Woodward Dog Park

UPDATE: — The dog park is expanding and is in need of benches, lights, etc. Any volunteers will be appreciated. There will be 3 bigger sections – small dogs, big dogs, and a time-​out for aggressive dogs. Right now the small area is used for small and aggressive dogs, and can’t serve both functions simultaneously.
I’ve been coming here for about ten years, since it was built, and even though I no longer live close to Woodward, this is still my dog park.
Why?
– There are almost always dogs here – a steady stream go in and out during the day so your dog will have two or three playmates at a time. The rush times can have as many as 35 dogs.
– Most owners watch their dogs and are responsible, picking up their own dogs’ messes and notifying nonchalant owners of their need to do the same. If a dogfight breaks out (I’ve seen only two major ones in ten years), the owners are quick to separate the dogs and pack off the offenders.
– The park has added more seating in recent years, so now there are seven picnic tables, three benches, and almost 20 plastic chairs scattered around. Plenty of human relaxing spots.
– It covers a large area and includes toys, plenty of drinking fountains and bowls for you and your pooch, three waste stations, and five or six shady areas.
– There’s a fenced-​off smaller park to the right as you come in that’s perfect for smaller or anxious dogs to calm down in.
Tips:
– Don’t bring in food. This should be obvious, but it isn’t.
– Small children shouldn’t be in here, since some dogs are bigger than they are and can knock them down. There’s a playground literally across the parking lot.
– If you want clean water for your mutt, fill up the water dishes yourself and be prepared for other dogs to butt in.
– Watch your dog and clean up after it!
– Leave yapping or aggressive dogs in the small area until they calm down, then you may choose to come back out.
– Have fun!

Today was a good day. Not so busy that the lil ones could play in the big kids park. :) the only downside is when people just sit around not paying attention to their big dogs and they don’t pick up after them or don’t pay attention to what they are doing (I.e. Terrorizing other dogs or attempting to demonstrate their dominance… That moment when playing changes to something else and they are on the other side of the park unable to control their dogs.). It’s a good sized dog park … Just wish the small dog side was better maintained and a bit bigger… Lots of trees for shade and benches scattered throughout.

I have been taking my dog here off and on for the past two years. It does get a bit dusty at times. However she enjoys it immensely which I guess is the whole point. I will agree with a prior post that any issues that occur are owner driven and not the pooches fault. Overall a good place that could be great if kept up a bit better.

I’ve been coming to this dog park for about 4 years now. Started bring my dog here when he was a puppy. I’ve never had any bad visits. Most everyone is kind, understanding and respectful.
The park is an acre with some trees, normally has a small plastic pool for drinking or wading. I know some people have complained that the park has no grass but it doesn’t bug me at all because its the only dog park which has a consistant number of dogs!
My dog loves this park and has even made friends that he will recognize as soon as he see them!
Now for the annoying part of this park.
— some people will bring their kids in here and not really watch them. Don’t be surprised if they get knock down because the dogs here really like to play and run around.
— also there is this extremely annoying women with black curly hair, and a loud accent who bosses people around and even claims to have some kind of rights to the park… Complete bs. As soon as someone’s dog does their duty she will grab a chair and run over to it, put the chair over it, then track down the owner to pick it up before they even have a chance to grab a scooper!
Over all I love this dog park!

I really enjoyed taking my hyper dog here, I could let her off the leash without worrying because it’s fenced in. There is plenty of water, seating, and trash cans. Other dog owners have been friendly all the times I took my dog here, she is a little weary of other dogs but people were attentive and helpful. It’s mostly dirt so winter may be muddy but for an area for dogs to run and play grass isn’t important.

For being in such a nice area and park, this dog park is seriously lacking. Prior to coming here, I thought it was going to be a lush and ample area for my four legged friend to run around. There is definitely a lot of space but it’s basically a fenced in lot of dry dirt (expect your furry friend to be tracking home a lot of dust, esp if they’re longer haired).
The other thing I don’t care for is the dog owners who patron this dog park. Some choose to completely ignore dog park etiquette. Some examples that come to mind:
1. They don’t keep an eye on their dogs and let them do whatever which becomes a problem if the dog happens to be aggressive with others. Our friends told us that their dog has been bitten twice here already. When we went, there was a dog that keep bothering my dog and my friends’. The owner was nowhere to be seen.
2. There is supposed to be a small area fenced off for small dogs. It had been taken over by an owner and their ginormous pit. It didn’t make a difference to us but that’s just so inconsiderate.
3. People not picking up their dog crap. Seriously, there are FREE bags provided and trash cans all around. Is it really that difficult?
Along for the aforementioned «amenities,» there are a few tables scattered around as well as a water faucet. Not the ideal dog park I was hoping for but our dog got to run around and socialize so we will probably be back despite its shortcomings.