Northside Bark Park

12/14/2024

11/29/2022

09/27/2022

Hello everyone,

Please share this online survey link with those that may be interested in commenting on general improvements to Northside Park. The attached concept is preliminary and will be modified based on the results of community input. The survey will end on November 14th, and we are hoping to have various in-person outreach sessions as well. Feel free to reach out to me directly if you prefer.

https://www.opentownhall.com/portals/77/Issue_12179

Thank you,

Stephen Zurek

Landscape Architect IV



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220 Boush Street

Norfolk, VA 23510

(757) 605-8554

09/18/2022

Thank you for all that came out to the Norfolk Expo.
Thanks to Marlene Brown of Tidewater Canine Training,LLC and Hank Brown memebers of the Dog park committee from Crossroads Civic League . We had a good event and Glad every one Enjoyed the Corn we went thru 11 bags of it.

06/20/2022

Did you know that certain dog breeds built for colder climates, like Huskies, German Shepherds, Newfoundland’s, and even Shiba Inus have a hard time adjusting to the Virginia heat? 🌡🥵

Come over to our Beat the Heat Ice Cream Social to enjoy some delicious ice cream and learn how to keep your dog cool this summer!🍦🍧🍨

06/07/2022

06/01/2022

05/19/2022

Let your neighbors know .....

05/17/2022

Water safety deserves greater emphasis
Mahki Lawrence spins through the air while jumping into a pool at the Doris Miller Community Center in Newport News in 2020. Jonathon Gruenke/staff file
By Adam Klutts Guest Columnist
Temperatures are rising and pools will open soon to enthusiastic water bugs of all ages.
Starting my YMCA career as a lifeguard more than 25 years ago, I know firsthand the importance of keeping kids safe around the water. As I watched thousands of children learn swimming skills that will last a lifetime, I also witnessed the self-esteem and confidence, coupled with smiles, as they gained a sense of accomplishment.
Preventing drowning is a top priority at YMCAs across the country, especially since fatal drowning is the second-leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children 1 to 14 years of age, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Children aged 1 to 4 die from drowning more than any other cause of death. This problem is particularly prevalent among minority communities.
For example, African-American children aged 5 to 14 are three times more likely to drown than their Caucasian counterparts. The disparity is partly due to these children’s lack of swimming experience.
For every child who dies from drowning, another eight receive emergency department care for non-fatal drowning. Drowning injuries can cause brain damage and long-term injury, decreasing a lifetime of mobility.
Nationally, the Y is committed to reducing water-related injuries, particularly in communities where children are most at risk. Our “Safety Around Water” program is focused on engaging parents on the importance of water-safety skills and providing more children with safety lessons.
At the YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas we are sharing this program again this year with our community and the people we serve. Last year we taught more than 4,000 people how to be safe in and around water with programs such as Second Grade Learn to Swim, swim lessons, and lifeguard certifications.
We highlight these safety skills and risks during Water Safety Month in May, but we advocate good water safety year-round.
Here are four tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable summer swimming experience for swimmers of all ages:
Never swim alone or without a water watcher. Children should be actively supervised by a responsible adult at all times. Children should only swim where a lifeguard is on duty, or a responsible adult agrees to watch the children in the water without distractions. Adults, especially inexperienced swimmers, should utilize the buddy system when going into the water.
Children should be supervised whenever they’re in or near water. Whether it is bath time or taking a dip in a pool or lake, children should be within arm’s reach of an adult at all times.
Coast Guard-approved life jackets should be worn by inexperienced or non-swimmers; this includes children and adults. Life jackets can prevent drowning during water activities, especially boating and swimming. The U.S. Coast Guard reported 613 boating-related deaths in 2019 — 79% of these deaths were drowning-related, and of those who died from drowning 86% were not wearing life jackets.
Leave the lifesaving to the experts. Your natural instincts might be to jump in the water to save a struggling swimmer, but a panicked person can easily overpower you and pull you under the water as well. Call (or yell!) for help instead.
In the greater Peninsula and Hampton Roads area we have more than 10,000 miles of water-facing shoreline. Our proximity to a wide variety of swimming opportunities offers a high quality of life, but we must be vigilant to minimize the potential risks.
At the YMCA of the Peninsulas we strive to combine the joy of living in such a beautiful area with potentially life-saving swim safety tips and a wide variety of swim lesson opportunities. Please join us as we strive to keep our children safe while learning the same lessons as adults.
Adam Klutts is the president and CEO of the YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas and started his career with the Y more than 25 years ago as a lifeguard.

05/05/2022

We'd like to introduce our newest staff member, Griff! 🐶
He's a 1-and-a-half-year-old chocolate lab currently in training with Mutts With A Mission to be a courtroom dog. When his training is finished, this good boy will be able to assist victims and witnesses testifying in trials.

04/30/2022

04/11/2022

04/09/2022

03/12/2022

We were informed today that just the parts to repair this piece of playground equipment it going to cost $11,500. Not to replace it, just the parts!!! It is very sad. We know so many kids love this, but until it is repaired, please don't climb over the safety fencing and play on it. The parts are on order and will take 90 to 120 days to arrive. Such a shame that we all have to pay for others selfish acts.