THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Wednesday, June 5, 1996               TAG: 9606050065
SECTION: DAILY BREAK             PAGE: E3   EDITION: FINAL 
SOURCE: BY TOM HOLDEN, STAFF WRITER 
                                            LENGTH:   41 lines

SOME ADVICE ON PARKING AT THE MUSEUM

In our car-crazy culture, a trip to the local museum can become a struggle for sanity if parking is not available. At the newly expanded Virginia Marine Science Museum, parking will be available but not plentiful, making advance planning crucial.

Last year, the museum was host to 335,000 visitors. This year, with an operation three times as large, the city wants to double the visitor count to 650,000 people.

The site on General Booth Boulevard has never been especially lush with parking spaces, which is probably a good thing, because that means more space is devoted to preserving the very places that drive the museum's existence.

Still, here's a little advice on what to expect:

Parking at the museum is free. There are two lots, located at either end of the complex. They hold exactly 441 cars. Both lots are reserved for paying customers. Employees and volunteers park off site.

On a rainy day, either arrive early or plan to take public transportation. The lots can fill up quickly, though visitors can park for $2 at the Ocean Breeze Festival Park, which is next to the Owls Creek Marsh Pavilion.

Tidewater Regional Transit has dedicated two mini buses to run express routes from the Oceanfront. They're called the ``Museum Express.'' The cost is 50 cents. People who use this option will receive tokens from the museum for a free trip back to the resort area.

The buses will run south on Atlantic Avenue to Fifth Street, cross to Pacific Avenue and then proceed south to General Booth Boulevard and to the museum, with additional stops at Ocean Breeze Park, the Travel Park and the KOA Campground.

The buses will run every 30 minutes from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends and from 8 a.m. to midnight on weekends.

People using the Park & Ride system can get free tickets for the express from the bus conductor.

The museum is also located on one of the city's major bicycle paths, and there will be bike racks for patrons.

KEYWORDS: VIRGINIA MARINE SCIENCE MUSEUM by CNB