Barker Field

The people who care for this park try so hard. After a year in RVA, I frequent this park weekly because there is no other park in the city of its size. The things I said after my first visit are still partly true. Certain times of the year, the park is very dusty, but is loaded with wood chips eventually which makes a huge positive difference for the dust. My first experience with aggressive dogs was bad and occasionally I experience this again, but it is not the norm. I’m immensely appreciative of the hard work and dedication that people put into keeping this park open and functioning. I just wish others who visited it would treat it with the same respect. All in all, the truth of the matter is, this park gets a ton of wear and RVA needs to open another of its size to help spread out the dogs and ease up on the wear and tear this park gets.

The place is really nice and well kept. A shame some irresponsible owners bring their aggressive dogs to the park.

This dog park is better than any other that we have been to in the Richmond area but still nothing amazing. The park is very muddy and is VERY difficult to find. It is larger than other parks in the area, however, and offered our dog lots of room to run and play. Nothing spectacular, but not awful either.

I used to come here –very– often last year when my husky was just a little twelve pound pup. Now that she has physically matured, we take part in more hardcore outdoor activities instead, so we don’t get to visit as much anymore… But, she is always down for a good rough-​n-​tumble play session so a visit to the park is always a nice extra ‘treat’ for her.
The layout of the park is nice because it is on a slope. Most dog parks I’ve been to are just flat square fields with benches along the sides. The slope gives owners the option to watch their pups from above or below, but the extra plus is that it adds a more physical obstacle for them so they get tired more easily.
Yes, you’ll see some unfavorable behavior here and there, but it’s kind of inevitable –w h e r e v e r– you go. Let alone a dog park open to the public. As long as you and your dog keep a positive attitude I think everything will be OK. You can still have a good time even if you see something ugly. Just take precautions with your dog. Don’t let one little thing spoil your trip.
It’s common sense to say that weekends are busier than weekdays. I have to visit after 7pm these days bc my dog can’t handle the heat but I am glad that there’s still a nice late crowd with fair amount of dogs around that time too !

This dog parks awesome! Pretty clean, most of the dog poop is in the back or out of the way. So far haven’t seen any altercations between dogs. I was approached by a grumpy old lady my second visit because I had a 9 year old with me. I told her that I didn’t realize that rule was enforced because it was only my second time and there were small kids there the other day but that I’d leave shortly. She threatened to call the cops and made my brother cry. I’m definately going to get my dog here as much as possible despite that. I do feel the age limit should be reduced, my little brother was really offended

Barker Field is the best run and maintained dog park in the Richmond Area. I have noted several poor reviews and wonder what that dog owner did to require a warning from myself or another board member as 7 of us are middle aged men. More than likely it involved the gates. A personal pet peeve of mine, There are two gates for a reason. Open one enter, close that one and open the next gate. This is for the safety of all the dogs. The Boulevard is a busy street and we do not like to take a chance of anyone’s dog being put at risk. How many times have you seen dogs swarm into that area when the inner gate opens? With the outer gate opened too, it becomes a dog chase through the parking lot. So please, if you can’t figure out the gates, PLEASE go somewhere else. It’s amazing how many people never know when we are there or not. We are there often enough to maintain the park and exercise our own dogs. Just follow the rules and you will never know we are around

Nice park to go to during «off peak» hours. Park turns into a madhouse on the weekends and when the weather is nice. There is a middle aged man who struts around acting like he owns the park. Apparently he is on the board but he makes the whole experience unpleasant as he parades around and barks orders at people. I would suggest going elsewhere.

The location of barker field is absolutely perfect! I just wish the park itself was better. The park is typically very dirty and people do not do a good job of cleaning up after their pet

Thank goodness for Barker Field. Without such a place, our critter would be restricted to on leash walks and what’s fun in that?!?
The best time to go is during the week. Not to knock the «weekend only» peeps, but their critters are a tad wound up since they have been couped all week. So, the weekdays are a calmer time to visit.
Things to keep in mind…
— Keep an eye on your dog. This isn’t a neglect a dog place
— Always pick up
— and follow all the posted rules.

Several years ago, this was an almost daily trip for me and my new adopted mixed breed dog, however, the park’s physical condition has deteriorated drastically and there are too many irresponsible dog guardians who either aren’t paying attention to their dog’s whereabouts or blatantly violate the cleared posted rules of NO INTACT UNALTERED DOGS. At one point, there were a group of regulars who would band together and enforce this policy but nowadays, who wants to initiate a confrontation with a complete stranger?
I agree, there are lots of seemingly unstable, unbalanced individuals who are just plain weird who frequent the park. Sad really, since there are also lots of really god dog owners who care very much but have simply given up. If you look around and do some research, you’ll find that there are other options within (and just outside) the city that permit offleash dog play.

