Dog Parks Worthy of Wagging Tails

This one is for all of you dog-lovers looking for a place to let your dogs play off leash in the North Dallas area.

All of us know how important it is to keep our pups socialized. One of the easiest ways to do so is to let your dog have some unleashed fun at a dog park. But to make it worth both of you and your canine friend’s time, I have put together a list of 5 ‘Tail-wagging-worthy’ dog parks (with Brinkley’s lick of approval, of course).

Below is the list, rated from tail wags to uncontrollable whimpers of glee. Each park has its ups and downs and an overall grade from our judge, Brinkley.

Plano Dog Park

Right in the heart of Jack Carter, lives Plano Dog Park—a 2-acre area along Bluebonnet Trail. This dog park is the only off-leash area designated by the Plano Parks and Recreation Department.

Pros:

This dog park has benches and picnic tables to rest all while all the dogs play and because this is the only off-leash area for dogs to play at in Plano, there are always plenty of dogs to play with.

Cons:

Don’t count on sitting in the shade at this dog park since there aren’t any trees in the small or large dog area. Also, parking is a bit complicated with few spots and one-way rows

Overall Grade: B

Brinkley can’t complain about a place to play with other dogs but overall the park lacks character, shade and enthusiasm.

Photos of Plano Dog Park from Yelp

Wagging Tail Dog Park

Opened in 2009, this Addison dog park located on Keller Springs spreads over 7 acres and is the first City of Dallas specifically designed park for dogs.

Pros:

The park features a ¼ mile walking trail with a dock overlooking White Rock Creek. Both the small and large dog areas have trees, shade, and large stone decking and seating. Not to mention, the park was designed well with trees and small hills as scenery.

Cons:

If it has rained recently, prepare to get a little muddy. The acres are split between patches of grass and dirt. Another downside is that the park can often be a bit quiet with few dog friends to entertain your pup.

Overall Grade: B+

Brinkley is always clearly excited to get inside the gate of this dog park but his enthusiasm wears off quickly. Don’t get upset though, Brinkley is a harsh judge and only dog parks with water areas get A’s.

Photos of Wagging Tail Dog Park from Yelp

 

White Rock Dog Park

Placed right in the action of White Rock, this dog park features wet and dry play areas accompanied by beautiful views.  White Rock Dog Park proudly claims to be Dallas’ first off-leash dog park.

Pros:

Pups have the opportunity to retrieve right into White Rock Lake. A path splits the small and large dog play areas and brings you to a cement dock where dogs can play in the water. The park is also surrounded by plenty of dog-friendly patios to enjoy food and beers (My personal recommendation is Goodfriend Beer Garden).

Cons:

White Rock Dog Park does not have much to any grass, which means it can be closed randomly after storms to let the area dry. Also, if your dog loves water but is not a strong swimmer I would not recommend letting them play in the lake. The lake has a current and is not the easiest place for them to get in and out of.

Overall Grade: A

Brinkley loved his time at White Rock Dog Park. He was initially excited about the water section of the park but realized his fear of jumping into water while there.

Photos of White Rock Dog Park from Yelp

Northbark Dog Park

Located right off of George Bush and Dallas North Tollway, Northbark has it all. This 5-acre park has trails and lawn area to play on along with a deck 35 feet above White Rock Creek with great views of a waterfall.

Pros:

Northbark features a gated off swimming hole for pups in which they can retrieve and frolic. The swimming hole area even includes a cleaning station with hoses for pups that get muddy. Lawn surrounds the area along with stone benches, and the park also includes plenty of trees and shade for hot days.

Cons:

Because it is located closely to two highways, it can be a bit hard to get to. Secondly, while there are trees and shade in the dry area, there is a lack of shade near the swimming hole.

Overall Grade: A+

I’m barely able to walk Brinkley on his leash from the parking lot to the field. He is literally dragging me.  With so much space, water, and shade, Northbark is fun for Brinkley and I for at least an hour.

Photos of Northbark Dog Park from Yelp

Wiggly Field Dog Park

Nestled between neighborhoods in Southern Denton lives Lake Forest Park, a 63-acre park filled with a dog park, lake and multiple trails. This beautiful park has been the home to many fun-filled Saturdays.

Pros:

There is never a shortage of things to do between the dog park, pup swimming hole, lake and trails. Plenty of space with plenty of dogs to play with.

Cons:

If not from around town, this dog park can be a bit of a hike.

Overall Grade: A++

While a 30-minute drive from Dallas, this park is beyond a dog park for dogs. There are trails for you and your furry friends to roam, unleashed. There is a pond for doggies to swim, a lake to fish at, along with the typical fenced dog parks. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon while tiring out your four legged companion.

Photos of Wiggly Field Dog Park from DogGoes.com

Other images of Lake Forest Park:

No matter which you pick, it’s guaranteed that any of these parks will provide plenty of entertainment for your pup. Feel free to fill me in your experiences at any one of these while Brinkley and I discover more!