Dorey Park and Recreation Center — Attraction in Highland Springs

Was there for a softball tournament coming from NJ. I am talking only about that side of the park. This park is huge and has many other things there that i didn't go see.

So there were 8 softball fields. Plenty of parking with overflow. The first lots are for fields 1-4. There are lots through those that go to fields 5-8 and the baseball stadium. There are signs that let you know but most people not familiar with the park didn't see since they are small.

Restroom and snack stand at each. The ones by fields 1-4 are usable but look like ones for a jail. Stainless steel and vandal resistant. The other ones by fields 5-8 are newer and much nicer, regular looking with family bathrooms. Snack stand at fields 1-4 "do not serve anything that requires utensils". Not sure about the other but I'm assuming the same.

The fields were nice. There are covers on the dugout but depending time of day, are basically useless. Small benches. Table with 2 chairs set up for I'm assuming the scoreboards but no one was operating them. Use those yo stand on and set up your cameras.

For coaches, no warmup area for pitchers on the fields. No on-deck area behind a fence. Fences are 200. Fields 1-4 are 4 foot high. Fields 5-8 are maybe 8 feet. Not sure if those are closer to compensate for height.

For parents, not much shade at the fields. Limited trees and they are not next to the fields. Look at an aerial view and you will see it. If you park for fields 5-8, it's a bit of a walk. Fields 1-4 have closer parking. There is another lot on the other side that has trees to provide better shade for those fields. Bring a tent or a beach umbrella with a stand. There isn't anything right there like a wawa or something like that. It's probably 10 min away. So pack coolers accordingly. Bring a wagon.

Overall it's a great place for a tournament. Only issue we had was whomever organizes events at the park should figure out what will be going on that weekend. This was an 18U showcase with a ton of teams (50 at least). On Saturday there was a Caribbean festival which caused a ton of traffic. Police had to close it to allow softball players to get back in. Took 45 min to travel 1200 feet. Almost missed start time. There was also an ultimate frisbee tournament that weekend. Sunday was a horse thing which didn't cause any traffic and a farmers market/fair on the weekend.

Nice park to visit and have games at. ...

I really enjoy this park every time income. I strictly come here for walking g/running so I won’t comment on any of the game fields. But right when you come into the park o use the parking on the left where the welcome center is. Then I walk to the blacktop trail and take it all the way to the virginia capital trail. I think it was a little over a mile? There are bathrooms In the welcome center if it’s open and also on the walk to the capital trail. You pass by a dog park and a little pond with ducks. I also saw people playing frisbee in the fields. Once you get the capital trail it has a very convenient sign to pick which way you want to go. If you want to avoid walking on a main car road I would go to the left to Four mile creek but eventually getting close to that it is next to a road and you hear a lot of cars. Going to the right will take you to a vehicle road you need to walk on for a minute to get back on the trail. You pass by houses but most of the time it is peaceful and a great walk no matter what. I’ve seen lots of wildlife. It’s well taken care of too. I love how you can just walk and walk and walk however long you want because it just keeps going and going. Also a reminder, if you are walking, stay on the right side and let the bikes or faster walking/runners people pass on your left and pick up after your dogs. Just cause it’s in “nature” doesn’t mean we want to see fecal matter on the road or right on the side. And take your trash with you until...

We had an awesome time at Jazz in the Park yesterday! Henrico was out in full force, but all extremely polite and pleasant to all the guests, and did a beautiful job directing and managing the considerable traffic. All the event staff were awesome. The music was great. The fireworks were phenomenal and appeared so close. Really awesome! The organizers gave out so many free t-shirts and glow bands to the guests. I was there with girlfriends. There weren't any children in our group, but it was such a great family event, and all the kids that were out there seemed to be having a blast, including some of us grown-up kids. Who doesn't love good fireworks? All this for free! There was no drama or fighting with such a big crowd possibly due to such a visible and large police presence. Good vibes only!

Really should have given 5 stars. The only negatives were a very surly for no reason female shuttle driver, the male driver we encountered was chill and pleasant, and the sound system was a bit disappointing. You really couldn't hear the music the way I would have liked to really enjoy it. It really was a bit weak. Other than that all positive and I will definitely be back for...