Chesapeake City Park | Chesapeake

Location and Size:
Chesapeake City Park is a prominent public recreational facility located at 900 City Park Drive in Chesapeake, Virginia, within the Greenbrier area. The park spans approximately 90 acres, with about 60 acres dedicated to natural open spaces and reforested pine stands, which provide a blend of natural beauty and recreational space in an urban environment.

Landscape and Trails

The park’s landscape includes a ¾-mile paved walking trail that gently winds through the grounds, offering visitors an accessible and scenic route for walking, jogging, and running. The trail is designed to accommodate people of all ages and abilities, with a smooth surface suitable for strollers and wheelchairs, making it inclusive for families and individuals with mobility challenges.

Recreational Facilities and Features

Fun Forest Playground:
A standout feature of Chesapeake City Park is the expansive Fun Forest, a three-acre playground and adventure area dedicated to children and families. Originally constructed in 1995 through a massive community volunteer effort involving over 1,800 volunteers, the playground is designed to encourage physical activity and imaginative play. The playground is thoughtfully divided into sections tailored for younger and older children, promoting motor skill development in a safe, fenced environment with only one gated entrance and exit to ensure child safety.

Features of Fun Forest include:

Large dragon-shaped climbing structure.

Unique elements like a three-way underground telephone for imaginative communication.

A shaky bridge that challenges balance.

A dolphin tunnel slide and multiple swings and slides.

Accessible paved paths, benches, and picnic areas designed to be wheelchair-friendly, making it a highly inclusive play environment.

Chesapeake Skate Park:
Situated within the park, the Chesapeake Skate Park is an important facility for skateboarding enthusiasts. Open daily from 9:30 AM until half an hour before sunset, the skate park features diverse structures like a spine ramp, hip ramp, three-quarter pipe, and street-style ramps with boxed platforms. To ensure safety and maintain the quality of the park, skaters must be at least 6 years old, wear helmets, and hold a valid City of Chesapeake Skate Park membership. The membership fee varies by residency status and age, supporting the upkeep and staffing of the park.

Dog Parks:
Chesapeake City Park includes two fully fenced off-leash dog parks, situated on the northwest side of the park. These are split into separate areas for small and large dogs to ensure the safety and comfort of all canine visitors. The dog parks are equipped with water stations, waste disposal stations (mitt-mutt stations), benches for pet owners, and provide poop-scoop bags. Access to the dog parks requires an annual membership or purchase of a day pass, supporting maintenance and management efforts.

Sports Courts and Fitness Equipment:
The park hosts a range of sports and fitness facilities, including:

12 regulation and competition-class horseshoe courts.

Volleyball courts.

Basketball courts.

An outdoor fitness area with various exercise stations designed for strength, flexibility, and cardio workouts.

These facilities cater to both casual visitors and serious athletes, encouraging physical fitness and social engagement.

Events and Community Engagement

Chesapeake City Park is a focal point for numerous community events and festivals throughout the year, attracting residents and visitors from across the region:

Chesapeake Jubilee:
This annual event is highly celebrated and recognized as a Top 100 event by the Southeastern Tourism Society. The Jubilee features live music performances, carnival rides, food vendors, craft booths, and family-friendly activities, transforming the park into a vibrant festival atmosphere.

Celebrate Freedom Concert and Fireworks:
A flagship Fourth of July celebration held annually at the park, featuring live musical performances followed by a spectacular fireworks display, drawing thousands of spectators.

Symphony Under the Stars:
This event offers a unique outdoor concert experience, where attendees enjoy performances by the Virginia Symphony Orchestra beneath the night sky, combining culture and nature in an elegant setting.

Chesapeake Wine Festival:
A gathering that showcases wines from local and regional vineyards, the festival provides attendees with tastings, food pairings, and entertainment in a convivial outdoor setting.

These events emphasize Chesapeake City Park’s role as a vital cultural and recreational hub in the community.

Accessibility and Visitor Information

Operating Hours:
The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset, providing ample daylight hours for visitors to enjoy the facilities safely.

Accessibility:
With paved trails, accessible playground areas, and ample parking, the park is designed to welcome visitors of all ages and abilities, including those with disabilities.

Amenities:
Throughout the park, visitors will find picnic tables, benches, water fountains, restrooms, and ample green spaces suitable for informal gatherings, picnics, and relaxation.

Contact and Rentals:
Chesapeake City Park facilities, including the Robert G. "Buddy" Bagley Stage, are available for rental for private events, performances, and community activities. The park’s management team can be reached by phone for inquiries related to event scheduling, facility rental fees, and group activities.

Summary

Chesapeake City Park is more than just a green space; it is a comprehensive community asset that blends natural beauty, diverse recreational facilities, and vibrant cultural programming. It serves as a gathering place for families, fitness enthusiasts, pet owners, and event-goers, offering a broad spectrum of activities and amenities. Its thoughtful design and continuous community involvement have made it a beloved landmark within Chesapeake, reflecting the city’s commitment to enhancing quality of life through public spaces.