We really don’t know our neighbors until we take our dog for a romp at the dog park and get to know those who have the same passions for pets. It’s just seems easier to relax into a conversation with someone over the common connection pet ownership conveys.
Seen in many areas as another way to socialize for humans as well as pets, dog parks are considered one of the fasted growing trends in outdoor parks in the U.S. The concept and popularity of community dog parks began showing rapid growth in the top 100 largest cities in America about a decade ago, growing by 5 percent in the last five years when other types of outdoor park venues only grew at about 3 percent.
With plenty of space to roam and plan, the Oklahoma City Metropolitan area has plenty of great off-leash dog parks to consider and none of the crowding problems that some other, densely populated large cities have.  If you are considering moving to the area, you should know that Oklahoma City ordinances require that other than in approved areas or in private, fenced yards that all animals be on a leash at all times.
While there are no rigid ordinances or breed bans, Oklahoma City residents did pass stricter guidelines regarding some aspects of pet ownership and better defined cruelty laws. By and large, the city is dog friendly as are its residents.
Oklahoma City has been long known for its economic attachment to livestock and its emotional and working relationship with companion animals of all kinds. You will likely find a large number of dog lovers who live in and around this city.
The best place to meet them and get to know them is in one of the five top dog parks in the Oklahoma City Metropolitan area.
1. Edmond Dog Park
This four acre off-leash dog park is located in the northwest corner of Bickham-Rudkin Park at 33rd Street and Rankin, just east of Boulevard. The park is open from dawn until dusk, according to the City of Edmond’s website. The park includes a pond for those of you who have water loving dogs. It also features drinking fountains and restrooms for the humans. According to Edmond Remax Real Estate professional Victoria Caldwell, the Edmond Dog park is the largest in the Oklahoma City Metro area. Edmond is situated on the north edge of the metro area just 20 minutes from downtown Oklahoma City. The park invites all dog owners to enjoy the space, requiring that dogs only be leashed while entering or leaving the park.
2. Norman Community Dog Park
This two acre off-leash dog park, situated on the north end of Griffin Community Park, is the living brain child and collaboration between the city of Norman, south of Oklahoma City, and a group of volunteers. It was opened in 2005 and still relies totally on donations to remain open. To accomplish that, the Westwood Water park nearby features the annual benefit Pooch Pool Party. The event costs $5 and all proceeds go to supporting the Norman Community Dog Park. Donations are also accepted. The park features trees for shade, water and benches as well as a fun training tube.
3. OKC PawPark
With two fenced areas, one for smaller and older dogs of any size and one for larger, more active and rambunctious sorts, this two acre offering is one of Oklahoma City favorites. Situated near Northwest Oklahoma’s Lake Hefner, OKC PawPark offers plenty of trees, running room, grassy areas and a duck pond, the doggie favorite here. Admission to the park is free, but the park does accept donations to provide continued maintenance to the sod, trees, fencing and pond.
4. Pets and People Dog Park – Yukon
Located west of Oklahoma city on Interstate 40, Yukon is a quick 20 minute drive from downtown Oklahoma City and features a dog park that also offers an opportunity to learn about some friends who need homes. The Pets and People Humane Society in Yukon opened the first dog park in the state of Oklahoma in 1999. The park is open from 8 a.m. until 7 or 8 in the evening. The staff ask that you register at the next door shelter. The off-leash park has a separate area for small dogs, benches, trees and a swimming pond.
5. Wiggly Field
In Del City, a stones throw for those who have come to the Oklahoma City area because of nearby Tinker Air Force base, the community offers a three acre off-leash dog park. The park has been recently upgrades and features water bowls, supplied trash (dog waste) bags, a small dog enclosure for protection and a pedestrian or bicycle trail.  The park also extends it hours from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and features lights for nighttime use of the park.
2 Point Highlight
We really don’t know our neighbors until we take our dog for a romp at the dog park and get to know them.
Seen in many areas as another way to socialize for humans as well as pets, dog parks are considered one of the fasted growing trends in outdoor parks in the U.S.
