Yes Virginia, there is a Northside dog park

Some long time residents don’t know about the dog park behind John Marshall High School and the Henderson Sports Complex.

July 10, 2014; 9:19 AM • by Richard Hayes

Thanks to the efforts of Northside residents Jonathan Gilmore, Richard Sebastion and a group of volunteers the Northside of Richmond has its own dog park which opened on August 18, 2012. Located behind John Marshall High School and the Henderson Sports Complex it’s just a couple minute drive up the road from Battery Park.

Still a work in progress it is fully fenced in with a small and big dog area and volunteers are working with the City of Richmond to run water and create a shade area for people and pooches. Until that happens most of us who frequent the Park bring gallon jugs of fresh water and take empty ones to refill for the next visit. You can also use the rest rooms at the Henderson Complex to obtain water but frankly it’s more convenient to bring your own. There’s also a supply of plastic grocery bags to do the poop pickup thing (yes you MUST pick up after your dog) but it’s advisable to bring some along just like you do when walking your pooch.

There’s a regular group of dog owners who meet at the park after work as well as on the weekend. Generally folks will post on the group’s Facebook page announcing they’re going to the Park at a certain time and inviting others to meet up. Please check out and join the Friends of Northside Dog Park Facebook page.

As mentioned earlier the Park is a combined effort between local Northside residents and the City of Richmond who are currently looking for active volunteers and to put together a Steering Committee to develop the Northside Dog Park into a true neighborhood attraction. If you have an interest in participating, even on the most basic level, please contact Jim Bud at jimbud61@gmail.com.

NOTE: On Wednesday, July 2 2014 Richmond City Parks staff delivered mulch on site to both sides of the dog park. Please feel free to help spread a little mulch on your visits to the park. The dogs will thank you for it.

Article submitted by Jim Bud. If you have a local news tip or a whole article submit it here or send an email to Richard@rvanews.

Image: Richard Sebastian‎ – Friends of Northside Dog Park