Overall, we had a nice experience at this dog park. I was surprised in a good way because the dog park has ample space and a separate section for smaller dogs. While there is a shaded area with picnic tables, I kind of wish that the dog park had a few more trees for more shade, but that is a very minor complaint. Since the park is maintained by PETA, there is a lot of PETA messaging (e.g., why crating dogs is "bad") in certain parts of the park. Although I disagree with some of the messaging, it did not negatively impact my visit. read more

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This dog park is absolutely beautiful and in such a perfect location--right next to the PETA headquarters, overlooking the river in the Ghent/Waterside district of Norfolk. On top of giving your dog a great play space, you can actually enjoy watching the cruise ships go by, which makes it a really unique spot. The park is divided into two sections: one side for small dogs and one for larger dogs. I love that they've thought of the details--there are two little kiddie pools with running water, so you can refresh them as needed. It's always clean, well-maintained, and has a few toys out for the pups to enjoy. Another plus is that it's not usually overcrowded, which makes it much more relaxing for both dogs and owners. The surrounding neighborhood is gorgeous (and honestly, I'd love to live there if it were in my budget!). All in all, Bea Arthur Dog Park is a wonderful place to bring your pup for some exercise, playtime, or just to enjoy the views. Definitely one of Norfolk's dog-friendly treasures! read more

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It is the nicest of the 3 NFK dog parks I have visited. Everybody I talked to referred to it as the PETA dog park. Makes perfect sense since the park lies at the paws of the PETA building. There are two areas for the dogs with very nice fencing and creative gates. Both areas have ample room to romp and roam. read more

This is a great dog park. It is really well-kept and they always have water available to give the dogs. It's nice to know that PETA is right next door so that it is always kept in good shape. read more

Update... The small dog area is still not as nicely kept as the larger area. I'm not sure why there is still no grass there. I like the separation between large and small dogs. My cavalier doesn't mind playing with the larger dogs but he definitely has more fun with dogs his size. I like that you can go on PETA's page and view the dog run prior to going. Here's the link.. https://spotlight.peta.org/petadogpark/ FYI, to protect the water fowl, the pup access to the river is no longer available. read more

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Beautifully maintained dog park that's free to the public. A wonderful resource as more and more dogs are living in apartments. PETA urges that all dogs enjoying the park be spayed and neutered, services that they do offer for a low cost of our community. The park is also the location of an annual adoption event that features multiple local shelters. Adopt, don't shop read more

This is THE BEST DOG PARK in Tidewater! Tons of shade, lots of grass, no mud, extremely well maintained area! No dog poop on the ground, lots of fresh water bowls, two CLEAN baby pools to cool off in. A pergola with a cool( temperature) stone floor, shade for humans and dogs. Breeze from the waterfront, 2 divided sections, lots of poop scoopers and tennis balls. Even a few chuck-it sticks for throwing the ball. Seriously, I would pay to bring my dogs here. We visited on a Monday between 9:30 and 12:00. Only saw 3 other dogs. 10/10! Side note: There is NO access to the Elizabeth River water.. Dogs can not swim here. read more

Petas Bea Arthur Dog Park - PETA Dog Park - Dog Parks Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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The park is very clean and is right next to the water. The space is kept clean and is completely fenced in on all sides. There are two seperate areas with street parking and so much space for the dogs. read more

A dog park in the 757 with GRASS! Not to mention, very large park for big dogs and a separate grassed park for smaller dogs who are intimated by their larger friends. I've seen them do maintenance every spring to lay down new grass turf for the dogs to enjoy. The water access was closed for the dog's safety but there are watering stations, and a small pool for the dogs to cool off in. There is even a small "goose island" and wildlife park for geese to nest safely away from the dog park. Way to keep Norfolk a beautiful and safe place for our animals, thanks PETA!! read more

This is a beautiful and super well maintained dog park--it's very clean and well secured. It's good for dogs and their guardians as there are benches to sit on and beautiful views of the water. read more

This used to be great with a water landing for my dog to swim. Since they've closed the water landing and do not allow the dogs to swim which defeats the purpose of going there. Truly sad. Upkeep has taken a huge decline. read more

My dog and I always have a great time at this dog park. Its beautiful and clean. Lots of toys and fresh water for the doggies.

