Water Feature Supporting a Place of Reflection:

The 5/31 Memorial is being constructed at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center to honor the 12 lives lost on May 31, 2019, and to recognize survivors, first responders, and the broader community impacted by the tragedy.

Designed as a permanent place for remembrance and healing, the memorial includes spaces such as the Survivor’s Grove, the Heroes’ Tree, and a memorial glade anchored by water elements. The water feature is not meant to entertain — it is intended to support reflection, calm, and quiet presence within the landscape.

As part of the memorial’s construction, the water systems are being built to operate reliably while blending seamlessly into the contemplative environment envisioned by the project team.

Building for Reflection and Long-Term Public Use

Unlike an event plaza or entertainment venue, the 5/31 Memorial is a space for pause. Visitors will arrive carrying real grief, real love, and real memory. The water must support that experience without competing for attention.

Construction priorities for the systems include:

• Gentle, consistent water movement suited for reflection
• Stable hydraulic performance across seasonal conditions
• Safe water behavior within accessible public spaces
• Infrastructure concealed within the memorial landscape
• Service access to ensure dependable long-term operation

These considerations ensure the water remains a quiet presence — steady, reliable, and respectful of the site’s purpose.

Recirculating Systems Integrated Into the Memorial Landscape

The water feature operates as a closed-loop recirculating system. Water is collected, filtered, treated, and redistributed through mechanical systems located below grade.

This approach supports:

• Water clarity and treatment standards
• Efficient long-term operation
• Reduced water waste
• Consistent performance across varying weather conditions

The systems are being constructed to function dependably year after year, maintaining the integrity of the memorial space for generations.

Below-Grade Mechanical Infrastructure

Primary mechanical equipment is housed within protected service areas beneath the memorial grounds. Locating systems below grade preserves the visual calm of the site while allowing maintenance access when needed.

Key components include:

• Circulation and filtration equipment
• Water treatment and monitoring systems
• Electrical panels and control interfaces
• Lighting drivers and transformers
• Flow and level monitoring equipment

Housing infrastructure out of view ensures that visitors experience only the landscape — not the mechanics behind it.

Controls and Operational Reliability

Automated controls regulate pump operation, water levels, and lighting performance. These systems allow for seasonal adjustments and long-term consistency while minimizing operational complexity.

The water feature is being constructed to perform the same way on opening day and decades into the future — quietly, reliably, and without distraction.

Construction and Installation Scope

Work at the 5/31 Memorial requires careful coordination with landscape installation, structural elements, and the broader memorial construction schedule.

The construction scope includes:

• Underground collection and equipment areas
• Pumping and filtration systems
• Plumbing and water distribution components
• Lighting and electrical systems
• Control and monitoring infrastructure

All installation is being executed with attention to precision, durability, and long-term stewardship.

Start-Up and System Calibration

Following installation, the systems will undergo testing and calibration to confirm proper flow rates, pressure balance, and operational sequencing.

Start-up procedures include:

• Pump sequencing adjustments
• Water level calibration
• Treatment system balancing
• Lighting control programming

These steps ensure the water supports the memorial’s atmosphere from day one.

Supporting a Permanent Place of Remembrance

The 5/31 Memorial is not a temporary installation or an event-driven space. It is a permanent civic landmark dedicated to honoring lives lost and supporting a community’s ongoing healing.

The water feature contributes to that mission by providing steady movement and sound that help create a calm, welcoming environment for reflection.

Constructed for durability, discretion, and long-term reliability, the systems are designed to serve the memorial — and the community — for decades to come.