Q: Why is Parks & Recreation eliminating the dog park and skate park fees?

A: One of the department's goals is to improve access to parks and programs for our residents. Eliminating these nominal fees is a great step in that direction. Improved customer service and increased efficiencies are other important reasons for the change.  There will be less of a burden on customers to complete a cumbersome process and conduct travel to off-site locations to complete transactions.

Q: What if my pass has expired and I want to use the dog/skate park before April 1?

A: As a courtesy to our existing customers, those whose dog park registration or skate park membership expires before April 1 will have their registration or membership extended at no additional charge.​

Q: What if I just recently purchased my pass?

A: You may be entitled to a prorated refund. Email fun@vbgov.com for information, or visit any community recreation center.

Q: If I have never visited a dog/skate park before and want to do so before April 1, how much will it cost me?

A: New customers who wish to use these facilities before April 1 will be charged a nominal prorated fee as follows -

DOG PARKS:

Purchase in February - $3, valid until March 31, 2019

Purchase in March - $2, valid until March 31, 2019

SKATE PARKS:

Purchase in February – Youth $3, Adult $6, valid until March 31, 2019

Purchase in March – Youth $2, Adult $4, valid until March 31, 2019

*Same fees apply to both residents and non-residents for both dog parks and skate parks.​

Q: Will the rules for using the dog/skate parks change once passes are no longer required? How will they be enforced?

A: All safety rules and customer usage expectations still apply including wearing helmets at the skate parks, etc. Dog park users must still have a current VB dog license and current rabies vaccination. New regulation signs will be posted at the dog parks and skate parks in late March. Park Staff will continue to keep the Dog Waste Stations stocked with bags and will monitor use as Park operations allow, however Park Staff will no longer be issuing or checking Dog Park Passes.  Any incidents or bites after April 1 should be reported to Police Animal Control at (757) 385-5000.  Per City Code, all dogs in Virginia Beach are required to be licensed and have current rabies vaccination.

• All dogs entering the dog park must have a valid dog park pass. Please bring your pass(es) with you on each visit.
• Dog owners are required to license their dogs and have documented expiration date of dog’s rabies vaccination (rabies certificate) with them upon registration. We strongly recommend that dogs receive the Parvo vaccination. Out-of-town visitors are asked to show rabies tag when registering; a locality license is not required.
• ​Dog owners will be liable for the full value of any park property damaged or destroyed by their dogs.
• Park staff will monitor and spot check dog park passes​ and compliance with dog park guidelines. Animal Control will ensure compliance with city ordinances.
  

Doggie Do's

• Scoop the poop and keep the area clean.
• License and immunize your dogs. A collar with proper identification should be worn by your dogs at all times.
• Keep an eye on your dog(s).
• Avoid dog fights. If a fight breaks out, pull the dogs apart from the back.
• Honor the limit of four dogs per person.
• Remove barking or uncontrollable dogs​.
• Remove your dogs immediately at the first sign of aggressive behavior toward people or other dogs.
• Immediately report any incidents/accidents to on-site park staff.

Doggie Don'ts

• ​Don't bring puppies under four months into the park.
• Don't bring female dogs in heat into the park.
• Don't let your dogs dig holes in the park. If your dog does dig, fill the holes immediately.
• Don't leave your dogs unattended in the park.
• Don't bring children under 8 years old into the park.
• Don't feed your dogs in the park.
• Don't remove the leash until you have entered the dog park.​

• City of Virginia Beach Ordinance Section 5-533. Nuisance animals generally.

• City of Virginia Beach Ordinance Section 5-534. Allowing dogs to urinate or defecate on public or private property.

• City of Virginia Beach Ordinance Section 5-300. Dog or cat license required.

• City of Virginia Beach Ordinance Section 5-200. Vaccination or inoculation of dogs or cats.

• City of Virginia Beach Ordinance Section 5-531. Keeping dogs under restraint; leash law (upon entering and leaving dog park)

• Virginia State Code Recreational Use Immunity State Code 15.2-1809. Liability of localities in the operation of parks, recreational facilities, and playgrounds.​