Virginia Beach – The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium has taken legal action against the City of Virginia Beach and the Virginia Aquarium Foundation, claiming the city’s Holiday Trail of Lights infringes on a contractual non‑competition clause.
Legal claims and requested relief
In an amended complaint, the park asserts that its agreement with the Virginia Aquarium Foundation bars any competing holiday attractions within a 50‑mile radius. The park’s own holiday experience, Lumi Skywalk, is a ticketed, walk‑through light display that operates during the same season and sits only a few hundred yards from the city‑backed Holiday Trail of Lights.
The lawsuit seeks up to $10 million in damages from the Virginia Aquarium Foundation, another $10 million from the City of Virginia Beach, and $1 million from Beach Events. It also asks a judge to issue an injunction preventing the Holiday Trail of Lights from operating on aquarium property.
Background and alleged negotiations
According to court filings, the park’s principal gave city and Beach Events officials a tour of Lumi Skywalk during a July meeting and suggested ways the two attractions could cooperate. The complaint alleges that a city representative subsequently asked the park to suspend Lumi Skywalk while the municipal light show was open, contrary to the park’s expectations of collaboration.
Observation tower dispute
The case also addresses a separate issue involving the park’s planned observation tower. The park contends the city pressured it to lower the tower’s height from roughly 125 feet to 65 feet after the Navy raised security concerns. The park argues the height restriction was not grounded in any law, ordinance, or recorded property restriction and has caused financial loss.
City’s response
In a statement, the City of Virginia Beach said its initial assessment is that the claims are “completely without factual or legal merit.” The city maintains that the Holiday Trail of Lights is a separate, city‑sponsored event intended to enhance the community’s holiday season.
Opening dates and next steps
Both holiday light attractions are slated to open on November 20, pending the outcome of the lawsuit. The court’s decision will determine whether the city‑backed light show can proceed as planned or if the park’s request for an injunction will be granted.
The dispute highlights the challenges of coordinating private and public holiday events in a popular tourist destination, and it underscores the importance of clear contractual language when multiple entities operate within close proximity.
Original reporting: WTKR News 3 (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
