The Rockwood Dog Park in Chesterfield, Virginia

If you are a resident of central Chesterfield County, in Virginia, around the US Route 360/ Courthouse Road area and you need a good place to exercise your dog or dogs then you will be happy to learn the county has provided a place for you and your pooch.

Rockwood Park, located at the intersection of 360 (Hull street Road) and Courthouse Road is the location of the "Ruff House Dog Park." This grassy, spacious enclosure consists of four separate fenced in areas, two large areas for larger dogs and two small areas for smaller dog breeds to exercise in. The fences are high enough that even the most bouncy dog will be challenged to get over them and the entrance areas are double gated, "airlock" style in order to make chance escapes difficult.

Water stations are provided for the dogs at the dog park but you do need to be prepared to clean up any "messes" you pet may leave behind. You will find a dumpster conveniently placed outside the gates so that you need not have to walk around carrying Fido's little "presents." There are even scoopers and rakes already hanging on the fence, at random intervals, for you to use though you will need your own baggies.

The dogs run free inside the dog park so you will want to take into account your dogs ability to interact with other animals. If Fido "does not play well with others" this may not be the place to bring him or her. However, if Fido is the happy go lucky "gets along with everyone" type of dog then this is the spot to bring him for a little social interaction/ rear end sniffing with other canines.

Most owners bring their dogs out for an afternoon of Frisbee, or other toy, tossing and some good physical play. You can always just turn your dog loose in the enclosure and watch them scamper and cavort with all the other dogs, just make certain you keep an eye on your dog as you are responsible for them.

Even if you do not have a dog it can be entertaining to pay a visit to the dog park on a Saturday afternoon and watch all the dogs playfully chasing one another around the large enclosed field. You can just tell they are having a blast and there is always one or two who are just born clowns.