Metro Detroit Dog Parks

If you live in the Metro Detroit areas with your pet, consider taking your best friend to one of these dog parks. It is nice to let your dog off the leash, and let him/her run in a safe environment. It is also good for pet owners to exchange information on dog related issues or share the joy of ownership. The demand for dog parks have increased over the years since the majority of pet owners like to have a park for open space, exercise, fresh air, and socialization. Dog parks have become a form of recreation, much like jogging or biking.

You will find below a list of dog parks in three counties around Metro areas. Maybe you could take your pet there to see what the buzz is all about.

Macomb County There are three dog parks in Macomb County to choose from, depending on where you live.

1. Mount Clemens - Behnke Memorial Dog Park, located at 300 N. Groesbeck Highway. This is a one-acre, fully fenced, and designed for non-aggressive canines to have some free time. It is equipped with a tire obstacle course, benches, trees, tables, drinking fountain, and clean-up area. This park opens from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Call (586) 469-6880 for more information.

2. Clinton Township - Located at 40700 Romeo Plank Road at Clinton Township Civic Center. There is a fee for non-residents and you must have a park pass. Call (586) 286-9336 for more information.

3. Warren - Anne Fracasca Memorial Dog Park, located at 12 Mile and Van Dyke, at the end of Pauline Street. You must show your pet's vaccinations, and obtain a park pass. This park opens from 7:00 a.m. to dusk all year round. Call (586) 751-0168 for more information.

Oakland County There are five dog parks in Oakland County.

1. Lake Orion - Orion Oaks Bark Park, located on Joslyn Road, South of Clarkston Road. This is a 14 fenced in acres, with a special area for canines swimming. The park provides benches, drinking fountain, tables, trees, and restrooms. It also has two trails and field area. The Michigan Tails Pet Magazine Reader's Choice awarded Orion Oak Bark Park as second-runner Best Dog Park in 2006. Call (248) 858-0906 or (248) 625-0877 for information regarding rules and fees.

2. Lyon Oaks- - ocated at 52221 Pontiac Trail, between Old Plank and Wixom Road, Lyon Township. This is a 13 fenced in acres for smaller breed dogs. This park provides poop bags, shelter, picnic tables, shades, portable toilette, and drinking water. Open 1/2 hour before sunrise, and close 1/2 hour after sunset. Call (248) 437-7345 for information regarding rules and fees.

3. Pleasant Ridge - This park located at the end of Indiana and Sylvan. It is half mile long and 150 feet wide. The fee is $25.00 for residents, and $50.00 for non-residents. To enter the park, your canine must have current vaccinations, and license. Call (248) 541-2900 for information.

4. Royal Oak - There are no dog parks in the city of Royal Oak, but there are many dog run areas in the city. They are Cummingston Park, Lockman Park, Mark Twain Park, Quickstad Park, and Wagner Park. The city advises dog owners to be careful since most of these dog run parks are next to busy streets.

5. West Bloomfield - This park is only open to its residents. Please call (248) 738-2500 for more information.

Wayne County There are five dog parks in Wayne County.

1. Detroit - Balduck Park located on Chandler Park Drive, and it opens from dawn to dusk. The group of dog lovers usually gathers around 4:00-6:00 p.m. The park has an enclosed wooded trail, field area, and lots of trees.

2. Grosse Pointe Shores - Located within the city on Vernier and Lake Shore Drive. This dog park is only for residents, and there is a park fee. Call (313) 884-2305 for information.

3. Grosse Pointe Woods - Located on Milk River and the Ford Estate inside the city Lake Front Park. An annual park pass is required and it is only for residents. Call (313) 343-2470 or (313) 343-2408 for more information.

4. Northville - There are two dog parks in Northville. There is a 7-acres on Cady Street, and is only for residents. The 4 acres Community Park welcomes non-residents, and requires recent vaccinations, license, and attends an educational sessions. This park located on Beck Road between 5 and 6 Mile. These two park are popular among their frequent users. Call (248) 449-9941 for more information.

5. Westland - Located at Hines Park and Hawthorne Ridge. This is a 3-acres park that required a liability waiver and registration form to be filled out before entering the dog park. Call (866) 66-HINES for more information.

Now you have an overview of where the dog parks are in your county. Make a few phone calls to find out which one is best for you and your pooch. Enjoy meeting new dog owners and exchange helpful tips on how to get the best out of your companion. Watch your dog run and making friends with other dogs.