Texas weather is gorgeous for most of this week, making it the perfect time to spend some quality time outdoors — and your four-legged companions can join in on the fun.
Here are the best dog parks in North Texas:
Jack Carter Dog Park
Where: 2215 Pleasant Valley Drive, Plano
When: Friday - Wednesday Sunrise to 10:30 p.m.; Thursday 4 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Jack Carter Dog Park is a double-gated, fenced, two-acre area — the perfect end to a walk on the Bluebonnet Trail. It features a separate area for large and small dogs with benches, dog rinse station, picnic tables, shade shelters and water stations for humans and dogs.
Dog Park at Windhaven Meadows Park
Where: 5369 Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano
When: 6 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.
The Dog Park at Windhaven Meadows Park in Plano stands as a superb choice. It boasts several dog rinse stations to freshen up your furry friend post-playtime and it's equipped with double gates, creating separate zones for both large and small dogs. Additionally, this park offers all the essential amenities for an outstanding dog park experience, including LED lighting, picnic tables, comfortable seating walls, shaded shelters, stone benches, waste disposal stations and water stations.
Ruff Range Dog Park
Where: 5335 4th Army Dr, Frisco
When: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Closed Wednesday
Situated within B.F. Phillips Community Park, you'll find Ruff Range Dog Park. This canine haven offers off-leash areas for both large and small dogs, as well as convenient amenities like pavilions, water stations, seating, dog wash stations and accessible parking.
Bonnie Wenk Dog Park
Where: 2996 Virginia Pkwy, McKinney
When: 7 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Bonnie Wenk's Dog Park offers an excellent space for Fido to frolic. This 2-acre, enclosed park includes a splash pad and designated sections for both small and large dogs. A shaded pavilion is also available, providing relief on scorching days.
Bush Central Barkway
Where: 3581 N U.S. 75-Central Expy 1000, Richardson
When: 6:30 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.; Wednesday 10 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Richardson has a delightful surprise in store for our four-legged companions, aptly named the Bush Central Barkway. The park boasts distinct sections for both large and small dogs, and even offers a rental space for puppy parents looking to celebrate their furry friends' birthdays. For dogs that may not have the same energy as they once did, or those in need of a more relaxed environment, there's a designated area for sedentary dogs. The park features a central plaza complete with restrooms, shaded structures and an open area with various surfaces, such as grass, decomposed granite, stone and logs, providing diverse sensory experiences.
Barney Wood Bark Park
Where: 14090 Heartside Place, Farmers Branch
When: Tuesday - Sunday 6 a.m. - 10 p.m.
The 1.44-acre Bark Park, located next to the Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center, offers a large and small dog area. Each section has a double-gated entry, a splash pad, lighting and ample seating. The park also often hosts activities for pets and fur-parents.
Hound Mound Dog Park
Where: 1202 S Garden Ridge Blvd, Flower Mound
When: Tuesday - Sunday 7 a.m. - 9 p.m.; closed Wednesday
Heritage Park's Hound Mound, a massive 5-acre dog haven, can be found on the eastern side of Heritage Park. The park is designed with dedicated sections for both small and large dogs. Among its amenities are natural shade, a hybrid Bermuda turf, efficient irrigation, seating areas with water fountains, pet waste stations and well-manicured landscaping.
Dog parks can get a bad rap, so make sure to do your part by keeping them clean, safe and fun. Before visiting any dog park, be sure to double-check your pet is up to date on all vaccinations and pack some extra poop bags.
These parks often undergo maintenance, so make sure to check the cities’ websites before visiting.
This article was originally published on Oct. 18, 2023.
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