Very sad looking park. Not impressed with the landscape. Not very spacious. The fence is too short for XL dogs that could jump over easy. My medium size dog could jump this no problem. Dogs are not allowed to swim in river. That was the reason I brought my 2 boys. Shaggy loves water and it's perfect exercise for him . Blue just like to walk around and explore. I won't be coming back here unless they decide to open up access to the river. I recommend this park if you have tiny dogs that don't require a lot of space to run around. read more

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My fur babies LOVE coming to this dog park! It's a great space with water access. We usually bring our dogs here if they are in need of a bath because they almost always get in the water. My dogs really enjoy the open area and the size of the park-it's huge! It's great for big dogs because there is plenty of room for them to run around and play. There is a ramp in both parks that lead right into the water. This is where our dog first learned how to swim! They also have a water station, several pools, and plenty of toys. This is by the far the best kept dog park I have been to in Norfolk. Make sure you check their hours before going because the park closes some days of the week (for clean up and maintenance). The smaller park adjacent to the main one is open 7 days a week. If you are interested in seeing if there are any dogs at the park before you head out, check on their website. They have a camera set up, which allows you to see in the park-pretty neat! read more

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This dog park is AWESOME. I never knew this place even existed until my friend told me about it and we met up for a doggy play date here a few weeks back. It's located right behind the giant PETA building in downtown Norfolk. To my understanding, there is only street parking but you can park in the PETA parking lot during non business hours. What's really cool about this dog park is that it's located right next to the Elizabeth River!! That means man's best friend can also take a dip in the water if they feel like it. They have some stairs that lead into the water so they don't have to jump in. The views across the river of the Freemason district a really nice and kinda makes you feel like you're not at the dog park anymore. That have a two gate protection set up here so you never have to worry about your dog escaping. There's also a small picnic area right before you get into the actual dog park just to relax and leave your belongings there while you go play. There's plenty of space here for your dogs to run around and it was fairly well maintained. The only thing that we didn't see were visible poop bag dispensers. Luckily we found a plastic grocery bag near the picnic tables. Apparently you can check a live feed of the dog park on the PETA site before you go to see what kind of dogs are already out there. I would come here again the next time we decide to take our dog to the park. read more

Great dog park in downtown Norfolk! We LOVE to take our dogs here and they always have a blast. We don't get to go here but every two weeks because we tend to want to give our pups a bath after swimming in the Elizabeth River from the ramp access they have here, but they LOVE to swim in it! The park itself has a sheltered entrance with picnic tables, leading into a large grassy area, and bushes separating the dock from the grass that the dogs love to run under. It has a dock with a ramp entering the river. It also has 2 other water stations, one with a mini pool for the dogs to splash in. The people are very friendly! Your dog must be non-aggressive and must be fixed or else people may complain and PETA might tell you to leave, etc. but other than that everyone is great and the dogs are usually very good! We love this park and will continue to come back whenever we can! read more

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Awesome dog park! fenced-in areas for large dogs and another area for small dogs. Beautifully maintained with lush grass. Totally fenced in area to running off leash, Water stations, dog pool, benches to sit on, gorgeous water views. People are very friendly. Highly recommend! read more

This is by far the best dog park in the area. However this year instead of going to the dogs, it has gone to the geese. Let me elaborate. PETA has closed 85% of the DOG park for geese who do not seem inclined to leave. Why would they when they have a beautiful, undisturbed park right next to the water? They first closed the larger Bea Arthur dog park for maintenance, planting grass and building a beautiful new dock for the dogs to run in the water. I can only imagine how much labor and time went into this. Then they kept it closed for gooslings who were hatched during the closure. The gooslings are now grown and yet the park remains closed to the public. It is now the hottest part of the year and unfortunately, our dogs have no water access. The geese are free to roam as the please, while we and our dogs, are crammed into a tiny worn-out area with hardly any shade and a small kiddie pool surrounded by a muddy moat. Dog owners are becoming fed up with this treatment, and I have noticed a huge drop in visitors. I am extremely disappointed in PETA. For preaching against speciesism, they seem to be choosing the geese's well-being over our dog's. Why can't they open the park for the dogs and the geese can still come and go as they please? Neither do they seem to take in consideration our own personal safety during the COVID-19 pandemic and this heat wave. It is beyond me what their logic behind this is, but I hope they come to their senses soon. read more

Has a ramp for doggies to get in and play in the water! Lot's of doggie "propaganda" since the place is run by and right next to PETA. I choose to ignore it for the most part because it's hard not to bring my dog here. It's well kept, there's a doggie dock to play fetch in the water, and there's a nice watering/rinse off spot. They've got a beautiful covered area with picnic tables. The grass is soft.... there's shade. I love it! There's this big sign about how much dogs hate crate training but last time I talked to a crate trained dog he told me he kinda liked it.... just saying. read more

