The property on Jericho Road in Virginia Beach, historically known as the site of the former Aragona Elementary School, has been a topic of community interest and discussion. This land was originally developed in the 1950s by John Aragona, who established Aragona Village to address the area's housing needs. The rapid development led to the construction of Aragona Elementary School to serve the burgeoning population. 13 News Now+1VBCPS Schools+1Virginia Beach Schools
In recent years, the Aragona Civic League has advocated for transforming this property into a community park, reflecting the neighborhood's desire for accessible green spaces. Conversely, Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) has considered alternative uses for the site. Notably, in 2016, there were discussions about developing multifamily housing on the 18-acre property. School officials clarified that these considerations were purely conceptual, with no concrete plans in place at that time. CitizenPortal.ai - for Informed CitizensWYDaily
More recently, in March 2025, an Ad Hoc Committee was formed to explore potential open space uses for the Jericho Road property. This committee, comprising School Division staff, City staff, and representatives from the Aragona and Pembroke Manor Civic Leagues, met multiple times to study the issue and develop recommendations. The communities of Aragona and Pembroke Manor have expressed strong interest in utilizing the property for open or park space. www2.vbschools.com
As of now, the School Board is reviewing the committee's findings and recommendations. The future use of the Jericho Road property remains under consideration, balancing the community's interest in establishing a park with the School Board's evaluation of potential alternatives.www2.vbschools.com
ContactA: Lorraine Samko, President of Aragona Civic League aragonaclpresident@gmail.com