Blackwater Creek Dog Park Reopens in New Flood-Resistant Location

The redesigned park features separate areas for small and large dogs, as well as new agility equipment.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 11:33am

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The Blackwater Creek Dog Park in Lynchburg, Virginia has officially reopened in a new location after repeated flooding damaged the original site along Blackwater Creek. Lynchburg Parks and Recreation moved the park to a former athletic field to create a more durable space for pets and their owners, including separate areas for small and large dogs as well as new agility features.

Why it matters

The relocation was aimed at preventing the same flooding issues that plagued the previous site, ensuring the dog park can remain open and accessible for the community. The former location has also been repurposed into a new green space called Blackwater Retreat, offering residents additional outdoor amenities.

The details

The redesigned Blackwater Creek Dog Park includes separate areas for small and large dogs, as well as agility features such as hoops and bars to keep animals active. A decorative fire hydrant adds a familiar, playful touch. The new location was chosen to create a more durable space that won't be washed away by frequent flooding.

  • The Blackwater Creek Dog Park officially reopened in March 2026.

The players

Lynchburg Parks and Recreation

The local parks department that oversaw the relocation and redesign of the Blackwater Creek Dog Park.

Howard Covey

A parks official who commented on the goals of the relocation project.

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What they’re saying

“We wanted to put back something that's not gonna get washed away every time it rains, so, took a little bit of time to figure all that out, but once we arrive at a plan, we were able to carry it out, and I think we've put back something that was better than what was here before.”

— Howard Covey, Parks Official

What’s next

The former location of the dog park has been repurposed into Blackwater Retreat, a new green space featuring swings, benches, fire pits, and a hammock garden, which will offer additional outdoor amenities for the community.

The takeaway

By relocating the Blackwater Creek Dog Park to a more flood-resistant location and repurposing the former site into a new community green space, Lynchburg Parks and Recreation has created a more sustainable and enjoyable outdoor experience for both pets and their owners.