Ocean View amusement park was located on Ocean View Avenue and Granby Street where Ocean View Beach Park currently resides. Operating from the early 1900’s to 1979, the spot was popular amongst locals, tourists and sailors stationed at Norfolk Naval Base.
Situated alongside the Chesapeake Bay, the park boasted 5 rollercoasters, but the addition of “The Skyrocket” in 1929 was a huge hit and became the signature of Ocean View Amusement Park. It was later featured in the motion picture “Rollercoaster” in 1977. Sadly, after World War II and the addition of the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel, tourists began to choose Virginia Beaches Oceanfront leaving the area of Ocean View and it’s amusement park in a struggle to stay popular. The integrity of the parks coasters also came into question and the park officially closed in September of 1978.
Later, the Skyrocket was given a second chance to ride the skies once again. Her final journey became part of history when she came tumbling down with the help of some explosives. It took two attempts AND the help of a bulldozer before The Skyrocket finally relented for the spectacular scene in the 1979 motion picture “Death of Ocean View Park”. Although open for the day, it was the last day chance anyone would have at experiencing Ocean View Amusement Park.
Enjoy this link to a short clip of “The Rocket” and remember the good old days of Ocean View.
Please visit the link in the sidebar to the Ocean View Station Museum in Norfolk, Virginia for more history on The Ocean View Amusement Park, and enjoy the show!
Posted by oceanvieweast 