While there are several options for giving your dog some much needed exercise, dog parks – places that allow your companions to roam free – can be a great idea. There are several such dog parks around my home, two of our favorites – that would be, favorites of my family and Ginger, our dog – are a short drive away from home yet offer different features. In no particular order, our favorite dog parks are located in Middlefield, CT and Rocky Hill, CT.
Middlefield Dog Park
The Middlefield Dog Park was Ginger’s first experience with a dog park. Wanting to give Ginger some off-leash time and training as well as offer her some socialization with other people and dogs, we followed a neighbor’s recommendation.
Pros
- The Middlefield Dog Park is the result of a Boy Scout’s project for his Eagle Scout qualification. He designed and organized the construction of the dog park.
- The dog park is located in a remote area and has several hiking trails around it where you could take an extended walk with your companion (properly leashed) if you so desire.
- The dog park is in a well shaded area. Trees abound and even in the light of midday, shading from direct sunlight is not an issue.
Cons
- The Middlefield Dog Park is well off the beaten path and is a little bit hard to find. It took us a couple of attempts to find it the first time we went there. Once found, however, this can be removed from the ‘con’ list as the remote location is actually a great feature.
- The dog park has no immediate source of fresh water for your companion. There are a couple of bowls provided for water and a container that can be refilled as a source of water, but filling that container takes a bit of effort.
- Parking is a bit removed from the entrance to the park. This may not be considered a ‘con’ as you are likely visiting the dog park to get some exercise for yourself and your dog, so a little walk from the parking area shouldn’t be an issue. However, the parking area is also shared with people wanting to use the hiking trails. We have never encountered a lack of parking, but it wouldn’t take too many cars to fill the available spaces.
Rocky Hill Dog Park
We went to the Rocky Hill Dog Park for a change of pace from the Middlefield Dog Park.
Pros
- The dog park is readily accessible and occupies part of a park that also offers a baseball diamond, basketball courts, picnic areas, and wide open space for other activities. There is also an area that is supposedly used as a concert venue – though I have not, personally experienced that.
- The dog park has a readily accessible water supply for both humans and dogs.
- The dog park has several benches scattered throughout the fenced in area so you can take a break while your dog plays with his/her friends.
Cons
- The Rocky Hill Dog Park is relatively new. While several trees have been planted throughout the park, there is very little shade to be had. On a hot, sunny day your time in the park may be limited to how much sun you can stand.
In both cases, bags and containers are provided for dog waste disposal. The difference lies in the fact that the Middlefield Dog Park seems to be more user-supported – the people that visit the park bring used, grocery store or newspaper bags to fill the dispensers for others to use – while the Rocky Hill Dog Park is maintained by the town. Both dog parks also provide separate areas for dogs of varying temperament. If your dog doesn’t play well with others, they can still enjoy the parks.
Depending on the specific experience desired – a wooded, trail-type experience or a wide open, suitable for Frisbee playing experience – both dog parks provide for what is likely your main goal – a great, off-leash play time with your dog. Every time that we have gone to either park, Ginger has made friends with other dogs and we have gotten a chance to meet some friendly, like-minded dog lovers.
