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TUCSON DOG PARKS
My relatives in North Carolina were astonished to learn that Tucson has public parks with areas specifically set aside for dogs to run off-leash. I've added some new areas to the list, there are now TEN public dog parks in Pima County, and even a private one! Whether due to a comparative lack of grassy areas or a population more inclined to spend time outdoors, these parks have a large and avid following throughout the Old Pueblo. This winter Reid Park unveiled its lovely new half-million dollar dog park, and it’s the nicest one I have seen anywhere. These are excellent areas to run and socialize your pet, chat with other local dog owners and get a bit of air yourself. Of course, all dogs visiting these parks must be leashed going to and from the area, licensed and current on all vaccinations. Aggressive dogs are not welcome. Fenced areas are designed with a double-gate enclosure to prevent escapes. The parks have scooper dispensers, but it is always a good idea to bring your own in case they have run out. All public parks are free (your tax dollars at work). Note that the owner assumes all liability, just like they would if playing on the ballfield or anywhere else in the public park.
Brandi Fenton Memorial Park, 3482 E. River Road, is at the corner of River and Dodge, and is open from 7 AM to 10 PM. This 56 acre park is a joint public-private venture and is a work in progress. The dog runs themselves are small and divided by size, (the smaller run is for smaller dogs) and are near the east (Dodge Road) entry. Note that water is located outside the dog run, so you may want to take your own bottle/dog bowl. Check the website for the host of other facilities at this lovely park.
Christopher Columbus Park, at 4600 North Silverbell, is open from dawn until the lights go out a few hours after dark on an automatic timer. The single fenced area has a shaded ramada, trees, dog water fountain and scrambling area. This park is adjacent to the water treatment plant, and has ample areas for walking dogs on-leash as well.
Jacobs Park is at 3300 North Fairview Avenue and is open from dawn until dusk. The fenced dog area is on the west side of the park. It is open to ALL dogs; there was some confusion in December when a new sign was installed that said Small Dog Park; the intention was to say that this was a small park just for dogs, not that only small dogs were permitted, but folks were confused and upset. So the Parks folks wrapped up the sign, and fliers were put up to make certain everyone knows all dogs are permitted.
The new dog playground in Gene C. Reid Park, 1100 S. Randolph Way, is generally well done, and could use just a few small tweaks. The redone area is best reached via Country Club Road. Both the small and large dogs areas can be accessed via the south side of the parking lot for the band shell, and the large dog area has an additional access from the north of the picnic place area. Each entry way has double gates well set apart so there should not be any “escapes”. I was pleased to see a wheelchair patron who was easily able to navigate the gates and the wide paved paths around the interior of the areas. Both areas are very roomy, and have a large, well-grassed area in the center, and a smaller dirt area surrounding it up to the fence. I counted 10 people and 9 dogs in the small area, and 19 people and 14 dogs in the large area, and everyone had ample room. Both sides have a picnic table, and in the large dog area it is covered by a ramada. The water fountains had dispensers for both humans and at dog level. There were ample supplies of poop bags, and also scoopers; I observed one lady just walking around looking for errant poops, not just from her own dog. There were large, easy-to-understand signs at each entrance stating the rules. The fences looked very sturdy and well-set. There were many “community tennis balls” in the large dog area.
The large dog area has a large bulletin board area with a picture of Miko, the German shepherd the play area is named after. The bulletin board itself, however, is locked under glass and had nothing on it. The old dog area had a board where anyone could place a notice. I do think the city should provide a place for public notices, I miss this element of a community area in the many newer, rather sterile public areas in Tucson. And certainly, it seems like this is a chance for communication between the city and dog owners that the city needs to pick up on, especially after the misunderstandings this summer about park closures. If they do not want the general public putting up notices, then there should be information on how to go about submitting information. I would have expected to see a notice advertising the Animal Fair that will be held in Reid Park in February; information on the new penalties for having an unleashed dogs; a list of locations of all Tucson Dog Parks; something on the Tucson K9 unit, especially since the park is named after one of their dogs who died in the line of duty; information from the Humane Society on their Free Spay/Neuter day later this week, material from Handi-Dogs, etc.
The one negative thing I saw was several dog owners leaving the off-leash areas without putting their dogs back on leash. These exit areas have a higher risk for accident/injury than any other in most of these dog’s lives. It’s where there is most likely to be a fight with another dog, it’s in a busy parking lot off a high traffic road, there are children running around, and lots of activities in the park itself. Many people worked very hard to get this park, which is a gem for everyone to enjoy, and I cringe when I see a few bad apples giving everyone a bad reputation.
Pima County has a nice off-leash dog play area, located in McDonald District Park at 4100 North Harrison Road. This grassy park is open from 7 AM to 10 PM, and has trees and a dog water fountain and separate areas for large and small dogs.
The North Sixth Avenue Park, located at 2075 N. 6th Avenue, is a grassy, half-acre facility. There is no lighting, so the park is open from dawn to dusk. There are benches and a dog water fountain.
Northwest Community Park has an off-leash canine area. This Pima County park is located at 7601 N. Mona Lisa Drive. The nearest large cross-streets are Shannon and Magee. This is primarily a baseball park, but there are ramadas and drinking water available.
Palo Verde Park is a large park at 300 S. Mann Avenue, open from 7AM to 10 PM. The dog play area is located along the northern border, and includes a dog water fountain, picnic tables and trash can.
Star Valley Park, 6852 W. Brightwater Way, is brought to you by the folks at Pima County Parks. The nearest large intersection is Valencia and Camino Verde. There are picnic and playground areas next to the off-leash dog runs.
Udall Park at 7290 East Tanque Verde Road is a one-acre site. It is gated and double-fenced with a nice grassy area, water for dogs, seating for humans, and trash receptacle. Hours are 6 AM to 10:30 PM.
The Southern Arizona Humane Society, 3465 E. Kleindale Road, has opened its lighted, fenced Dogpark and Training Field. There is a $1 fee per visit, or $15 for unlimited use for one month. Fees from the use of this park of course go to support their work. There are benches, tables, trees, parking, restrooms, water and trash containers. The facility is handicapped accessible. Hours are 5am - 9am and 5pm to 9pm. Call them at 327-6088 for more informaton.
Dog parks are an ideal way to socialize your puppy. Territorial issues are minimized because no dog is at its home, and the behavior of other dogs at the park indicates that it is an area for play. When starting, select a park where the dogs are separated by size. Keep your dog on leash until after you have entered the play area and secured both gates. Then release your dog, and let it meet the other dogs by itself. Do not follow your dog, as this could make it feel it needs to protect you.
Expect some natural give-and-take as your dog finds its place in the group. This is an ideal time to teach your pet running games like frisbee and fetch, since it has the added reinforcement and enthusiasm of playmates. It can also be a good time to practice commands learned in training, since there will be distractions. A simple and practical place to start with would be the Sit before you unlock/lock the gate and remove the leash.
If you observe your pet and another dog both exhibiting aggressive behavior and neither one is backing down, both owners should call their dogs away, and then praise them for coming when called. If Spot continues to exhibit aggressive behavior, you should leash him and leave the play area. You should talk to your vet or trainer about ways to curtail this behavior and practice them thoroughly before returning to the park. If you have any doubts, then do not return to the park.
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