Petas Bea Arthur Dog Park - Shaded picnic area! - Dog Parks Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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Been going here for a year or two and it's amazing the redo the grass when needed, plenty of poop bags, and the fact the dogs can get in the water is the absolute best!!! The only reason they aren't a 5 star is because the water access has been closed off for like 6 months! I know it's to fence off an area for the geese but like 6 months is a little long the summer is almost over and we still can't use the water access and the gate makes the park more of a dog run than a park with little to no room to even throw a ball. So unfortunately we just go else where now. read more

Fun times for all pups! I have been here several times this week and have not been disappointed yet. Three different people all recommended this as the absolute best dog park in the Norfolk area! Love the dock where dogs can opt to take a dip or run around the large yard area with all the other guests..there is some mud but what can you expect from a dog park!?! There is also a water spigot with bowls to quench any thirsts! Don't forget to donate to PETA for keeping this place running!! read more

Petas Bea Arthur Dog Park - Dog Parks Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Amazing dog park! This area has been made into a beautiful 'sanctuary' for dogs. There are a variety if toys, ramp for the dog to go into the water, a small and large dog play area, water hose and bucket, and plenty of a shade on a hot day. An amazing space for dogs to play and run around in. They should add some dog obstacle courses also. My dog loves this park! read more

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I love this dog park! It's really nice and put together and has a lot of room for the dogs to run and play! I also love that it has a ramp for the dogs play in the water. I gave this a 4 Star though because I have a smaller dog and this park doesn't have a section for smaller dogs. It has a section that looks like it could be for smaller dogs but I've never seen that side open so I guess it might just be a little fenced in garden area. Anyhow, my girl still enjoys coming out here and playing! I love it too because it's very scenic and has picnic tables in case one wants to eat out there! read more

Petas Bea Arthur Dog Park - Dog Parks Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

The is my go to dog park! Love the views of the Norfolk harbor, and the dogs obviously love the water. None of my dogs are swimmers, but my friends lab basically jumps in as if she were a beached manatee returning to waters. They do a great job maintaining the cleanliness of this park and I respect the effort they make keeping a lawn by occasionally closing on muddy days. There is tons of shade to sit and relax and benches for you to sit by the water as well. Bonus dog park for smaller breeds and puppies! I love it! read more

Absolutely love this dog park! It's beautiful, large, well maintained and clean. There's picnic tables to sit at which are covered. Overall highly recommend read more

Awesome dog park, clean, beautiful and well kept. The river is right in front of the park so dogs can jump right in the water and come out with an accessible ramp in the water. The dogs are always very friendly and welcoming. They also have a water line in the park so you can keep your dogs hydrated. 100% recommend this doggy park to everyone. P.S. there's a kiddy pool with a hose so you can wash your dogs. read more

Looking for an alternative to the constantly closed Stockley Gardens dog park? Wanting something a little different for your pup? Perhaps a swim (I don't advise it)? Bea Arthur Dog Park is a space opened up by PETA for all dog lovers and dog owners alike. There are actually 2 dog parks. One is a smaller one that is mainly dirt (so be prepared to have a dark dog after) that has access to the river for swimming while the other is a larger green space. Unfortunately as of right now (3/10/11), the larger green space is being reseeded and won't be open for another couple of months. This place is always open so you can bring your dog here rain or shine unlike the Stockley Gardens. I personally still prefer Stockley, but this is a good alternative for those wetter days! read more

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This was my first time at a dog park. I liked how the park was fenced in, had lots of open space and grass, well-kept and waterside. I went here on a Sunday evening and there seemed to be only one entrance gate unlocked...so if you are at a gate and wondering how to unlock it...just keep going. It took me 3 gates to figure this out. They also have a box of toys, little kiddie pools with water, and picnic benches. I was a little hesitant about this place being at PETA and all, but the place wasn't overly preachy/extreme - I just noticed one sign about how crating is bad for dogs. I don't know if this is normal dog owner behavior (I am not one, was a +1), but dogs were barking and jumping on me with no owner in sight. Big dogs standing up and putting their muddy paws on my chest isn't exactly comforting to me. read more

Well I just took my two month old puppy there and she actually likes big dogs which is the half of the dogs there. She loved it! The park is now fully grass with a bit of mud because the dogs like to swim and huge! She was playing with the other dogs for some time (she doesn't know how to play yet). All the dogs were amazing! One dog was a little too into squishing her but she had a blast! All the dogs were nice and the owners were so nice and helpful. I absolutely loved taking her there and I'm going back next week! read more

