Even the most cursory of observations would suggest that Reno residents love their pets. In fact, it’s the rare pickup that doesn’t have a canine co-pilot in the back, and our furry family friends are regular attendees to area festivals, parks, and stretches of river. For that reason alone, the City of Reno has gotten together with local boosters to build a series of protective Reno dog parks, which means dogs can frolic to their heart’s content in a safe and secure environment all under the watchful eyes of their owners. For Reno residents whose idea of a complete and happy family must include a four-legged companion, these five top Reno dog parks are guaranteed to bring a smile to their owner’s faces and a wag to their dog’s tail.
1. Link Piazzo Dog Park
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Nestled in the Hidden Valley section of town, within the boundaries of Hidden Valley Regional Park and located at 4740 Parkway Drive, is a canine paradise in the form of Link Piazzo Dog Park. Opened in 2008 with a generous $150,000 donation, the park is managed by the Washoe County Parks and Recreation Department. Featuring two distinct enclosed areas, one is for large breed dogs while the other caters exclusively to the smaller pups who tip the scales at less than thirty pounds. Regardless of which enclosure use, each fenced in area sports a double-gated entrance, so dogs can’t easily escape while also providing a spot to meet and greet dogs already in the park. Water fountain, benches, restroom facilities, shade structures, and waste receptacles make a visit to Link Piazzo Dog Park a pleasure for dog and dog owner alike. In addition to mandating that all dogs are fully licensed and vaccinated before using the park, rules also stipulate that animals should be fully leashed upon entering and exiting this particular Reno dog park.
2. Rancho San Raphael Regional Park
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Situated to the northwest part of the city, Rancho San Raphael Regional Park is a favorite of Reno residents for an array of outdoor activities. This is especially true of those residents who own dogs and are seeking an environment were they can safely run and expend all that excess energy in a fully enclosed off-leash, multi-use pasture. Once part of an actual working ranch, the Rancho San Raphael Regional Park’s multi-use pasture is a community treasure that is owned and managed by the Washoe County Community Services Department. Amongst the many doggy amenities available, the park hosts a pond, doggy drinking fountains, and aces of natural grass for running and rolling purposes. When the time comes to go home from this particular Reno dog park, owners will have a hard time coaxing Fido back into the car for the ride home.
3. Sparks Marina Dog Park
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This manmade marina in the heart of the downtown Sparks, Nevada area is a popular gathering point for residents looking to throw their fishing line into the lake, take a turn paddle boating across the surface, or simply jumping in to cool off during hot Nevada summers. Located at 300 Howard Drive, the park offers a myriad of features to help visitors enjoy a day out in the sun. In addition to a circular two-mile walking path, the park offers a playground, concession stands, volleyball courts, and a dedicated fenced in dog park, so area dogs can not only get hot and bothered playing together, they can also jump in the water for a cooling splash before they go home. Sparks marina also plays host to the Washoe County’s annual Walk for Animals festival where all proceeds are dedicated to the care of those pups in area shelters that have yet to find their “forever home.”
4. Whitaker Dog Park
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Situated at 550 University Terrace in Reno, Whitaker earns its spot as one of the top five Reno dog parks based on the strength of its available amenities. Featuring a double-gated system that allows complete control over the entering and leaving of excited dogs, this fenced in area is a great place to let the dogs kick up some dirt with off leash running. Amenities include plentiful shade, park benches, and picnic tables for owners to relax, and watch their furry friends cavort about the park. Nearby restrooms, plentiful parking, and a relaxed atmosphere makes Whitaker Dog Park easily one of the top five Reno dog parks to bring your canine friend.
5. Virginia Lake Dog Park
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One of the best-kept secrets among Reno dog owners is the fabulous dog park located just up the street from Virginia Lake. Located at 1980 Lakeside Drive, Virginia Lake Dog Park is the perfect spot to let the dogs run wild in the company of other like minded canines. With a double-gated entry system, incoming dogs are able to process the smells and intentions of the other dogs crowding his arrival, while ensuring that no dog escapes in the excitement of transferring a dog into the park. With two fenced in areas, the park provides dedicated space for small and large breed dogs to play together. A shade structure with benches, picnic tables, water fountains, and waste receptacles make Virginia Lake Dog Park a favorite destination when it is time to get the dog out of the house for a few hours of much deserved playtime.
2 Point Highlight
Even the most cursory of observations would suggest that Reno residents love their pets.
For Reno residents whose idea of a complete and happy family must include a four-legged companion, these five top Reno dog parks are guaranteed to bring a smile to their owner’s faces and a wag to their dog’s tail.
