Dogwood Park in Knoxville, TN is Fun for Fido

Sure, K-town has always had several nice parks, but how many just for your beloved pooch? Many Knoxvillians waited patiently for a nice, dog-friendly park, and got their wish. Dogwood Park, Knoxville's first off-leash dog park opened in Victor Ashe Park on April 15th, 2004.

Located at 4901 Bradshaw Road, Just off of I-640 and Western Avenue, Dogwood Park is convenient to many neighborhoods, such as West Haven, Norwood, Lonsdale, and Karns, just to name a few. For humans, Victor Ashe Park has covered picnic pavillions, several soccer fields, paved and cross-country running tracks, playgrounds, a frisbee golf course, and restrooms. But what family park would be complete without an acre lovingly set aside for our four-legged family members?.

Sure, you can take your best friend for a leisurely walk or a vigorous run through the green meadows of the parks South 40, but why not let him off his leash in the very generous portion of the park fenced in just for him? There, he has tunnels to run through, not to mention ramps, holes, trees, and many other neat-o items of doggie interest. It even has a water fountain, just for good ol' Lady!

Since it is fenced in, she can run free without running into traffic or jumping excitedly onto a stranger who may not appreciate canine affection. It is a great place to socialize, for both dogs and their keepers. There is no better ice-breaker than taking your dog to a dog park; after all, everyone there already has something very special in common!

Also, with this new canine freedom comes some responsibility. When outside of the Dogwood Park section, you must keep your pooch under control, especially around children. Keep him tethered inside the Dogwood Park area if he cannot resist aggravating other dogs or jumping on people. Most importantly, clean up any calling cards he leaves behind; the city even provides bags and a barrel for disposing of poop. Please, take advantage of the amenities, because nothing ruins a great romp in the park like stomping on a big ol' pile of dog doo!

Although located in a busy urban setting, the green meadows and many tall oaks, poplars, hickorys, maples and pines make Dogwood Park a little rural oasis away from the traffic and other distractions of city life. So if you want to give Lassie or Rex a break from that same ol' backyard (and get a little exercise yourself), Dogwood Park cannot be beat. After all, he keeps your feet warm at night, brings your paper, and keeps the squirrels away from the house. So why not do something special for your loyal bud? Take him to Dogwood Park whenever you're in town; You will both be glad you did!