Dog's Life
Fur-Friendly 5: Go Outdoors
By Adam Elliott
Point Isabel Regional Shoreline Dog Park
2701 Isabel St., Richmond, CA, 888-327-2757
www.ebparks.org/parks/pt_isabel
It’s the perfect full-service, full-day retreat. Take a dip together in the San Francisco Bay, and then enjoy hanging out on land—this 23-acre playground is the largest public off-leash dog park in the country. There’s Mudpuppy’s Tub & Scrub, a dog-washing station with do-it-yourself baths (complete with treats and supplies in the adjacent shop). Stomach growling? No need to leave the park—grab a bite to eat together at the Sit & Stay Cafe. Your dog can snack on treats or eat right beside you, while you try something from the regular menu.
Congressman Bill Archer Park
3201 State Hwy. 6 North, Houston, TX, 281-496-2177
www.pct3.hctx.net/parks/congressmanbillarcherpark.aspx
When this whopping 926-acre park opened, the 17-acre off-leash space drew raves. You both will have no shortage of fun—separate areas for both large and small pooches each feature a biscuit-shaped dog pond (paved and sloped for easy entry and exit), tons of “fur-friendly” playground equipment for the two of you to test out, and, of course, water fountains. Plan to set aside a full day of fun here!
Broemmelsiek Park
1615 Schwede Rd., Defiance, MO, 636-949-7475
http://parks.sccmo.org/parks/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4&Itemid=17
While it might seem small by comparison, the 2.5-acre off-leash space in Broemmelsiek Park scores high in popularity (along with the 1.5-acre retreat at Quail Ridge Park). A grove of trees provide shade so the two of you can kick back and enjoy the scenery, while a perfect-for-pooches pond, complete with a fountain, will have you playing water fetch in no time. Added bonus: If the weather turns damp, stay dry and continue the fun under the covered shelter.
Dog Wood Park
7407 Salisbury Rd. South, Jacksonville, FL, 904-296-3636
www.jaxdogs.com
As the country’s largest completely fenced dog park, there’s nothing this 42-acre “heaven on earth for dogs,” doesn’t have. A few of the many offerings: a 25-acre fenced-in space, Lake Bow Wow (a 2-acre swimming lake), Barkham Woods (a 10-acre wooded area with trails), huge fields, a small-dog space that includes Lake Fifi (a swimming pond), a shaded 4-acre space, a dog shower with raised bathing stations, four lighted areas for nighttime fun, a doggie sand pile, a play area with tires and tunnels, tennis balls, and a bonding course. Whether you hit the trails or head for the hammocks, they’ve got everything you need for a day of outdoor entertainment together.
Bow Wow Beach
5027 Stow Rd., Stow, OH, 330-689-5100
www.stow.oh.us/Departments/ParksRecreation/documents/DOGPARKFLYERRules.pdf
Open since June 2007, Bow Wow Beach, within Silver Lake Park, is every sand-loving duo’s ultimate playground. While the 7.5-acre fenced-in spread includes substantial grassy fields—perfect for Frisbee tossing—it’s the sandy beach leading to a 3-acre lake that’ll provide a refreshing respite for the two of you. Get a little muddy? Rinse off in the washing station. Surf’s up!
