VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — A Virginia Beach landmark is getting a new name.
The Virginia Beach City Council unanimously voted to rename Neptune's Park at the Oceanfront in honor of former Mayor Will Sessoms at Tuesday's meeting.
Mayor Bobby Dyer shared in the meeting how Sessoms influenced the city.
"You served not only as a council person, as a vice mayor and mayor, and got the city through some incredibly challenging, especially fiscal times," Dyer said. "Your steady hand on the tiller. Let me put it this way, when I took over, I was handed the tiller of a very well-run ship, and I just want to say thank you."
The park's new name will be "The William D. Sessoms Jr. Neptune's Park."
Sessoms spoke at the meeting, saying, "I just want to say quickly, thank you. I'm honored, and let's all continue to do what we can to make this city stronger and better, and keep it the greatest city in the world."
The park, which opened in 2005, has become a central gathering space for concerts, festivals and family events along the Boardwalk.
Many residents say the name “Neptune Park” has become part of the city’s identity, and they want it to remain unchanged.
