Three or four times a week I walk by one of the dog parks in Addison, Texas, where I live. It is usually filled with frolicking dogs racing around the perimeter. One time I saw a dog on its back twisting and turning, rolling in the grass, obviously thrilled to be free to do as he pleased and soak up as much of the outdoors and nature as he could.
According to Laurel Allen’s May 29, 2007 article “Dog Parks: Benefits and Liabilities” for the University of Pennsylvania School of Commons Department of Earth and Environmental Science, there are approximately 73 million dogs in the United States and 50 million owners (American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, 2005-2006); approximately 60% have one dog, 25% have two dogs, and 15% have three or more dogs (The Humane Society, 2007). One American family in three owns one or more dogs (Susyn Stecchi, “So You Want To Build a Dog Park?” DogParks USA™ 2006). Most authorities on pet behavior contend that dogs require an outlet for their energy to alleviate boredom and reduce destructive behavior. Play and exercise are not only important for the dog’s physical needs, but these physical outlets also help to cement the human-dog bond (Animal Planet, 2006).
Berkeley, California’s Ohlone Dog Park, situated along a strip of land cleared in the 1960s for Bay Area Rapid Transit undergrounding, is widely considered the world’s first dog park. Development plans for the area were upended when activists occupied and dubbed the strip “People’s Park Annex.” In 1979 a group of residents gathered to declare the area a park for dogs.
The City of Berkeley established the Experimental Dog Park in Ohlone Park at Hearst/Grant Streets in 1979. What started as an experiment was made official in 1983, and the nonprofit Ohlone Dog Park Association (ODPA, pronounced “odd paw”) was formed to help maintain it. A fire hydrant in the park is dedicated to Doris Richards, the longest sitting ODPA president, and there is a sign honoring Martha Scott Benedict, the founding leader.
This unique municipal facility provides a place where dogs can exercise off-leash safely, right in the heart of the city. Because the area is a real park and not simply a dog run, there is plenty of room for owners to relax and socialize along with their pets.
According to Wikipedia in December 2011, dog parks were the fastest-growing segment of city parks. There were 569 off-leash dog parks in the 100 largest U.S. cities in 2010, a 34 percent jump in five years, while overall parks increased only three percent. Portland, Oregon has the highest per capita in the U.S. with 5.7 dog parks for every 100,000 residents. Calgary, Alberta, Canada has the highest per capita in North America, with 15.9 dog parks for every 100,000 residents. There are now more American households with dogs than with kids of 43 million and 38 million respectively. "It's a playground for people without kids."
According to Greyceli Marin’s article “Here Are the Absolute Ultimate 16 Dog Parks in the U.S.” in BarkPost, the U.S. is filled with endless options for you to take your pup to make sure they exercise, socialize and take a long nap when they get home. Here’s a round-up of some the best parks in the U.S. by region:
WEST COAST
1. California - Huntington Dog Beach
Where well-behaved and rule- abiding pups can enjoy the beautiful Pacific coast and California sun. They even allow human weddings!
2. Colorado – Cherry Creek State Park- Off Leash Dog Area
107 acres of fenced fun and water access year-round. It’s practically a doggy Disney World!
3. Hawaii – Hawaii Kai Dog Park
Located in the only rabies-free state in the U.S., Hawaii Kai is surely as safe as it is fun for
your pup. Its breathtaking views aren't too shabby either.
4. Idaho – Nampa Dog Park
Nampa Dog Park features three separate areas for big, small and senior dogs, along with six total acres of safe roaming. It’s currently on standby for funding that will help build a swimming pond for pups.
MIDWEST
5. Illinois – Montrose Dog Beach
Montrose is Chicago’s first legal off-leash beach for dogs. With over 26,000 visitors
checked in on Facebook, it’s safe to say doggies kinda like it here.
6. Kansas – Shawnee Mission Off-Leash Dog Area
The 53-acre off-leash dog area in Shawnee Mission is open year-round and offers a
swimming area, natural surface trails and wooded areas. We’re back in Kansas, Dorothy!
7. Missouri – Twin Lakes Recreation Area
Twin Lakes is divided into three separate dog parks. Lakeside is an area fenced on three sides and accompanied by a lake for swimming; Paws Pond is special for smaller pups. An Off-Season Dog Park is set up to prevent pups from falling through the frozen lake.
8. Ohio – Washington Dog Park
This place was made for your pup. The turf is synthetic and special for dogs; the water creek was built for pup enjoyment only. And, there are large granite boulders for safe
climbing. Washington Park is clearly the dog-friendliest!
NORTHEAST
9. Connecticut – Southbury Dog Park
For water-loving pups, Southbury’s off-leash area for dogs features a fun, natural stream shallow enough to make them feel like they’re walking on water and plenty of running
space.
10. Massachusetts – Pilgrim Dog Park
Pilgrim is like an outdoor museum park for dogs. Local artists designed its benches, poop-bag stations, kiosks and the huge dog house in the entrance. All artsy pups
welcome.
11. Pennsylvania – Schuyklkill River Park Dog Run
In the early 90’s the people of Philadelphia fought for a safe place to let their dogs roam
free. Eventually the mayor approved a fenced-in area that became the gorgeous dog run
it is today.
12. New York – Prospect Park
Prospect Park of Brooklyn, New York offers off-leash hours for pups to enjoy its wonderful, sweeping terrain.
SOUTH
13. Alabama – Loch Haven Dog Park
Two acres of off-leash fenced area, watering facilities and an agility course!
14. Florida – Bonita Beach Dog Park
A beautiful dog beach with crystalline waters, white sand and a special doggie shower. (And it’s human- friendly, too.)
15. Georgia – Newton Dream Dog Park
If this park were empty, you’d think it was for kids. Fully equipped with safe turf, a bridge, hoops and tunnels plus tons of water sprinkler fun.
16. Louisiana – NOLA City Bark
New Orleans’ premier dog park offers 4.6 acres of pure joy for your pup, including a doggie wash station, plenty of sprinting room and their favorite — other dogs.
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