Dog's Life
Fur Friendly Five: Playgrounds!
Exciting playgrounds for pooches and their play pals
Going to the park with your furry friend doesn't have to be limited to trotting along the pavement and far-flung fetches. Now you can bring your four-legged best friend to a playground designed for you and your dog. Complete with dog-friendly equipment, now you and your pal can share a fun-filled time!
Howlabaloo Dog Park
11290 Lay Road, Edinboro, PA 16412
814-734-1161
www.howlabaloodogpark.com
This former golf-course-turned-dog-park is "decked out" with rolling hills, creeks, and ponds, and is a big hit since opening last year. "Tee off" at the Hubbub (central meeting place), toss a tennis ball around at "The Racket," and sprint free at "The Shindig" or "Ree-Raw" open play areas ("The Bustle" for smaller dogs). Let's not forget the hiking trail. With 58-acres of park, get ready to let loose!
Drigon Dog Park
Off Seventh Street and Mission Boulevard, Union City, CA
510-471-3232, Ext.702
www.ci.union-city.ca.us/leisure/Sites/dog_park.htm
Run free with your dog in this outdoor arena that is fenced and equipped with dog jumps, tunnels, lush grass, and multi-colored tire hoops. This California dog park is sure to entertain both you and your pup with everything from its bone-shaped cement walkways to the ramps and A-frames for climbing. Quench your thirst (and your pooch's, too) at the human and dog-sized water fountains. Or cool off underneath a canopy—there's plenty of benches available.
Poochie's Swim and Play Park
21 Fountain Drive, Orange Park, FL 32065
904-272-4545
www.poochiespark.com/home.html
At this 8-acre off-leash dog park, you and your buddy can escape your busy lives. Splash away in the doggie pond, or enjoy a walk through the nature area. And with tennis balls, squeaky toys, and Frisbees®, the possibilities are endless! So go ahead, dig in the dirt at Poochie's Digging Mountain and climb mud mounds––after all, cleaning up is no sweat thanks to the doggie bathe 'n wash stations at the exits.
Thornberry Off-Leash Dog Park
Foster Road, Iowa City, IA 52245
319-356-5107
www.jcdogpac.org/park_info.shtml
Take a dip in Lily's Pond, or mill around on the Lucky Pawz Playground for all dogs and join some friends. There's Linder Tire Small Dog Yard for small dogs, or Emma's Run for the active pooches. (Park permits are required, even for visitors.) This 12-acre park provides plenty of wide-open space for you and your dog to explore. A large water-filled tank is also available for refreshment during warmer months.
Shawnee Bark Park
1400 W. Mesquite St., Chandler, AZ 85244
480-782-2727
www.chandleraz.gov/default.aspx?pageid=290
At this daring destination you could help your buddy "teeter-totter" on the seesaw, scuttle through a tunnel, or leap over the hurdles. There's an A-frame and balance beam along with gently rolling hills in this wide-open space. Cool off at the doggie drinking fountains, and be sure to pack some snacks, for when it's time to rest and refresh. (Suggestion: doggie treats for your pal and a treat for you, too!)
