Convenient, but not the best park

We recently moved here. We never had an issue at any of the local parks or with dogs in our former town. My dog is not aggressive - she’s just ball obsessed. I’m very good about keeping her focused, because I have put in a ton of time training and conditioning her. She is calm and isn’t interested in other dogs. Despite having a yard now, for her getting into the car and going to a park is a pick up of routine she’s had most of her life.

Here are the issues with this park:

There are owners here who care more about gossiping with their friends vs. watching/minding their dogs. On several occasions I saw owners chatting away or playing on their phones, while their dog defecated and they neglected to pick it up. Or their dog is anxious and barking non-stop or snapping at others.

Weekenders can be problematic. These dogs may only see the park 1-2 a week, and are trying to pack in all the socialization in a short burst. This is typical for every dog park on a weekend. Try to avoid it on the weekend or come late in the evening if your dog, like mine, isn’t interested.

There are dogs who come here who clearly lack training or are not getting enough mental/physical exercise. They are overly vocal, aggressive and have zero sense of boundaries. And that’s not limited to just the dogs.

The owners could also use some training vs. acting entitled or creating an unsafe environment for other owners and the dogs.

Ironically, the city has regulations, which many owners seem to ignore. https://virginiabeach.gov/services/animals-pets/dog-friendly-parks-beaches Unfortunately, the city doesn’t seem to enforce any rules around vaccinations. Nor is there a rule on whether dogs need to be fixed. The park grass is too high and not all owners pick up. You have been warned.

The folks who comes during off-peak seem nice. But again a lot depends on your dog’s tolerance, and whether you/your dog align with the so-called entitled “regulars” (aka the Karen’s/Ken’s, who don’t own the park). But I would keep a leash and a horn or some deterrent near by just in case…oh and look down when you walk.

Jul. 23, 2023