Colonial Place / Riverview
Dog Park
Dog Park Update as of 5 February 2002
The dog park is a HUGE success! We are hearing from people all over town about how much they are enjoying it. Mike Nelson at Norfolk Parks and Leisure services said our park is a model for the rest of the city. Don't miss these pictures of the grand opening.
The park has been a tremendous success with up to fifteen dogs at a time. Toys and frisbees are scattered around the park for the dogs to play with. There are two dispensers with bags to dispose of dog waste. (Save your newspaper's plastic sleeve to help refill the dispensers.)
The water spigot has been installed and is almost ready to use. We owe gratitude to Barclay Winn and the City Council. They told me that the City is more than happy to help neighborhood projects as long as the citizens show an effort to help themselves. This has been the case with the Colonial Place and Riverview residents. We are proud to see such tremendous support from our neighbors and dog companions. A sign recognizing the dedication of the park to the City is also up. The Virginian-Pilot will be doing an article soon on our dog park, the first fully fenced in Norfolk. I met with Norfolk City Maintenance recently, and they informed me that the City will put lights around the dog park.
Within the fenced area dog owners will not be required to have their dog on a leash as long as certain other rules are obeyed. All dogs must have rabies and city registration tags as the Norfolk Animal Control Department will give tickets if they are absent. Rabies vaccinations are given by any veterinarian, Petsmart, or the SPCA. Licenses are available at Meadowbrook Hardware at 1215-d W. Little Creek Rd, 489-7293. Cost is $5.00 per year for neutered dogs, $25.00 if not neutered, and $2.00 for senior citizens' dogs. Remember, all license fees go to help the Norfolk Animal Management Center. Neutered male and female dogs get along better at the dog park, too. And, any dog in heat cannot be allowed into the park.
Elizabeth (Buffy) Masten is coordinating the dog park project. CPRV dog park tags are available from her on request. Inquiries concerning donations (donations are NOT tax-deductible) should also be addressed to her. Telephone: 622-6635 or E-mail GSussman@odu.edu
Code of Virginia
State code 15.2-1809 - Liability of localities in the operation of parks, recreational facilities, and playgrounds: No city or town which operates any park, recreational facility, or playground shall be liable in any civil action or proceeding for damages resulting from any injury to the person or from the loss of or damage to the property of any person by an act of omission constituting ordinary negligence on the part of any officer or agent of such city or town in the maintenance or operation of any such park, recreational facility, or playground. Every such city or town shall, however, be liable in damages for the gross negligence of any of its officers or agents in the maintenance or operation of any such park, recreational facility, or playground.
In other words, it is up to each dog owner to be responsible for his or her animal. Please keep an eye on your dogs while you are in the park. If a fight should break out, pull the dogs apart from the back to avoid being bitten. If your dog should be injured, either in a fight or by just general rough play, the city is not liable. Get the name of the owner of the other dog to verify that the dog has been immunized against rabies. If your dog should need veterinary care, the two of you will have to work out payment for this care. If your dog is deemed too vicious to play with other dogs, you will be asked to refrain from bringing your dog into the park. If we all work to be good park users and watch our dogs while in the park, we should, hopefully, be able to avoid such problems.
Map Showing Site of Community Dog Park
Dog Park site is in upper right hand corner, highlighted in orange, and entitled "Resident's Proposed Dog Park"
