Nike Park (NP) is a 100-acre park, and in addition to many wonderful amenities, it has historical…read moreties. During the Cold War, the United States feared bombings from the Soviets, and created a Nike surface-to-air missile system. Because of that, Nike-Ajax Missile Base was started due to the large military installations in Hampton Roads. "The Carrollton Nike Missile Battery, N-75, was operational by 1954 and was one of eight bases that made up the Norfolk Defense Area. As with all continental bases, it consisted of two areas: a launch area and a control area. These two sites were connected by an underground cable system that enabled them to communicate" (http://www.historicisleofwight.com/nike-park.html). Here are the wonderful amenities at NP: * Restrooms with water fountains * Large playground * Skate/BMX park * Tennis courts * Picnic Tables with grills * Fishing Pier on Jones Creek * Nature trail * Mountain bike trail (the trail is about 2.5-miles but it's not a loop--you have to either turn around or follow the field out) * Softball/soccer fields * Basketball Courts * Senior Center * Recreation hall and multi-purpose room * Beautiful, old trees especially around the playground I had been to NP a couple of times, but I didn't realize the wonderful mountain bike trail, and the historic ties to the park. I will be taking my boys here soon to use the mountain bike trail, and check out the location of the underground missile magazines. NP is a wonderful park to visit, and so many things to do. For More Information: Here is video about the history of Nike-Ajax Missile Base on Nike Park. It's about 14 minutes long: https://goo.gl/appShO http://nikemissile.org/ http://ed-thelen.org/loc.html http://alpha.fdu.edu/~bender/N-view.html

Can I give this place 4 stars for nostalgia? I used to have Cross Country practices here back in…read morehigh school. There are plenty of nice trails, all leading to docks overlooking the muck, mire, and water. There are two kid's playgrounds, a bathroom facility, a skate park, and an outdoor area with exercise equipment. It's a good place to bring the kids to play, or a date for a walk.

Not safety conscious on their ramps. Needs professional work not from volunteers. A licensed…read morecontractor is necessary to bring it up to par. Please be careful when the kids are skating there. Pads and helmet weren't required here. They don't enforce it. Saw a lot of the kiddies getting hurt. Small space and not enough room. Only for kids under 10 years old in our opinion. Most of the workers are volunteers and not skaters.

Mekos is a really cool skate and surf shop that also has a skate park built into the back. This was…read moresuch a cool discovery for me to make, that I can only imagine how cool it must be to discover if you actually skateboard. As soon as you walk in, you are greeted by one of their friendly staff members. I asked a bunch of questions about the skate park and they were very helpful. The storefront side of that serves as the front of the store is well executed and organized. There's plexiglass in the back separating the park from the store. For those interested, their session times are as follows: 10am-12pm $3.50. 12pm-3pm $7.00. 3pm-6pm $7.00. And 6pm-9pm $7.00. No half sessions and girls "sk8" free. They also offer lessons on Mondays and Tuesdays from 4pm-8:30pm and they cost $20/hour. Furthermore, they have VIP Memberships available Monthly: $55, Quarterly: $140, and Yearly: $500. A VIP Membership offers unlimited skating and in-store discounts. A very cool place and concept overall.

This was a good addition to the neighborhood they redid the playground and it has all the new…read moreequipment and a serene red and grey color scheme The the place that is set far enough away from the main road, so that the kids are not in danger while playing There is also a Page track that circles the play area This park did not have an actual parking lot as it is meant for the neighborhood patrons to use however, it is walking distance from suffolk station apartments, as well as the houses and town houses that surround it I hope the children really enjoy this playground area this spring and summer

**There are four regional parks in Suffolk: Bennett's Creek, Lake Meade, Lone Star Lake and Sleepy…read moreHole. But, there are also 14 neighborhood parks as well. I am going to visit as many as I can before I move next month. That is my last parting gift to Suffolk.** Neighborhood Park #6 out of 14 Planters Park (PP) (yes, that Planters!) is a popular park in Suffolk according to information I found online. I never knew it existed as I rarely go by this part of the city. Unfortunately, there is no parking lot, but you can park on York Street. Amenities: *Playground *5-acres *Picnic Tables *Benches *Large open field *1/4 mile walking track around the park There's not a ton of amenities here at PP, but I think the draw is the track. There are some nice shady trees by the picnic tables as well. I was pleased to see that many people and children were out and about today at this park.

Not a large park, but there is lots of parking thanks to the convention center. Nice views of the…read moreriver in the swampy setting. The walkways are wonderfully paved.

