Southwest City Dog Park

We just joined with our dog Charlie and are super happy with our decision. :)

This is my first dog park, so I don’t really have a measure to compare it to. Nevertheless, I am a satisfied member and more importantly so is my pup!
The dog park itself is fairly big so there’s a ton of room for your dog to run around with the other dogs. If you have a dog like mine that would rather hang out with humans, then it can be hard to follow your dog to make sure he isn’t annoying anyone.
The other people and dogs are very nice and welcoming. Most people prefer to talk, usually about their dogs, while their dogs play around, but others will sit on the benches and read. There’s a toybox with a few toys in it, a tub, several water bowls, and a couple of kiddie pools for the dog days of summer (yes I really used that pun… deal with it!). There’s even a smaller closed off area for small dogs or the doggie equivalent of time out for those who don’t play well with others.
I have only a couple of complaints that are pretty minor for the most part. For one, most members seem to graviate towards the evenings even if it is the weekend. I have twice found myself and my dog the only 2 in the entire dog park on Saturday afternoons. During the evenings there are a ton of dogs and people here. I am still a relatively new member so I don’t know how many fair weather dog owners there are here, but most people I talk to say they bring their dog just as often in the winter. I hope that’s true because it’s kind of a bummer to see how few people take their dogs out for walks when it’s below 50 degrees, above 80 degrees, or in any kind of precipitation.
I was also surprised to learn that Willmore park is still the crappy ricer capital of the St. Louis area and still draws groups of teens and 20 somethings to show off their latest 3 foot spoiler to their 95 Honda Civic. It’s not a big deal but I drive a Volkswagen so I think when they see me driving up they think I’m a part of a rival group or there to «challenge» them so I get some mean mugs. It’s ok because if they try something I will sick my Golden Retriever on them to lick them to death.
This is a good dog park and I would definitely check it out if you live in southwest city or close by in south county. It is only $ 35 bucks a year to city residents, which is a steal if you ask me. Check it out!

We have been members of the Southwest City Dog Park for just about 9 months. The park is a blessing for city residents and their pups who join.
The dog park is just over an acre in size, with a 60 inch tall vinyl-​coated chain link fence, a double entry gate, a water hydrant, and a key pad so members can enter using a number code. There is a smaller section of the whee-​little dogs. It is located within Willmore Park which is an active southwest city park conveniently located near the intersections of Hampton & Gravois and Jamieson.
When we joined last fall, our dog was member number 450. There has never been a visit, even in the dead of winter, where we encountered no other furry friends to play with.
The park has a landscaping committee and very responsive chairmembers to keep the park clean and organized, and all the members contribute bringing used grocery bags and donating toys. Simply put, the members-​only park is not a dog run but an operation that intends to provide a safe, fun place to let your dog run and play.
We visit at least 3 times a week and our dog goes bonkers, really, even before we turn into the park. Hope you’ll check it out and bring Fido, too. Membership is $ 35 a year and renews each September.