Kathleen Cochran plays with Ellie, her golden retriever, and Lexie, her shepherd mix, at Church Hill Dog Park.
Richmonders love their dogs. Most dogs like other dogs too. Take your dog to an off-leash park for some canine socializing!
In the City of Richmond, dogs must be on a leash at all times, except in dog parks. Since Barker Field opened in 1998, there have been more dog parks open in the Richmond area. As a courtesy, carry an extra bag and pick up any stray piles of poop you might see.
Church Hill Dog Park
If you follow Broad Street east, you’ll find yourself going down a hill. Once that hill bottoms out and starts climbing again, you’re on your way to Church Hill. And your dog will be glad that you are. Church Hill Dog Park sits in one of Richmond’s most historic neighborhoods and offers hours of ball-throwing, running and general fun for dogs of all ages and sizes. Plus, you’ll enjoy looking at some of the city’s most eclectic homes and the sweeping view of downtown that comes along with a visit to the park.
Northside Dog Park
Like you, your dog appreciates variety in his or her recreational activity. So why not take a trip to the cool new dog park that opened in August 2012? Northside Dog Park offers you and your four-legged buddy space to run, jump, play and laugh. If you’re from the South Side or the West End, the park offers a change-up in your weekend play pattern; if you live in the North Side, congratulations. You have an awesome dog park right in your backyard.
Texas Beach/North Bank Park
With its trails, sandy beaches and sunbathing rocks, Texas Beach is one of the more popular dog-walking destinations along the James River. Officially named North Bank Park, Texas Beach can be accessed by a long trail at the south end of Texas Avenue, five blocks east of Maymont’s Hampton Street entrance. The beach, typically less crowded than Belle Isle or Pony Pasture, provides ample space for dogs to exercise in and explore an environment that feels miles away from the city’s urban center. Remember, this park is posted that dogs must be on a leash, respect other park-goers.
Barker Field Dog Park (at Byrd Park)
2650 Park Drive (at Shirley Lane), Richmond
Church Hill Dog Park (at Chimborazo Park)
29th E Grace Street, Richmond
Northside Dog Park (at Pine Camp Park)
600 Forest Lawn Drive, Richmond
Phideaux Field (at Forest Hill Presbyterian Church)
4401 Forest Hill Avenue, Richmond
Ruff House Dog Park (at Rockwood Park)
3401 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield
Hanover Dog Park (at Taylor Complex Lane)
13017 Taylor Complex Lane, Ashland
Dorey Dog Park (at Dorey Park)
2999 Darbytown Road, Varina - Shaded area of the park, features dog obstacle courses, seating, water dispensers, and toys. It has both grass and mulch areas and has separate spaces for both large and small dogs.
There may be more official dog parks in the Richmond area, please let us know if we missed any!
For dog lovers who are looking to eat at a restaurant with their canine companions check petfriendlyrestaurants.com