A Hidden gem in Newport News Victory Landing Park, located…read morein Newport News, Virginia, is a waterfront spot hidden from view by an office building and a memorial arch. Newport News near this part seems a little run down. It is a very nice place for relaxing or taking in scenic views of the James River. Nestled near the city's downtown area, this small park offers a peaceful retreat for locals and visitors alike. There is not much parking right next to the park but there seems to be street parking up the hill. The surrounding area is not the nicest area but if you can get to it, I think it is worth it. One of the nice features is the wide, unobstructed view of the river, where you can watch boats and ships pass by. The park is often quiet, making it an ideal spot for reflection or reading. Benches and picnic tables are scattered throughout, offering seating options for those who want to enjoy the fresh air. A paved walking path is also great for a leisurely stroll. While the park doesn't have a playground or large recreational facilities, it's well-maintained and offers clean surroundings. A short walk brings you to a beautifully landscaped area with neatly trimmed grass and thoughtfully placed flowers. There is an aircraft carrier to one side and 2 large support ships to the other. Informational plaques in the park provide historical context about Newport News' maritime heritage. The plaque tells the story of how ¼ of all the soldiers returning from World War I came through this park to come home. You can visit the large arch just up the hill if you want to learn more of the history of this spot. Overall, Victory Landing Park is a hidden gem for anyone seeking tranquility or waterfront beauty. While small, it's a charming spot to unwind and appreciate the natural and historical significance of the area.

A solid park that gives you water views. It also has a nice wide sidewalk that is clearly marked…read more Where you get to the water you can see some of the big military boats. The sidewalk is tree lined with old oak trees that are pretty and unique looking. This is a nice place to go for a walk.

Great organization! Well maintained fields , concessions, youth sports for boys and girls…read more Affordable and great experience

**There are four regional parks in Suffolk: Bennett's Creek, Lake Meade, Lone Star Lake and Sleepy…read moreHole. But, there are also 14 neighborhood parks as well. I am going to visit as many as I can before I move next month. That is my last parting gift to Suffolk.** Neighborhood Park #7 out of 14 Park #7 took me and my youngest to the southern end of Suffolk--all the way to Holland. If you didn't know, Suffolk is the largest city in Virginia by area as well as the 14th largest in the country. Suffolk is HUGE! To give you an idea, I live close to downtown Suffolk -in the middle of the city- and Holland Park and Athletic Fields (HPAF) is 13 miles from me. With a population of only 90,000, it's kind of crazy to think about. Amenities: *3 Picnic Tables *Benches *Playground with swings *Grassy field with a couple of old Magnolia Trees that gives lovely shade *Baseball/Softball Fields with Bleachers, Concession and Tables *Restrooms Located in the Historic Holland District, HPAF is in a nice little part of the city, and it was my first time being there. There's nothing special about this 9-acre park unless you live in this area, but my son and I both enjoyed checking out the really old Magnolia Tree. That part of the park has its own little section with a couple of picnic tables--separate from the playground and ball fields--very quiet, peaceful and lots of shade from the trees. It also has a decent sized grassy field. Because of its location, the restrooms, and the old trees--I'm giving it my first 4 stars out of the neighborhood parks that I've reviewed so far.

**There are four regional parks in Suffolk: Bennett's Creek, Lake Meade, Lone Star Lake and Sleepy…read moreHole. But, there are also 14 neighborhood parks as well. I am going to visit as many as I can before I move next month. That is my last parting gift to Suffolk.** Neighborhood Park #1 of out 14 Coulbourn Park (CP) is very close to my house, and I drive by all the time. I'm not sure why I never stopped to check it out, especially since parks are my specialty. I decided to take some pictures and write a review before I leave Virginia, and that's when I realized it is a neighborhood park and not a regional park--and that there are 14 of them in Suffolk! CP is a small, 5-acre park, but has some charm. It's a nice place for kids to play, not just only at the playground, but lots of trees and fields to explore--there's even a bridge! The nicest thing about CP is that hardly anyone uses it. Amenities: *playground with swings *picnic shelter *water fountain *more small picnic tables and benches *grill *no restrooms *short trail *grassy fields

This is a little hidden spot in a local neighborhood. It does not look like much at first there is…read morevery little parking since it is mainly intended for the neighborhood residents however it is one of the coolest parks I've seen It had a trail that circles a small lake and has a playground at one end including a tucked away basketball hoop and small court The trail has several possible paths all leading the same way some are next to the water and narrow others are steps and at an incline it is a great workout and the views are beautiful I saw signs of fishing so I can assume fish may be active in the lake I did see several species of birds while here today. The actual playground is clean and a decent size it has swings and a jungle gym complete with slides I walked the circle a few times and really enjoyed the atmosphere Beechlake Park is truly a hidden gem

It is a neat park, but because the water has no circulation the alge is too thick to fish.read more