travel modes of cycling and walking.
Lettered-locations are explored below. Note that the paths along Coliseum Drive, although not an official part of the trail, connect users to the Peninsula Town Center (shown).
Follow me from Peninsula Town Center to Air Power Park to see what’s available…
A - Wide concrete path separated from the traffic of Coliseum Drive provides safe and pleasant access to the shopping, hotels, and Aquaplex near Mercury Blvd.
B - Tree-lined promenade provides access to the Hampton Coliseum:
C - The Hampton Roads Convention Center is nearby:
D - A concrete boardwalk allows you to traverse Hampton Coliseum along Coliseum Lake:
Along the way, kiosks show the destinations served by the WaterWalk:
And interpretive signage features the distinctive environmental features, plants, and wildlife visible from the trail.
The WaterWalk includes seats for sight-seeing and rest:
Beautiful bridges provide proximity to waterways:
E - A boardwalk provides views and rest:
Note that a side loop near this boardwalk encircles Lake Hampton.
F - A long bridge takes the traveler across Newmarket Creek…
…and brings the traveler to Air Power Park at the end of WaterWalk.
If you don’t live near the WaterWalk, you can access it by bus (HRT routes 105, 114, 118) or by car at the parking lots of dozens of retail businesses (buy a coffee!) and these public parking lots:
- Air Power Park 413 W Mercury Blvd
- Hampton Coliseum 1000 Coliseum Dr
- Hampton Roads Convention Center 1610 Coliseum Dr
However you get there, or for whatever reason, take advantage of this beautiful, useful transportation/recreation corridor.