Top Dog Parks In Philadelphia
People aren't the only ones who need playtime. After a hard day protecting hearth and home, your pooch needs to unwind and socialize, too. Philadelphia dog parks provide the perfect spot for Fido to enjoy a safe place to get some exercise and fresh air and romp and play with other enthusiastic canines. A quick 20-minute visit to one of these top Philadelphia dog parks is sure to refresh both man and best friend.
Clark Park Dog Bowl
4398 Chester Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 683-3679
www.friendsofclarkpark.org
Tail-waggers who reside in the Spruce Hill section of West Philly know Clark Park Dog Bowl as the go-to place to romp, play and socialize with furry friends. Another pay-to-be-a-member dog park is just up the street, but Clark Park is a non-city operated spot that's free. It features a giant football field-size dog bowl smack in the middle of the park where Bear and Lucy can run wild as the wind. Be aware that the area is not fenced, however, and a playground is right above the area, so if King is aggressive, he might want to exercise elsewhere.
Mario Lanza Dog Park
200 Queen St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
www.mariolanzainstitute.org
Your furry friend will be singing your praises after a visit to Mario Lanza Dog Park. The urban oasis is a central meeting place for dog lovers and pets. It's located on the southwest corner of Mario Lanza Park, named in honor of the tenor who grew up just a few blocks away. The tree-lined park offers a serene place to read while your pooch enjoys a canine version of partying with friends in an enclosed area.
Passyunk Square Dog Park
1200 Wharton St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
www.passyunksquare.org
Whether you refer to it as South Philly Neighborhood Park, Columbus Square or Passyunk Square, this dog park gets four paws up. The gravel area is entirely enclosed by tall iron fencing. The park also features tree stumps and logs on which your pooch can survey his territory or pose for a photo. Benches are provided for owners, and while you're there, check out the beautiful fountain.
Pretzel Dog Run
Manayunk Park
4300 Silverwood St.
Philadelphia, PA 19128
www.friendsofpretzelpark.org
Pretzel Dog Run offers your pooch a slice of grassy heaven in which to sprint and sniff to his heart's content. It may not be the largest dog park, but it is a relaxing spot to get your daily dose of nature while your pup plays. A playground is on the grounds, and a super cool flea market takes place every Saturday during the warm months. If your four-legged friend is a jumper, watch out for the low stone wall on one side of the space.
Triangle Dog Park
898 Aramingo Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19125
www.facebook.com
Located in the Fishtown neighborhood of Philadelphia, Triangle Dog Park has plenty of space for Rover to run. A fence with a double gate encloses the entire area to ensure safe play. Benches and picnic tables are provided for owners, and, although you must bring your own water, water bowls are scattered around for the pups. Owners should also bring poop bags and a towel. The area is mainly dirt, so you might want to forgo visiting on rainy days.
Susan DeFeo has been a professional writer since 1997. She served as a community events columnist for New Jersey's "Cape May County Herald" for more than a decade. A writer for numerous online publications, Susan has covered health, fitness, beauty and travel, all subjects that are near and dear to her as a married mother of seven children. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
