Goyne Park

The 800-plus-acre Dutch Gap Conservation Area, with the James River as its backdrop, is home to a diverse range of forests, wildlife, and streams. Dutch Gap also has spots for individuals merely looking for a serene, open-air sanctuary to ponder on their lives.

Goyne Park's Chester Dog Park is pet-friendly. This dog park is a terrific spot to take Fido for some off-leash exercise. The first phase includes a small dog run and a 220-foot-long, eight-foot-wide walking route. A 80-foot release foyer is also available.

Soccer, baseball, and other sports grounds, as well as walking trails, a playground, and picnic places

Edinborough Park is 2.5 acres in size.

White Bank Park is a 22-acre park with a view of Swift Creek. The park contains two rentable pavilions, each with a capacity of 200 people. There are eight separate picnic shelters as well as various multi-purpose play spaces.

On a hot day, one of those wonderful little parks where you pause for some shade. There are few little grassy spots near the river.