Nice toddler and children park, it's well kept, trash cans, picnic tables, boat launch , lots of…read moreswings, lots of grass area for children to run. Porta potty on site. Ample parking . I have been here several times and it's never crowded, usually only on or two other families. We really like this park! Just wish there was an actual bathroom . Update: park is open. Park was empty besides park workers taking their lunch break in the parking lot. No children at the playground. Park is still well kept. Park is not covered so depending on time of day, the sun beats down intensely. Picnic tables are accessible, drinking fountain is also available as well as a spot to refill your water bottle. They have a small area to exercise on the metal bars provided. Two porta potties on site. The side trail is somewhat overgrown now covering some of the path, luckily there are plenty of branches that can be used as a walking stick to move the overgrown shrubs out of the way.

I love it here! I…read morehaven't visited this park in years. And I must say, when I visited last I do not remember it looking as it did when I visited about a month ago. I toured the park on an early evening during the week. I am looking to host an event here soon and figured I'd check it out first before reserving. One must contact Parks & Rec to reserve the shelters located here. There is a huge shelter towards the back of the park that looks to be perfect for a party size of 100 or less. The park is beautiful. There is a body of water in which one can sit or stand and enjoy the views. Super quiet and I love it. There is also an area in which one can exercise by following the posted exercises in a sand pit. I love this feature! There is a playground for the younger and older children. Swings are even featured here! I love the swings :) This park isn't super huge but I think it's a great size and you are lucky if you are the only one renting a shelter... it's small enough to feature an intimate setting... like a private party but you only rented one shelter. Parking seems decent. I think 20 cars can fit into the parking lot without worry but if more start to show up, this could be a problem. I am not sure if overflow parking is nearby. There is a narrow street leading to the park so one may be able to park on one side of the street... if not...not sure what the back up plan is. I'd say there are plenty of trees at this park so shaded areas are definitely present. At least one grill is located near each of the three shelters. I'd recommend you visit this hidden jewel in Chesapeake. I'm looking forward to returning soon. Have fun and enjoy life :)

I have heard about this park, but not until this year... my first visit!…read more This park is the home park for the softball team league I play with during the week. While it's not the best or most captivating park in the area it serves its purpose. There are at least two softball fields and they are mostly used for: baseball, softball and kickball. But in my case, I have only seen softball games take place on the fields. There is at least one Porta Potty nearby. Now what it looks like or how it smells inside, I have no clue, so you will have to find out on your own. Unisex, probably! But there are a lot of trees around so perhaps... you know. There is a cute playground nearby as well. It's a few feet from the main softball fields, but I witnessed some children playing there yesterday and they seemed to be enjoying themselves. There is also a sheltered picnic area that seats about 20 people maybe more. I cannot recall of small grills are near. Within walking distance, there is a basketball court... two hoops. Bring your own ball. Parking... super limited. And it's one way in one way out. Now the exact location of the park, I am unsure of the address but if you traveling from I264 Eastbound take the exit(s) 13-14-15 towards N Military Hwy... continue on N Military Hwy the second exit... come around... you are still on N. Military Hwy once you exit... bear far left and make the left onto Hoggard at the light. As you turn you will make a semi-circle and it seems you will still end up on N Military Hwy keep straight and around the turn (you'll pass Pebble Street on your right - the Elementary School is down this street))... But keep around and start looking towards the right, you will see the sign "Poplar Hall Park" make the right turn and here you are!! Pack a snack, bring something to drink... there are no concessions or eateries nearby. Have fun and enjoy life :)

decent park with a trail for walks. a cute playground and baseball areas but since it's right next…read moreto a major highway you do hear cars constantly. in the back there's a river/swamp area with a bridge where the scenery's quite nice. it's a great park for family and practice but not that great for a quiet read

A very nice relaxing park with amenities to boot. Spent all day outside cooking out and relaxing…read moreunder huge oaks and pine trees! Lots of room for activities and games. The perfect gathering spot for large families!

