By Mallory Peil
Lifestyles Coordinator
Dog parks are designed to provide a place where dogs can be off their leash and run free. They also give dogs the opportunity to socialize with other dogs.
Dogs were born to lead active lifestyles. Many behavioral problems are caused by lack of physical activity. As we all know most of our dogs spend the majority of their time at home alone. This leads to boredom, loneliness and lots of times obesity. This can lead to health issues. They have excess energy and no way to expend it, so it’s not out of the ordinary that they often create their own activities, like unsnuffing couches, eating trash and chewing anything that is not theirs.
The best way to keep you pet happy, healthy and out of trouble is to find ways to exercise their brain and body. Some of these activities include but not limited to: wrestling with their dog buddies, fetching toys and just running to their hearts content.
Dog parks can also be fun for pet parents too. You can exercise with your dog, socialize with other dog lovers, practice their off-lease training skills, and enjoy the entertainment of the dog antics around you.
So if you have a dog that seems bored, has consistently bad behavior or is just a little overweight we have included a list of the nearest dog parks for you to try out. Enjoy!
Paradise Valley Dog Park
17642 N. 40th St., Phoenix AZ 85032
4.22 miles from Desert Ridge
Size: 2.4 acres
Surface: grass
Park hours: 5:30 am – 10 pm daily.
Note: Dog Park is closed for maintenance between 9 – 11 am Monday, Wednesday and Friday. This new dog park is located at the west end of the park, north of the softball fields. It opened this past Memorial Day weekend. The new off leash facility cost approximately $250,000 and features two existing ramadas, tables, benches and chilled drinking fountains for both humans and pooches. It is double-gated and has both an area for large and small dogs.
Echo Mountain Off Leash Arena at Grover’s Basin
17447 N. 20th St., Phoenix AZ 85022
6.83 miles from Desert Ridge
Size: 2.5 acres
Surface: grass
Hours: 6:30 am – 10 pm
Built with the support of the Echo Mountain Neighborhood Coalition, the dog park features, dog waste dispensers, and drinking fountains. It is double-gated and divided evenly into separately fenced areas for large dogs and smaller dogs under 20 pounds.
Horizon Dog Park
15444 N. 100th St., Scottsdale AZ 85260
6.94 miles from Desert Ridge
Size: 2.25 acres
Surface: grass
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Is located in a retention basin and is therefore flooded after a rain. This park has a 10×20 foot shade structure, a people/dog drinking fountain and a push button dust control feature that waters the area to keep the dust down. This off leash area does not have lights. Off-Leash Area will experience weekly maintenance closures for mowing and irrigation work. These closures will occur on: Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
