Chesapeake City Dog Park

The Commonwealth of Virginia is older than America itself, dating back to 1691. But the City of Chesapeake is quite new, having been created in 1961. The city is named for the Chesapeake Bay and was little more than a bedroom community for the cities of Norfolk and Virginia Beach. Chesapeake experienced explosive growth in the 80s and 90s. Companies moved there, the population surged, and as of 2015, Chesapeake is now the third largest city in Virginia.

There are a lot of problems that come with the kind of quick growth that Chesapeake has experienced. But there are also a lot of benefits, including an influx of cash. Chesapeake had to use the cash that came with their growth to improve and revitalize their city structure, doing such things as adding capacity to the water system. But they were also used to greatly enhance their city parks.

The newest park in Chesapeake is simply called the Chesapeake City Park. It's 90 acres, with 60 acres of reclaimed forest land. There are miles and miles of paths and the park often hosts city events. It's a fun place. But the best part is the new dog park.

The Chesapeake City Dog Park is generously sized, over one acre, with a small section for dogs under 25 pounds. The park is largely an open field with a few trees, strategically placed for shade. There is a six-foot fence that is in pristine condition, and there are a few benches. In the summer, volunteers provide a kiddie pool in the large dog section for puppies that want to cool off.

The dog park has been outfitted with poop bags, trash cans, and water fountains for dogs and their people. There is even a washing station near the entrance so you can make sure your dog isn't tracking mud into the car. However, the water is turned off in the winter months to avoid broken pipes.

In order to take advantage of the Chesapeake City Dog Park, you will need a dog license. Don't worry, the licenses are easy to get if you can show that your dog has been spayed or neutered and is up to date on their vaccinations. For an adult dog that has been fixed, the cost is $4. For more information, please call the city at 757-382-6281.