Fido Field

For dog owners in Newport News, Virginia, ensuring their furry companions have a dedicated and secure space to run, play, and socialize is a top priority. Fido Field, established in April 2006, holds the distinction of being the city's first official dog park. Located within the expansive Riverview Farm Park, this over one-acre off-leash area offers a vital resource for the local canine community, providing a fantastic environment for dogs to burn energy and interact with their peers in a controlled setting.

Fido Field has long been a beloved destination for Newport News residents, known for its spacious layout and commitment to providing a safe atmosphere. While recent community feedback has highlighted some temporary challenges related to nearby construction and potential environmental impacts, the park's fundamental offering remains strong: a large, fenced area where dogs can truly enjoy off-leash freedom. Despite occasional concerns, many visitors continue to find the park "very nice and spacious" and appreciate the opportunity it provides for their dogs to socialize and exercise. The park's management, under Newport News Parks and Recreation, is dedicated to maintaining a welcoming and functional space for all registered members and their canine companions.

Fido Field is ideally situated within the expansive Riverview Farm Park in Newport News, Virginia, making it a convenient and accessible location for many residents across the city. You can find this dedicated dog park at:

125 City Farm Rd, Newport News, VA 23602, USA

The park's location within Riverview Farm Park offers several advantages for accessibility. There is ample parking available, often described as a "decent size car park," which helps to alleviate concerns about finding a spot, even during busier times. Its placement ensures relatively easy vehicular access from various Newport News neighborhoods.

Fido Field operates with generous hours, generally open daily from sunrise to 9:00 PM. This extended schedule provides significant flexibility for dog owners to visit at their convenience, whether it's for an early morning energizer or an evening romp. However, it's important to note that the park is an unmonitored city park facility and may close temporarily due to inclement weather or maintenance needs. One past concern highlighted by users involved nearby construction, which at times led to noise and road issues, potentially impacting the "park vibe." Despite this, Fido Field remains a consistent option for off-leash play in the area.

Fido Field is designed to provide essential services and amenities that ensure a comfortable and safe experience for dogs and their owners. The park focuses on fundamental offerings that cater to the core needs of an active dog park community.

• Spacious Fenced Off-Leash Area: The park spans over one acre, providing a generous, fully fenced enclosure where dogs can run freely and safely without the need for a leash. This ample space is crucial for dogs to get adequate exercise and enjoy unrestrained play.
• Water Fountain: Fido Field is equipped with a water fountain specifically designed for both dogs and their human handlers. This essential amenity ensures that pets can stay hydrated during their playtime, particularly important during warmer weather.
• Covered Benches: For the comfort of human visitors, the park provides covered benches. These seating areas offer a place for owners to relax, observe their dogs, and socialize with other dog parents, while also providing some shade from the sun.
• Wheelchair Accessible Area: The park is designed to be wheelchair accessible, promoting inclusivity and ensuring that visitors with mobility needs can comfortably enjoy the facility with their dogs.
• Waste Receptacles: The park provides proper receptacles for dog waste, encouraging owners to immediately clean up after their pets. This contributes significantly to maintaining the park's cleanliness and hygiene.
• Registration Required: To ensure a safe and managed environment, Fido Field requires all dogs to be registered for park usage. This includes ensuring dogs are legally licensed and up-to-date on vaccinations (rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and bordetella), contributing to the health and safety of all park users.

While the park offers these key services, it is important to note that, according to some past information, specific separate areas for small and large dogs may not always be consistently maintained, or the park might operate on a rotating play area system where one area is closed for maintenance. Visitors should be prepared for mixed-size dog interactions and always maintain vigilance over their pets. Additionally, owners are responsible for filling any holes created by their dogs and are advised that smoking is prohibited within 100 yards of recreational facilities, and no food is allowed within the fenced area.

Fido Field, as Newport News' dedicated dog park, boasts several key features and highlights that make it a valuable resource for local dog owners, despite some recent operational challenges.

• Spacious Open Area: The park's significant size, covering over one acre, is a major highlight. This expansive layout provides "lots of room to run," allowing dogs ample space to sprint, play fetch, and engage in high-energy activities. This vastness is particularly appreciated by owners of active breeds or those simply looking for their dog to have a good, tiring romp.
• Dedicated Dog Park Status: As Newport News' first official dog park, Fido Field is specifically designed and maintained for off-leash canine use. This dedicated purpose means its amenities and rules are tailored to dog needs, unlike general public parks that may have stricter leash laws or fewer dog-specific facilities.
• Essential Comforts for Owners: The provision of covered benches and a water fountain for both dogs and handlers demonstrates a commitment to the comfort of human visitors. These amenities allow owners to relax and stay hydrated while supervising their pets, encouraging longer and more enjoyable visits.
• Community Focus: Reviews, even those noting temporary issues, still highlight a desire for dog-to-dog interaction, suggesting that Fido Field fosters a community where owners hope to find others for their dogs to socialize with. This indicates a potential for friendly interactions among dog owners.
• Integration with Riverview Farm Park: Being located within the larger Riverview Farm Park offers an extended experience. Owners can combine off-leash play at Fido Field with on-leash walks on trails or in other open field areas within the surrounding park, providing varied exercise opportunities.
• Safety Measures: The requirement for dogs to be registered with current licenses and vaccinations, along with rules regarding collar types and puppy age, indicates a proactive approach to maintaining a safe environment for all park users. The presence of a "double-gated entrance" is also mentioned in some sources, which provides added security.

