About Me

Designated Swim Pools on the Founders Bridge
"Come on in and enjoy Independence's bridge pool," said the friendly sign outside the bridge pool and party area. A large, beautifully landscaped yard separated from the small and compact house owned by Robert and Ellen Smith. The bridge, a structure which sits proudly on the bank of Lake George, was built in the 1800's. Sitting on its grand stage proudly, watching the ducks swim across the water was something that Robert and Ellen Smith had dreamed about for a long time.

"We've long wanted a private bridge," said Robert, "but without the inherent risks of long term removal, and with the excellent facilities offered by Founders Bridge Pool, it just didn't seem like such a good idea." The decision to convert the small, dilapidated house into a public attraction was based on their sincere desire to see their beloved son, Robert "Buddy" Smith, enjoy a summer of playing at his favorite destination. With his parents' blessing and financial investment, Freedom of Information Act requests were made to the U.S. startups , the US Navy, the Virginia Department of Parks and Recreation and the US Forest Service to turn the property into a swimming facility. Surprisingly, the Park Police was willing to work closely with them, and despite many concerns expressed by park employees and officials, the project was ultimately approved.

Unlike most aquatic institutions, the Virginia Beach Board has very little inherent risks. Despite the presence of the famous Norfolk naval base that draws hundreds of thousands of military personnel every year, there are few physical hazards to Freedom of Information Act access. As long as you're not willfully trying to sneak anything onto the premises, you're automatically allowed a look around. Additionally, the buoys that help keep the water safe from swimmers don't require any special permit to be dropped or scooped up. With all these positive signals, there's no reason why your Freedom of Information Act bid on the Virginia Beach Board of Park and Recreation will encounter any inherent risks.

But there are risks associated with Freedom of Information Act access to any body of water, including private residential swimming pools. Although most public swimming pools have fencing around the perimeter, Freedom of Information Act compliance is not guaranteed in any body of water, and Virginia Beach laws specifically addressed this concern when approving the granting of a permit for the construction of the Veterans Memorial Incentive Park on Lake Norfolk. The park was built over the existing Lake Norfolk Waterfront, and although public access was not granted, private access was allowed. Now, if the general public ever seeks to gain access to the pool, the city will be required to negotiate with Virginia Beach officials on a payment plan that would allow for access to the water but would also be monitored by park wardens.

Freedom of Information Act access isn't just limited to news worthy items. It also covers anything pertaining to government agencies and its operations. While we're on the subject, don't assume that you'll be able to visit the FBI facility without paying for access. Also, do not presume that you'll be able to view classified information without paying for it. There are strict rules regarding what can be viewed by the general public. Even if you have the proper authorization, you'll be asked to pay for any information you obtain.

Although it was expected that a pool built for recreation and used by the general public would be open to the general public, the Virginia Beach has placed some limitations on what can be viewed or obtained without paying. For instance, swimmers must pay an additional fee to swim beyond the first 50 feet of water from the pool's start. Also, anyone using the water for personal reasons must purchase a permit, and there are fees involved for each individual permit. There are separate fees for public swim tickets and for obtaining public access to the swim areas.

Another notable restriction is posted at the entrance to the pool. According to the Virginia Beach Visitors Authority, all persons wishing to enter the pool area without prior permission will be required to stand at the point where the swim path ends and cross the center of the pool to enter. Individuals who swim without a permit will be subject to fines, which are typically between one and three hundred dollars. The restrictions of this sort are intended to ensure that people are not swimming in someone else's property without permission.

At the present time, only people with legitimate purposes for being on the Boardwalk are allowed to swim in the water without obtaining a permit. That means individuals who have obtained a swimming ticket, who have been cited more than once for trespassing, or who have caused damage to property on the Boardwalk could no longer swim on the Boardwalk. A small portion of the area will be open to pedestrians, but that portion will be strictly enforced. The enforcement of these rules is done by the Virginia Beach police. Therefore, the moment you see a skimmer or a dive board being used on the Boardwalk - stay well away from the area. This is a dangerous area, and there are too many hazards to be enjoying your trip to the Boardwalk without the proper permits in hand.