Take Me Out to the Dog Park Article from GRREAT TIMES Newsletter by Pat Johnson, 4/2000. Once again, I'll soon be a law-abiding citizen. The city where I live, Norfolk, is developing dog parks. I live right next to a park, but the rules say dogs must be on a leash; so every morning Steve, Holly, Cappy, Joe (when he's not deployed) and I get up at dawn and break the law. We go to the park. We take off the leashes and. Run! Toss and catch frisbees, balls and sticks! Climb on the playground equipment and slide down. Roll around on the ground. Chase and run some more. We're free, and illegal; but soon that will change. A dog park is a place where people and their dogs can play together. Dog parks offer off-leash play areas for dogs in a park-like setting for their people. Other cities in Virginia have dog parks-Arlington, Reston, Richmond. Charlottesville has a dog park with a stream where dogs can swim. Virginia Beach is studying the idea after a group of citizens submitted a proposal. Dog parks are a privilege, so users need to follow the rules that are posted. Rules generally include: Pick up poop. Remind others to do the same. You're responsible for your dog's behavior. If your dog injures another dog give your name and phone number to the owner before leaving the park. Make sure your dog's rabies and other vaccinations are current. Have a current city dog license. Supervise your children. Keep the area safe and clean. Don't let your dog dig holes. Bring fresh water to share if not available at the park. Let your dog off leash as soon as you arrive since leashed dogs may feel threatened when off-leash dogs greet them. Keep walking. This keeps the off-leash area neutral territory for everyone. First time users should visit the park at non-peak times such as during the day on weekdays. For more information on dog parks in the US and Canada check out www.dogpark.com. You're also welcome to come to the dog park with us as soon as they open.   Dog Parks Revisited Article from GRREAT TIMES Newsletter, 1/2001. Norfolk has officially opened ten dog parks. None of the dog parks are fenced. The city says it is leaving that to the local residents around each park to come up with financing fences for their location. Visit the Norfolk Dog Parks web site to see park locations and rules or call the Dept of Neighborhood and Leisure Services at 441-2400, and request their free brochure "A Guide To Norfolk's Dog Parks." Virginia Beach's dog park test has ended and the Redwing and Woodstock locations are here to stay. The areas are fenced in and have some toys and clean up bags available. The Redwing site also has a water source and some shade. The Woodstock location has recently planted some trees but it will be a long while before they are large enough to add shade. There is a yearly $3 fee per dog for using the dog parks. You need to bring current rabies tag and city license tag (any city) to get your dog park tag from the Maintenance/Equipment Office at either park. The city's new budget also allows for an additional park which is planned for the Bayside area. They are also considering adding a small fenced holding "pen" at the entrance and exit gates to make it easier when leashing and unleashing your dog as you enter and leave. To keep abreast of developments, visit Virginia Beach's Dog Parks site.

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