Humanity’s canine companions are ideally loyal and loving pets. Many of them wait at home while we are at work, school or other human activities. Once we step through the door, quality dog time in many cases involves a walk on a leash or playing in a yard that might be too small for its needs.
For those who want to give their fur baby a special day, Oklahoma City metro area dog parks are the answer. There, dogs can be themselves and let off some steam — a canine version of going to the gym or a jog in the park. Each of these parks has its own rules and courtesy codes for dogs and humans like. However, they also share common rules that involve respect, vaccination tags and cleaning up what the dogs leave behind them. Here’s a brief overview of a few metro dog parks that will inspire a tail wag.
Norman Community Dog Park
Dawn-dusk
1001 E. Robinson Ave., Norman
normanok.gov
The off-leash, 2-acre Norman Dog Park, established in 2005, has only one rule for dogs: Be a good dog. For humans, there are a few extra items of courtesy to consider, but they are no different than other dog park rules in the metro area. This includes usage of the small dog/large dog areas, keeping the pet in view, vaccination tags on the collar and not allowing aggressive behavior. While the park is under the City of Norman’s Parks & Recreation Department, it relies on private funding.
PAW Park
Dawn-dusk
3303 NW Grand Blvd.
pawok.com
PAW Park, privately managed by Partners for Animal Welfare, is a 2-acre area near Hefner Park. Two fenced areas for smaller (under 30 pounds) and larger dogs include water stations, at least 40 trees, park benches and partial duck pond access for swimming. While handlers under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult, children under 10 are not allowed, according to the PAW Park website.
Edmond Dog Park
Dawn-dusk
379 E. 33rd St., Edmond
edmondok.com
This 4-acre park includes separate, enclosed areas for small dogs (under 30 pounds) and large dogs, lake access for swimming, water fountains and human restroom facilities. Elderly and disabled dogs are allowed to be in the smaller dog area. Enclosed areas are leash-free zones.
Fred Quinn Happy Tails Dog Park
8700 E. Reno Ave., Midwest City
facebook.com/midwestcityok
Established in 2012, Happy Tails has two leash-free areas available for small and large dogs, a pond for swimming or cooling and a dry bed creek with crossing bridges. Older and handicapped dogs are allowed in the small dog area, and bags are provided. While food is not allowed, training treats are permitted.
Pets & People Humane Society Dog Park
Dawn-dusk (with late morning and late afternoon closings for shelter animal playtime)
701 Inla Ave., Yukon
petsandpeople.com
Located on three acres, Pets & People’s Yukon park requires a membership, with sign-up times noon-5:30 p.m. Upon registering, dog rules and liability waivers are given to new members. Facilities include grassland areas and a pond. Note: Dogs over six months old must be spayed and/or neutered.
Myriad Botanical Gardens Dog Park
301 W. Reno Ave.
myriadgardens.com
This off-leash downtown dog park includes turf-covered areas, water availability and waste receptacles. Puppies must be at least four months old to be in the park. According to the Yelp version of animal parks, bringfido.com, Myriad Dog Park has a five-bone rating. Outside the dog park area, animals must be on leashes.
Happy Tails Dog Park
6 a.m.-9 p.m. daily; 6-9 a.m. and noon-9 p.m. Wednesdays
1903 NE 12th St., Moore
cityofmoore.com
Sitting on 2 acres, Happy Tails has water facilities, human restrooms, canine agility features and small/large dog areas. Plastic bags and containers are provided. The park also shares a common metro area rule of a two-dog maximum and removal of aggressive dogs.
