Restroom facilities at Huntington Park in Newport News are set for upgrades after the city selected a contractor for the work. The project covers two sites within 60-acre site along the James River. At Fort Fun, a 14,000-square-foot playground overlooking the river, new restrooms will replace the existing toilet facilities. At the Lifeguard Station, the existing restrooms will be renovated rather than rebuilt.
The selected company, GC Commercial, is based Newport News and its website states that the company is veteran-owned. Both improvements fall under a single prime contract with the firm. GC Commercial’s bid totaled $885,943.55, with $546,271.71 for the Fort Fun restrooms and $339,671.84 for the Lifeguard Station. Eleven contractors submitted bids ranging from $639,000 to more than $2.3 million. Bid documents state that the project must be substantially complete 365 days after the contractor receives notice to proceed, and the Lifeguard Station renovation is due by April 30, 2027. No separate completion date was specified for Fort Fun.
Huntington Park also includes a boat ramp, rose garden, picnicking, ball fields and fishing at Lake Biggins. Lifeguards staff the beach seasonally, from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Newport News Daily Brief - October 16, 2026
Habit burger block party to benefit Boys and Girls Clubs Habit says it is partnering with the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula to support the group’s work providing youth with inclusive, safe spaces for development. The group will have a table and interactive fundraising activity at Habit’s first-ever “Fresh Off the Block” party. The party will be Saturday, Oct. 17, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Habit’s Hampton restaurant, 2034 Coliseum Dr., with Charburgers, live music and games.
Newport News court to hold community listening tour Oct. 20 The Newport News Circuit Court Clerk’s Office says it will hold a community listening tour event Tuesday, Oct. 20, at Newport News City Council Chambers. Clerk Angela F. Reason will host with the Virginia Access to Justice Commission. Doors will open at 5 p.m., and remarks will begin at 5:30 p.m.
Newport News Sheriff’s Office to offer free drive-thru shredding event Saturday The Newport News Sheriff’s Office will hold a free drive-thru shred event Saturday, Oct. 17, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Piggly Wiggly parking lot.
Newport News to host 2026 Global Freedom Summit on trafficking The Newport News Department of Juvenile Services will host the 2026 Global Freedom Summit, a free community event on human trafficking and the online exploitation of children, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Opportunity Center, 550 30th St. The department says attendees will hear from local professionals, nonprofit leaders and service providers about how traffickers target young people online and in person, and learn the warning signs and how to report concerns. The department encourages families, educators, caregivers, youth advocates and all interested residents to attend.
Chamber seeks nominations for 2026 Nonprofit Business of the Year The Virginia Peninsula Chamber is accepting nominations for its 2026 Nonprofit Business of the Year Award, which honors a nonprofit that has made a significant impact in the community. The chamber says the recipient will be recognized at its State of the Chamber Annual Meeting on Thursday, Dec. 17.
Newport News library to host 2026 Festival of Books Oct. 31 Newport News Public Library will hold its 2026 Festival of Books Saturday, Oct. 31, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Main Street branch, 110 Main St. The library says visitors can meet local authors and publishers, join hands-on workshops and enter writing competitions.
Mariners’ Park Fall Festival to offer music, tastings Nov. 7 The Mariners’ Museum and Park says its Fall Festival will be Saturday, Nov. 7, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Lions Bridge. Entry will be $2, free for children 3 and under, with live music, a Teeny Tiny Farm, food trucks and beer and cider tastings for ages 21 and older.