General Park Rules

For all City of Virginia Beach parks.

Additional rules & regulations for trails, skate parks and dog parks can be found at the end of this page.

• Courteous conduct is expected from all those using park facilities. Patrons are expected to dress appropriately. Clothing should not depict obscene language or graphics as described in Virginia Beach City Code 22-2.
• If you are renting a park shelter, please bring your shelter confirmation with you.
• Please observe posted park closing times. Trespassing and night time use of City parks is prohibited. (City Code 23-43 and 23-43.2).
• All pets must be firmly secured by a physical leash or lead attached to a collar or harness and under control of a responsible person capable of physically restraining the pet. (City Code 5-531) Please “Scoop the Poop.” (City Code 5-534).
• Do not feed park wildlife, including squirrels, ducks, geese, or other waterfowl, at any park site. (City Code 5-547).
• Parking is not guaranteed with permitted events, wedding and shelter rentals.
• Balloons, balloon activities, water balloons and confetti are prohibited in the parks.
• Parking fees required at Little Island Park beginning the Friday of Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Monday.
• Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
• Use of staples, nails, and tacks are prohibited for hanging items from picnic shelters and other park amenities.
• Parks & Recreation is not responsible for valuables left in parked vehicles or for other items left in the parks.

For your safety and the safety of others:

• Please observe all posted traffic, parking, and speed signs. The speed limit is 5 mph unless otherwise posted.
• Parking is only allowed in designated parking spaces.
• Motorized vehicles (including utility and golf carts, motorcycles, scooters and ATVs) are prohibited on playing fields, picnic areas, sidewalks, multi-use paths/trails or any other grassy areas of the parks without permission by staff.
• Individuals will be held responsible for damage to park amenities, including landscaping.
• Any use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) must be in compliance with current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and other applicable state and federal law. This pertains to: drones, RC airplanes, RC helicopters and gliders.

Event Permits

Event permits must be secured no less than 30 days prior to event date and require a paid shelter reservation. Items requiring a permit include but are not limited to:

Commercial Rental Permits

Commercial rental permits are required for individuals or organizations wishing to utilize a City of Virginia Beach park for commercial business purposes for which a fee is collected by the business owner or designee and must be secured no less than 30 days prior to start of class or event date. Commercial businesses include but are not limited to:

Food Preparation

• Fires are allowed in grills only. Backyard propane and charcoal grills must be placed at least 20 feet away from all park structures. Please see onsite park staff for charcoal/ash disposal instructions. Grilling and fires are not allowed on park beaches.
• No frying of any kind is allowed in the park, including turkey fryers, deep fat fryers, skillets, and electric frying pans.