Too many irresponsible owners and untrained, unneutered dogs here. My dog got beat up so badly here that we had to take him to the vet to get him stitched up — -My vet said 50% of her injury appointments are from the dog park — -bad news. Too many people talking instead of supervising their pets.

I would be VERY CAREFUL at this park. Some owners are not responsible and bring in pit bulls who have attacked dogs. Happened to a friend of mine on Sunday where her dog was nearly killed.

Well-​maintained, very friendly, down-​home-​y, manned by friendly locals constantly, split up for big and small dogs, lots to see and do, lots of bins and bags and tables and chairs. Great place for your dog to have fun and socialize while you hang out and socialize… or read.

Amie mentioned that she was glad I said it’s tough to find so I thought I’d clarify my review to make it a little easier to find.
If you’re coming from Boulevard heading to the Nickle bridge go just like you’re going to the bridge. Turn right between the pond and the tennis courts, then turn left at the split. IMMEDIATELY after you turn left, turn right toward the Carillion. It’s more like a dog leg to the left instead of a left then right. Heh, dog leg, dog park. Anyway. Take the first right off of that onto a gravel road and go all the way back. The dog park will be on the right.
If you’ve come over the bridge turn left on the first road you can make a left on when you pass the toll. Go straight back.

We took our 1 yr old lab mix here a few weeks ago on a Sunday. He Loved it! I was thankful that Erin mentioned in her review that it would be tricky to find the entrance and it definitely was. Had I not been tipped off by her review I probably would have given up. There is a double gate entrance which is a key part of a good dog park so you can control introducing your dog to the other dogs. When a new dog would arrive a group of very excited dogs would crowd the other side of the gate for the newbie to enter — don’t be alarmed it’s normal. The park has 2 sections; a large section for bigger dogs and a smaller section for small dogs. The park itself was very clean, the ground is covered in wood chips, there are a couple of benches and picnic tables to sit. When we went there was a hose to fill up water bowls. They also have doggie bags available in case you forgot to bring yours. If you have extra leave some for the next person as Erin said «pay it forward.» The dog owners were all pretty friendly with each other and (all but one) seemed to be conscientious of their dogs actions, as well as picking up after them.
All of the dogs got along quite well expept for one altercation with a husky and a smaller dog. The husky attacked the smaller dog and trampled her as she was trying to run away. I don’t know if this is the same husky mentioned in the previous review but it was unfortunate and very sad because I saw it start and there was no provoking from the smaller dog. Please people if your dog does not get along well with others an open field full of friendly dogs is not the place for it. It’s only a matter of yime before something tragic happens. On a positive note they way all the dog owners banded together to get the husky off the dog and then run to their cars for ointment, first aid kits, etc was great.
Sonny slept the rest of the day once we brought him home. He was exhausted and loved it — overall it is a great dog park.

I take my boxer to Barker Field every day for about an hour. Its a large space with plenty of room to run and play. People keep it clean for the most part. It is very convenient to the fan area.
I will warn you that there is a white guy who brings his very aggressive husky who randomly attacks other dogs. This is not the usual here. I said something to him today and he ignored me. My boxer is still only 10 months old and gets along with every dog. This is only ever an issue with this one husky. Just a warning

Great Dog Park! Has a small and large dog area, benches and picnic tables to sit on while you watch your dog play with others. Always has lots of large dogs there and sometimes a few small ones in the small dog area. The owners are pretty good about watching their dogs although sometimes you get the guy who doesn’t pick up after his or doesn’t curb his dogs (way) over enthusiasm, but generally everyone’s pretty good. The people are very friendly too and there is plenty of parking.

The group of Fido-​lovers who started Richmond’s very first dog park are responsible for creating Barker Field at Byrd Park and work closely as a partner with the city’s recreation department.
This is a great dog park and very popular. My dog, Max, who is obsessed with playing fetch the ball (he’s like that obsessive compulsive dog in the «Dr. Doolittle» movie) loves to chase it around in the mulch here.
I try to go at times when there will be fewer dogs as Max isn’t very social, so mid-​mornings and early afternoons during the weekdays when most people work are good for us.
Keep an eye on the gate latches as some folks forget to close them.