My favorite place to let our dog run wild. When we went on a Sunday afternoon, there were well behaved dogs and friendly owners. We've been working on her social skills, and she did so great! Dogs will be dogs. Yes because it is an open park, if you have an overly curious or a not-so-social fur baby, you will have to keep an eye out for them. This is different from the other local parks because they have toys and they also have water. We will be taking our dog at least once a week from now on! read more

Makes me wish I was a pooch!!! Great time, my baby loved it!!! Best thing you can do for free with your fur baby!!! Note: *Invest in doggy life jacket, it makes it so much easier because they can/will tire easily but will not want to get out. Plus, it will help you from stressing out! *Balls go quick in the water so bring your own toys!!! *Expect in getting wet around the dog ramp. Dogs shake when they get wet. Sorry in advance!! read more

Great park! It is maintained very well and my dog always has a GREAT time. There is even a web cam that you can check to see if other people are already there! read more

Petas Bea Arthur Dog Park - Dog Parks Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

A puppy paradise! A large area with ramped access to the river for your water-loving pooch. So many toys for your dog, some benches in the shade for the owners, and lots of friendly dogs to play. Parking can be "ruff" along the narrow street. read more

AMAZING. Absolutely gorgeous! It was Mellows first dog park experience and it was absolutely perfect. We went on a Wednesday at noon and there was around 8 or 9 dogs! The park has a picnic areas that's shaded, water for the puppies, and a chest full of toys! PLUS it's on the water so the scenery it's breathtaking. There is also a ramp for the puppies to get into the water! Amazing. I don't even care to look at other parks. read more

Cool park for the pups. There is a little ladder on the doc for them to swim which was a major plus in my opinion. There were bowls out with a water faucet and even a doggie pool under a shade tree. This is a fairly good sized park in the middle of an industrial district. Kind of hard to find the entrance but you can park in the peta parking lot and the white gate entrance is behind the peta trailer. read more

Petas Bea Arthur Dog Park - Dog Parks Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Moved here from Maine last year and I'm not sure why but Hampton Roads has some of the lamest dog parks I've ever seen. It seems everywhere (not just this park) is just a square of fenced grass/dirt. Definitely missing the off leash trails of Maine dog parks :( That being said, this park in particular seems to have a greater number of poorly behaved/aggressive dogs compared to others in the area. The rules specifically require that dogs over 6 months be neutered or spayed, yet I routinely see unfixed and aggressive dogs here. PETA will do it for you on site for gods sake! read more

This is by far my favorite dog park to bring the monster to. They supply a huge bowl and a hose for water, and some random toys here and there. They also have bags in random mailboxes (yes, look in the mailboxes around the outside fencing) just in case you forgot yours for those "gotta go" moments. The big wooden boxes under them with lids are the trashes. They keep the grounds extremely well, and will occasionally fence part off to reseed if it becomes necessary. I'm ok with that, it just means less mud. The best part of this place is the ramp into the river though... If you have a water dog, it's a blast. They can jump off the side ledge into the river or take the ramp, and they just use the ramp to get back out. On a good day you can get a few labs or other random dogs that love to swim flying off the end of ledge. Just be careful if your dog A) won't come back in from the water or B) can't swim and has those strong lemming tendencies. I have seen owners jump in the river after their dogs before... I guess Norfolk General is close by for all the shots you'll want afterwards. The park is closed on Mondays for grounds keeping and general maintenance, otherwise they're open everyday all day. And please, know dog park etiquette if you come here. Don't keep your dog on a leash... It makes a dog feel threatened when they're on a leash and all the others aren't. That's why they get aggressive. The reason for the double gate is to give you an area to remove/replace your leash. The dogs are there to play! :) read more

This is our favorite dog park in the area. (The gate is past the spay/neuter buses if you have trouble locating it like we did our first time.) There are separate areas for big dogs and small dogs but all the dogs are pretty well behaved there so most people with small dogs just let theirs play in the big area. Whether your dog likes to swim or just run this is the perfect place. There are a few toys laying around and there is access to fresh water. read more

Bea Arthur Park is right beside PETA on Front Street. The entrance is right beside their building, the grass is a plush 2" thick carpet; it is a large park with some benches in a few corners; a ramp for dogs to go into the water with several benches for sitting; also there is a covered area with picnic tables as you enter. There is a water hose available to rinse your dog off after their swimming; a small pool in one corner; mail boxes with plastic bags (you can help out and big extra) and a box of toys under the trellis. Bea Arthur Park is set up for large dogs, the adjacent small dog park is currently being renovated so all dogs are welcomed. Nice owners, nice dogs and no drama. :) read more

It was paws-down the best park we've been to. The Peta propaganda was to be expected. They have a river! And mailboxes with poop bags. Probably the only thing worth seeing in norfolk. read more