By Jessica Elliott
Mistique, a four-year-old Belgian Malinois, knows when she and owner Mike Chapman are headed for the Hondo Dog Park in Hillsboro, Oregon. “As soon as we make the turnoff, she starts barking,” Chapman says.
“I don’t know what she recognizes, but it’s like clockwork.” A great trip to the park is fun for you and your dog. After all, it’s an exciting time; you're both ready to stretch your legs, play games, and spend time outdoors. Many cities have great off-leash dog parks you can enjoy. But here are five parks that go above and beyond—and are worth a trip just for the two of you to explore.
Fort De Soto Park
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Tierra Verde, Florida
For fun in the sun, head to Florida’s North Beach, just past Tampa Bay to Fort De Soto Park, which is spread throughout five interconnected islands. The nearly three-acre “Paw Playground,” one of several in the county, has separate areas for both small and large dogs and owners to run and roam—with staple amenities such as trash bags, a dog-height water fountain, and trees for shade. At the south end of the fenced-in playground is a treasure for water fans—the dog beach is a 300-yard stretch of sand and water solely for dogs and owners. “My dog loves the water,” says James Wilson, of his Labrador Retriever Sandy. “We love being together.”
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Touted as a dog and owners’ “heaven on earth,” this rolling, pine tree-filled 20-acre private park has a slew of features. The fenced-in grounds have it all: a one-mile, lighted hiking trail for treks together; “Doggy Mountain,” a large sand pile for digging and climbing; a large dog swimming pond for cooling off; a sunset deck that overlooks the pond and has lounge chairs and music; water stations; a small dog area; birthday party area; self-serve dog wash tubs for post-fun bathing; and a doggy gift store (with Shaggy Pines gear, of course)! “We play catch, and we have the pond, and my Lab loves to fetch things,” says manager Tamara Sellers of Mina, her six-year-old Labrador Retriever. “We love having fun together.” Year-round celebrations—a member appreciation party, a Halloween party, and a holiday party—make for added fun. With all this and plenty of wide, grassy areas for off-leash fun too, it’s every outdoor duo’s dream.
Houston, Texas
This 13-acre off-leash park was named after George H. W. and Barbara Bush’s English Springer-Spaniel, Millie, the former “first dog.” It’s double-gated and the large and small dog areas have brightly colored fire hydrants. Known for its dog swimming ponds, the park also has dog showers, water fountains, shady spots for hot days, and a walking path. Jill Cruz plays with Zuzu, her Bullmastiff, around the water. “She loves to walk around the pond,” she says. “I’m trying to get her to go in, but she only likes to stick her feet in. We’ll play ball; she loves the park.” Open from dawn to dusk seven days a week, it's the perfect spot for the two of you to splash around and cool off when the Texas heat is just a little too toasty.
Hondo Dog Park
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Hillsboro, Oregon
This clean and green 3.75-acre fenced-in park, highly rated by locals, is named after Hondo, a former Hillsboro Police dog. Corinne Bloomfield regularly takes her Australian Shepherd, Izzy, there for playtime. “We love the space to run and be able to exercise, have fun, and play together,” she says. The park is nicely designed with water stations and a small dog section, and you’ll both love the stretch room, wide spaces, and seating areas for the two of you to relax. There’s even a gravel winter spot for jumping, catching flying discs, and playing when the ground is too snowy in winter or too wet after one of the area’s regular spring showers.
Colorado Springs, Colorado
This 25-acre space, with Bear Creek running along the south side, is in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, at the base of Pike’s Peak. The 100-foot elevation change in the park, from north to south, gives you both a varied terrain and incredible vista to enjoy. The wide open spaces and sheer appeal of the creek will get tails wagging in no time. A three-quarter mile main trail makes a loop around the park (also perfect for runs or scenic strolls), and a donated ball dispenser makes for added fun.
This article is courtesy of Dog’s Life magazine by Beneful® brand Dog Food.