Lakewood Park offers much more than meets the eye. It may not be the most scenic, but I bet it's…read morethe most functional. This is one park if unfamiliar you should know more about. More over if you reside in Norfolk this should be a recreation area that you frequent. The park is in one word expansive and stretches wide and long. I think you will love hearing more about this Norfolk gem. Although not a new park by any stretch, as a matter of fact it's a petty old park. Located off of Tidewater Dr. a quarter of a mile in a residential area. However, it is well maintained with newer equipment and some extras in the rear that I will elaborate on. I will work myself from front to back of property for this review. Parking is huge! I have never seen it even a quarter full even with events. It is well maintained, but usually has some amount of debris around. The park office is also located up front too. You will find older clean restrooms that are used by not only park goers, but during the week it acts like a rest stop. There are two ball fields to the right. Two all purpose fields to the left used for football and soccer. Both are used for Norfolk Recreation League. Since I am not a resident of Norfolk I am unsure how the sign up process works, however there is info at the park office. All the way to the left is a full court basketball court, however the surface is in horrid condition.. Directly to the rear is the huge tennis center with nine courts, you read correctly NINE and it's lit. There is also league play for adults. The court is kept in great condition. In the center are the playgrounds which have anything but regular equipment. Slides, swings and unique items you will NOT find in any other park. One of my daughters favorite is one that you get on and slide back and forth. Another one twirls you around, so hold on tight. There are also three nice shelters with bbq grills. All of this is in close proximity of each other. Now let's move to the rear of the property close to the water. The Lakewood Dance and Music Studio offers classes, clinics etc. through the Norfolk Parks and Recreation system. If you are not a Norfolk resident there is an up charge. My daughter who is a dancer at a VB studio attends clinics. The Tidewater Rowing Center is at the very rear of the grounds. It's main build is very large and two stories. This is also home to ODU Rowing. Two good size out buildings house rigging and row equipment for the club and ODU. Two drawbacks to this park are debris, it seems like no matter how hard the staff clean up its around. On a visit tonight someone had pushed over a can apparently on purpose. Another issue is an element of homeless/transients. They have never bothered me, but I don't like it. Lakewood has a lot to offer and is a terrific facility in the Norfolk park system. Come see for yourself.

Perfect spot away from the city chaos…read more Has a decent parking lot and is on the city bus route There is a paved walking trail and basketball court The playground has been updated and is adorable with plenty for the little one to play on There is even a little puppy waste bag stand for your four legged friend definitely a cute spot to relax or run some energy out

This park has great potential....if you can look past the broken glass, beer caps, & endless trash…read morespread throughout the park. Do not recommend if you're trying to go for a walk with your wife and puppy!

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.

I've walked passed Cape Story Park for years when walking the Cape Henry Trail…read more Today was really cool with the unseasonable warm weather and timing of kids out of school. It was busy! So what's at Cape Story Park to enjoy? A full basketball court and a play area with swings. Also space to play a pickup football game that I witnessed today. What makes the park a four star is location off the trail. It's absolutely ideal for nearby residents. It's not a park I would recommend unless walking the trail as there is no parking. 3.5, rounding up.

I had an amazing camping trip here. Amenities:…read moreThey have restrooms, showers, laundry on site, playgrounds, etc. Campground: The campgrounds were spread out very nicely. You are a little close to your neighbors, but it still feels spacious. We stayed in a tent spot that came with a picnic table, an area for a fire pit, and plenty of trees to set up a hammock. Behind our spot, there was a nice wooded area with a trail. Pet friendly: We brought our dog with us and she enjoyed her time there. Kid friendly: This was paradise to the kids. They had a beautiful playground near the campgrounds. All of the trails were awesome and easy for them to navigate. They enjoyed fishing also. I will definitely return. This is a perfect place to come and unplug. Tips: **Bring your own toilet paper. The bathrooms there ran out a few times since it was a busy weekend.**

If you're looking for a campground to just relax and chill for a couple of days with friends and…read morefamily, this is a good place. I'm still giving this camphround 5 stars, cause I'm a nature lover, and it's all green! The bathrooms are all clean. They have the cleanest shower rooms! I can't believe it. Well, I'm from California, and I've seen worse. However, there's just not enough activities you can do with kids. There's a few playgrounds, a putt putt golf course where you and your kids can use. Paddleboating was great, but you can't go beyond the bridge, which is fine. There were bicyles, kayaks and canoe that you can rent. For me, this is a good place on my list! And Park Rangers go on patrol once in a while, so it's safe. Just one thing, campers that brings their Fido, please be responsible enough to pick up their dodos, I had to pick up someone's dodo, (with double gloves, yes I have it my toiletries), cause it's right in front of our camp. I really don't want from my camp to accidentaly step on it. Great place!

This is a great addition to the area the state of the art rec center has so many activities for the…read morecommunity everything from seniors karaoke to a gym and walking trail outside There is plenty of parking in new activities added monthly you can check out the website for updates or pop in for a preview They are currently hiring a senior activity Director, which will then open up a lot of programs for our local community in the 55 and up range. The staff here are absolutely wonderful and the building itself is beautiful. The architecture is very unique and it's very clean. I am very glad they decided to build us in our neighborhood.