Off-leash dog parks provide numerous benefits to dogs, their owners and the community at large. Cities are better able to enforce their leash laws when dog owners have access to safe, enclosed areas where their furry friends can run free. Joggers, cyclists, small children and individuals who are uncomfortable around pooches are less likely to encounter off-leash canines—and the accompanying dog waste—in public parks when a dog park is available nearby.
Dogs themselves are happier and healthier when they have a chance to socialize with other canines and to get plenty of unfettered exercise. And pups that are well-exercised make better neighbors, since they are less likely to bark excessively or to destroy property. In addition, dog “parents” quickly develop a sense of community with each other when they come together to exercise their beloved pets.
For all these reasons and more, an assortment of off-leash dog parks is available throughout the Oklahoma City metropolitan area, some of which include:
PAW OK Dog Park
Open daily from dawn to dusk and approximately two acres in size,
PAW OK Dog Park, located at 3303 N.W. Grand Blvd. in Oklahoma City, is privately managed and relies on donations and user fees to operate. It has separate areas for small and large dogs and a system of double gates helps to ensure the pooches aren’t able to get out on their own. It has many trees, a collection of park benches and a lot of waste management facilities and watering centers. It is bordered on the north by the “Duck Pond,” a portion of which has been cleaned and a fine-grade gravel beach added so the dogs can swim and play in the water.
User fees are either $10/month auto-draft or $100 per year, if paid up front. Twenty percent discounts are provided to volunteers, senior citizens and service people. An application for membership is available
here.
Midtown Mutts Dog Park
Situated at 407 W. Park in Oklahoma City, this dog park is open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week. One of the smaller dog parks in the metro area,
Midtown Mutts is basically a yard with a fence. Nonetheless, it has separate areas for both small and large dogs, plus a two-door entry area that helps with dog security. There is a shaded area and bench. Water bowls and toys are provided on-site. In addition the park is just across the street from such dog-friendly spots as
Fassler Hall, where complimentary water is provided to dogs, and
Bleu Garten.
Edmond Dog Park at Bickham-Rudkin Park
A separate fenced area at Bickham-Rudkin Park, the
Edmond Dog Park is four-acres in size and located at 379 E. 33 in Edmond. This easily accessible spot offers pond access, parking, a water fountain, paths, waste stations and restrooms. There are separate areas for dogs that weigh 30 pounds and under.
Wiggly Field Dog Park
Managed by and situated in Del City at 4501 Tinker Diagonal,
Wiggly Field is three acres in size. It has separate areas for small and large dogs. Play equipment, chairs, water fountains and lights make it a comfortable and safe place to visit. There are paths and lots of surrounding trees. From mid-April to October restrooms are also available. It is open daily, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Mustang Dog Park
Open daily from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and found at 530 S.W. 59
th St. in Mustang, the
Mustang Dog Park is medium sized and located in the middle of 158-acre Wild Horse Park. It has lots of agility equipment, shady picnic tables, a walking path around a lake, water spigots, separate areas for small and large dogs, porta potties, and plenty of parking.
Happy Tails Dog Park
Located at 1903 N.E. 12th in Moore,
Happy Tails Dog Park is two acres in size. Open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. (closed Wednesdays between 9 a.m. and noon). It offers dog agility, shade, water fountains for people and pups, a restroom, and a large parking next to the dog park. There are also separate facilities for large and small pooches.
Fred Quinn Happy Tails Dog Park
Found at 8517 E. Reno in Midwest City, the
Fred Quinn Happy Tails Dog Park is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week. It offers a separate swimming area for water-loving dogs, agility and obstacle equipment, watering spigots, separate small and large dog areas, shaded seating, and a hose you can use to rinse your furry friends off on the way out.
Norman Community Dog Park
This two-acre dog park is located on the north end of Griffin Park at 1001 E. Robinson in Norman. The
Norman Community Dog Park provides a great community gathering place for dogs to run, play and exercise. Although this park is under the supervision of the Parks and Recreation Department, the facility relies entirely on donations to operate. Bowls and water are provided, along with benches for the humans and separate spaces for large and small dogs.
