If you are considering making Nebraska your home, then chances are Omaha is of special interest to you. Omaha is the largest city in the state, yet it maintains a below average cost of living. There are plenty of amenities, too, including Omaha dog parks. Take a look at five of the top ones and learn more about them as you shop for a new home.
1. Hefflinger Dog Park
Out on the western edge of the city, just south of 111th and West Maple Street, you find Hefflinger Dog Park. Run by the nonprofit organization Hefflinger Dog Park. Run by the nonprofit organization Omaha Dog Parks, this is a favorite in the city getting four stars for reviews on Yelp. The park is split into two sections, one for large dogs and one for the smaller breeds under 30 pounds. Dogs can go off-leash and make friends or just explore the area. The park management provides bags for owners benefit and you are expected to use them.
Crime in this area of Omaha is mostly nonviolent, making this park an ideal spot to let your dog run. There are some property thefts in the area, so be sure keep that in mind. You will want to make sure to lock your car and leave your valuables at home.
The Heffinger Dog Park is open seven days a week from five in the morning until 11:00 p.m. After hours, the gate is locked.
2. Hanscom Bark Park
In the midtown area of Omaha, you find the Hanscom Bark Park, also owned and operated by the Omaha Dog Parks organization. Many of the rules are the same at this location, as well. The Bark Park sits near the edge of Omaha’s oldest park just south of Woolworth Aves and east of S. 32nd Avenue.
The location is a big advantage with this park. It is more centrally located, so more accessible to people living in North Omaha and downtown. The Midtown neighborhood is a very affordable region to live if you want to be close to the park. Homes in this area average around 114,000 dollars. You could possibly walk to the park or bike ride, too. Around five percent of the residents in midtown get around this way.
Unlike Heffinger Dog Park, there is only one area for dogs to roam here. This means small dogs intermingle with larger breeds. Owners are responsible for the safety of their pets, so you will want to keep a close eye on your dog. This park opens early and closes late for your convenience.
3. Memorial Park
Heffinger and Hanscom are the only two off-leash parks in the city of Omaha, but Memorial Park welcomes dogs on leash. Located on Underwood Ave., just off Dodge Street, this park is very easy to get to from anywhere in the city. It sits near the Elmwood Park and Dundee neighborhoods and is where you also find the Memorial Park Pedestrian Bridge, the Omaha Rose Garden, and the war memorial.
Homes in this area of the city are a little pricier with the median cost of around 214,000 dollars. It is a low to middle income area with the average homeowner making between 30 to 75,000 dollars a year. Around 20 percent of the residents make more than 75,000 dollars.
There is plenty for you and your dog to enjoy in this park, even with a leash. There are plenty of walking trails and miles of green to enjoy. Just make sure to bring bags with you and clean as you go.
4. Rising View Dog Park
Bellevue is one of Omaha’s many suburbs and it does off an off-leash park available even if you live in the core city. Bellevue, Nebraska is just eight miles south of the city, so easy to get to off of 75. The town boasts a population of over 50,000, making it a practical choice if you are looking to live outside of the metropolitan area, too. There is a diverse selection of homes, ranging from under 100,000 dollars to larger properties costing over 200,000 dollars.
You’ll find the Rising View Dog Park at S. 23rd Street behind the basketball and tennis courts. This dog run is nothing fancy. There is greenspace and lots of dirt for your dog to enjoy. The park is open as long as the sun is up but closes at night. You will need to bring your own supplies and monitor your dog closely.
5. Walnut Creek Park
In the suburb of Papillion, you find a unique off-leash park, one well worth traveling to if you live in metro Omaha. With a population of 19,000, Papillion offers the best of both worlds. You can enjoy the small town life Nebraska is famous for, yet still be within driving distance to work in the city. Homes here cost around 365,000 dollars.
Walnut Creek Park is a good choice on a hot, summer day. As the name suggests, there is a swimming pond on the property, so your dog can take a dip to cool off. The park is fenced on three sides for your safety, too. You can leash-walk your dog on the trails. You will need to bring supplies to clean up after your pet and the park closes when the sun goes down.
2 Point Highlight
Heffinger and Hanscom are the only two off-leash parks in the city of Omaha, but Memorial Park welcomes dogs on leash.
Owners are responsible for the safety of their pets, so you will want to keep a close eye on your dog.