While recent comments have pointed to temporary issues such as strong odors from "new water treatment/redevelopment" and noise from "loud trucks," which have impacted the park's immediate ambiance and condition of some areas, these are often temporary disruptions during city development projects. The core features of Fido Field — its size, amenities, and dedicated purpose — remain strong reasons for Newport News residents to utilize this valuable local resource.

As a public amenity operated by Newport News Parks and Recreation, Fido Field does not typically offer commercial promotions or special discounts in the traditional retail sense. Its primary "promotion" is the provision of a dedicated, spacious, and amenity-rich off-leash dog park for a manageable annual registration fee.

However, the park's fee structure itself can be considered a form of "special offer" for multi-dog households:

• Annual Registration Fee: The standard annual registration fee for the first dog is $15 per year. This fee provides unlimited access to the park for the calendar year.
• Discount for Additional Dogs: For residents with more than one canine companion residing at the same address, Fido Field offers a discounted rate for additional dogs. Each subsequent dog can be registered for an annual fee of $10. This encourages responsible ownership of multiple pets and makes the park more affordable for multi-dog families.

It is important to note that Fido Tags are valid from January 1 to December 31, and registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. These fees directly contribute to the maintenance and operational costs of the park, ensuring it remains a well-kept and safe environment for all users.

Additionally, Newport News Parks and Recreation occasionally hosts special activities or events related to pets or the park system. While not strictly "promotions," these can offer added value to park users. To stay informed about any such events, local residents are encouraged to:

• Check the official Newport News Parks and Recreation website.
• Look for announcements or flyers posted at the park itself.
• Follow local Newport News community pages or groups dedicated to pet owners.

The consistent availability of a spacious, well-equipped dog park for a reasonable annual fee remains Fido Field's most significant ongoing "promotion" for the Newport News community.

For those planning a visit to Fido Field or seeking to register their dog, here is the essential contact and location information:

Address:

125 City Farm Rd, Newport News, VA 23602, USA

Phone Number:

(757) 886-7912 (This is the direct phone number provided for Fido Field.)

(757) 888-3333 (General contact number for Newport News Parks and Recreation, which oversees the park.)

Email:

lunsfordsa@nnva.gov or kbarber@nnva.gov (Email addresses associated with Newport News Parks & Recreation for inquiries.)

Registration Locations (for in-person registration):

• Newport News Parks and Recreation: 700 Town Center Drive, Suite 320, Newport News, VA 23606
• Riverview Gymnastics Center: 125 City Farm Road, Newport News, VA 23602
• Riverview Farm Park Concession: 105 City Farm Road, Newport News, VA 23602
• Newport News Park Campground: 13564 Jefferson Ave, Newport News, VA 23603

Website:

For comprehensive information including park rules, updated hours, and registration details, please visit the official Newport News Parks & Recreation website:

nnparksandrec.org/directory-parks/listing/fido-field-dog-park/

It is highly recommended to check the official website or call the provided phone numbers for the most current information before your visit, especially regarding any ongoing maintenance or temporary closures.

For locals in Virginia, specifically those residing in Newport News, Fido Field stands as a truly suitable and essential resource for their canine companions. Despite some temporary challenges related to nearby development, the park's core offerings make it a valuable asset for the community. Its expansive one-acre area provides ample space for dogs to engage in unrestricted play, which is crucial for their physical and mental well-being in an urban environment. This dedicated off-leash zone ensures that dogs can burn energy and socialize safely, a luxury not always available in general public parks.

The park's thoughtful amenities further enhance its suitability for local use. The presence of water fountains for both dogs and handlers ensures hydration during active play, while covered benches offer a comfortable resting spot for owners. These features reflect an understanding of the practical needs of park users. Furthermore, the commitment to safety, evidenced by the required registration for all dogs and clear park rules regarding vaccinations and behavior, contributes to a more secure environment for everyone.

Fido Field's integration within the larger Riverview Farm Park also provides added value for locals. It allows for a multi-faceted outing: combining high-energy off-leash play with the option of a more leisurely on-leash stroll through the scenic surrounding park areas. This versatility caters to different energy levels and preferences, ensuring a comprehensive outdoor experience. For Newport News residents seeking a spacious, dedicated, and well-equipped dog park that prioritizes safety and convenience, Fido Field, with its community-focused approach and long-standing presence, remains an excellent choice for their furry family members.