Plaza Methodist Park is a busy, small neighborhood park. It has a playground and small field. The…read morepark is mostly clean overall but tends to have a small to moderate amount of litter that seems to be worse during the school year. 2.5* rounding up. -- The Playground -- The playground area with wood chip mulch is best for elementary school aged children. The equipment is in generally good condition; with close supervision it's good for younger children (note that there are large gaps in the openings along the playground system), and those who are a bit older congregate or toss a football, etc in the field. There are baby/toddler swings, one intermediate swing, and regular swings. There's also a teeter-totter. The playground is in full sun. -- Benches & Pavilions -- There is one pavilion with one picnic table beneath it. There is one trash can not far from it. There are a couple benches along the perimeter of the playground. -- Walking Areas -- There are no paths or walking areas within the park, although you could wander around the small field or walk along the sidewalk that runs along 3 sides of the park. -- Sporting Equipment -- There are no other equipment options other than the playground. -- Amenities -- There are no toilet amenities, so not ideal for a long visit. -- Parking -- There is a parking lot owned by Light of Hope United Methodist Church. I've parked there for short visits without issue, but there is a sign saying towing enforced. -- Things to Note -- During peak times, it's usually very busy with kids. It's right across from an apartment complex and across from Lynnhaven Elementary and the Church offers childcare, so it's convenient for a lot of families. Other than the parking lot, the perimeter of the park is all neighborhood streets just off of S Plaza Trail. There is no fence or physical boundary between the park and roads, but there is a sidewalk. It's not too close to water, so mosquitoes aren't much of an issue. -- Takeaways -- This is an average centrally located neighborhood park. The main attraction is its playground. If you are in the area and there's no longer a pandemic going on, it's worth a visit particularly not during the school year, but during the school year there seems to be a lot of people passing through and littering. You may want to make a project out of cleaning up the park (bring gloves and a trash bag). I wouldn't suggest traveling out of your way for it though, and right now with the need for social distancing, I prefer to try to frequent less busy parks.

Lafayette Park continues to be a sad park even with monthly volunteer efforts to keep it clean. On…read moremy recent visit debris was scattered from one end of this 7+ acre park to the next. I participated in clean up for two days in the Fall. I have been a volunteer for city parks for years. There is so much potential here with beautiful grounds, even new play equipment and shelters. The grounds are maintained by City of Norfolk. The location is in front of the Virginia Zoo and they have there own parking. Unfortunately a large homeless element can be seen early mornings and later in the evening so be aware. Not a park I now frequent with older children, but an option for many Norfolk residents since it's one off the largest.

I have been visiting Lafayette Park since I was a kid growing up in the 60's and 70's. The park is…read morewell maintained and usually clean. They have plenty of activities for children and adults to enjoy from playing basketball to just enjoying a quiet walk around the park. The park offers grilling areas set up for family cookouts that are well sheltered against the elements. If you are looking for a wonderful place to spend some time getting away from the fast pace of every day life, do yourself a favor and visit Lafayette Park in Norfolk.

it's peaceful, parents and their kids come for practice. there is a lot of trails too.read more

WB Park has a lot to offer. Tennis courts (4), pickle ball courts (2), soccer fields, dog park,…read moreplayground - so much fun outdoors for all to enjoy. Need a breath of fresh air, check it out!

Finally got to check this place out. We run and bike past all the time. Really cool little wildlife…read moresanctuary right in the middle of Norfolk. Took the kids and walked around the trails. We got about 3/4 of a mile out of the looping wandering paths but you could wander more. We saw birds and squirrels and lots of plants. I want to come back in the spring when the flowers are blooming. There's a porta pottie if you need to go. Follow GPS and go bast the fence for parking. Totally free!

It's not often that you stumble on a sanctuary. Over three years ago that's exactly what occurred…read morewhen I had a a meeting at nearby Norfolk Southern. Since this time I have volunteered for clean up days and posted pictures. However, I could not bring myself to write a review that would bring attention and traffic to the garden oasis. However the sanctuary needs your support with an aging volunteer staff and a long list of maintenance items. The 3 acre plot was gifted to Cape Henry Audubon Society in 70's by Norfolk & Southern RR. The Weyanoke Caretaker is 76 yr old Woody and he can still swing a mean ax, or saw a log without machinery. Woody is just one of the many volunteers that maintain the grounds, provide tours and provide programming. So what to expect if you visit without a tour. There are park benches, a creek, a marsh overlook, trails and a meadow to enjoy. Many of the plantings are labeled. With a tour you will learn about the Cape Henry Audubon Society's Mission at Weyanoke. Birds and plants will be highlighted and a discussion on the environment and how to protect our precious resources. School groups can schedule tours. A nature walk occurs the third Saturday of the month at 9 AM and last approximately an hour. Donna has led several tours I've been on and is a knowledgeable guide. The location is in West Ghent Norfolk. The gardens are adjacent to the neighborhood. The address when plugged in could act a bit funky but it's correct as it leads you through residential properties. Parking is a half block away at Jeff Robertson Park. Nicky's Gate is secret passage way for locals and volunteers. The gate is kept unlocked if you are lucky enough to locate. If you do find it keep the gate closed at all times. Bike trails run across the side of the property and connect to adjacent trails by nearby Jeff Robertson park. The trails are part of the Elizabeth River Trail Network that run for miles in Norfolk. Biking is not permitted in the park. There are no trash cans inside the sanctuary for debris. Just outside the fenced in area there is a barrel for use of trash. Please take out any trash you find and be a good stewart of the sanctuary. Pets are prohibited in the gardens. Hours are 9-6 during the weekend. Winter months they close at 5. Staff is on the property but, no official tours per se. Consider opportunities to volunteer your time and expertise for Spring clean up and planting. Information is on their website. Or contact Mike Schoen 757-364-9406. There are projects going on year around. Ball is now in your court to enjoy a small piece of heaven in suburbia.

Lamplight Manor Park is a quiet, small neighborhood park. It has a playground and small field. The…read morepark is mostly clean overall. -- The Playground -- The playground area with wood chip mulch is best for elementary school aged children. The equipment is in moderately to very worn condition; it's been identified as one of the next parks that VB Parks & Rec will update. With close supervision it's good for younger children (note that there are gaps in the openings along the playground system). There are baby/toddler swings and regular swings (all of which creak). The playground is in full sun to partial shade depending on time of day. -- Benches & Pavilions -- There is one pavilion with one picnic table beneath it. There is one trash can not far from it. There are 4 benches along the perimeter of the playground. -- Walking Areas -- There are no paths or paved walking areas within the park (other than from the street to the pavilion), although you could wander around the very small wooded area beyond the playground or the small field. The park's field seems to extend to the left behind the houses. -- Sporting Equipment -- There are no other equipment options other than the playground. The basketball courts that were once there were torn down, leaving only the concrete (possibly good for chalk activities). -- Amenities -- There are no toilet amenities, so not ideal for a long visit. -- Parking -- On street parking in the neighborhood only. -- Things to Note -- During peak times, there's a continuous rotation of families coming and going. There is a fence in need of mending between the park and road in the neighborhood. The closest neighbors on either side have privacy fences. The rest of the properties have fences, and the remaining side is a low creek. Mosquitoes might be an issue in the summer, but I've only visited in the fall. -- Takeaways -- This is an average centrally located neighborhood park that serves the surrounding single family homes. The main attraction is its playground. I wouldn't suggest traveling out of your way for it though as there are lots of other parks in VB to enjoy, many with more offerings. Right now with the need for social distancing, I do like this location since it's not particularly busy.

Anytime a park is this clean I'm inclined to be on the high side of a 5 star scale…read more This little neighborhood park was not in the Yelp system and was begging to be added when I attended an event at Great Neck MS which it borders. Parking is by street only. Access is off Great Neck Road and you can enter the neighborhood, or park in the rear of the school. The park consist of a shelter, a 12&U play area and a tiny field to run and play ball. No restrooms on the grounds. Parents must supervise children as only the back and sides are fenced. The residential road side is not secure. What impressed me the most was is the fact it was so tidy. No debris any where. Trash can are present around the shelter and they were within boundaries. If your in the area and looking for a super quiet park for young children I would recommend.

5.6 miles long. No trash. Nice people who like to be active…read more Parking on either side you come in on although there's no physical address on Maps. I love this trail because it's the longest I know in Hampton roads. There're Mom's with strollers. Whole families. Mini field trips with small children. Bikers. Skateboarders.... Everyone. Of course it's shaded because of all the trees. Just be careful because it's so soothing to walk, you might end up at the end and have to walk right back to your car lol. And if you didn't plan on waking over 11 miles... that could be tricky. My feet were sore for two weeks when I made that mistake with the wrong shoes on. Happy trails!!

This park is so much fun! I grew up in this area and this was my first time ever coming. It's full…read moreof things to do including story time boards around the sidewalk! It's very safe and fenced in all the way around. There is a dog park also directly next to it with its own fenced area to keep the kids and pets separate. Definitely a must do on a nice sunny day! Oh, they also have pavilions to have a party with a grill for each one.

Love that it's accessible and baby friendly for the most part. I would love to see more new walker…read moreactivities and small baby/toddler things but overall great experience.