People love their four-footed family members, so finding places for those cute canines to socialize and play is important. For dog lovers looking for a new home, finding a neighborhood that is within a reasonable distance from places to exercise their furry friend is typically on their list of must-haves. Detroit dog parks are on the rise, with the first ever dog park located within the city limits opening just a few years ago. Now city residents have plenty of choices when it comes to spending an afternoon at the park with their pooch.
1. Detroit Dog Park
The new Detroit Dog Park is located on the corner of 17th Street and Rose Street near the location of the old Detroit Tiger Stadium. This area is known historically as Cork Town. Cork Town is the oldest surviving neighborhood in the city and was founded primarily by Irish immigrants coming to the United States during the Great Potato Famine of the 1840’s. Many of the newcomers to the city were from County Cork in Ireland, where the neighborhood gets its name. The residential section of Corktown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is also a City of Detroit Historic District. The Detroit Dog Park is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily and there is no admission fee. Dogs visiting the park must be up to date on vaccinations and have an appropriate dog license issued by the owner’s city of residence. There are no breed restrictions in the park, but there is also no separate section for smaller dogs. The park provides dog waste bags and asks that every visitor to the park clean up after his or own pet. The dog park is an off-leash park, but dogs must be well-trained on voice command. Owners are asked to remove their dog if it is having a bad day. There are no picnic shelters at the Detroit Dog Park yet, but there is plenty of shade from the many mature trees, which is one of the park’s most attractive features.
2. The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy
The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy is the newly-designed riverfront area stretching along the Detroit River from the Ambassador Bridge to the entrance to Belle Isle Park. The Detroit Riverfront includes beautiful views of the Detroit and the Canadian water fronts along with many newly constructed apartment complexes and loft homes. The dog-friendly paths and nature trails along the Detroit River are well-maintained and feature comfortable seating, incredible landscaping, a snack and ice cream pavilion and a children’s carousel. There are dog-friendly fountains for drinking water and plenty of room on the path for walkers, bikers, and roller blade enthusiasts, as well as those with canine companions. Dogs on leashes are more than welcome at the park, which is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Children under the age of 18 are not permitted in the park after 6 p.m. without a parent or legal guardian 21 years of age or older.
3. Dequindre Cut
The Dequindre Cut is part of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy and is a greenway that serves as a pedestrian link between the Riverfront, Eastern Market and many area neighborhoods. The Dequindre Cut was developed from the Grand Trunk Railroad Line and rests below the street level. The path features separate lanes for bicycling and walking and is known for its collection of urban graffiti done by local artists who are specifically commissioned by the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. The paved path is 20 feet wide, providing plenty of room for dogs on leashes in the pedestrian lane. Owners are asked to bring their own dog waste bags and to please pick up after their pets. Entrance ramps to the Dequindre Cut can be found on Lafayette Street, Gratiot Avenue and Woodbridge Street. And while enjoying the Dequindre Cut, take a side trip to Eastern Market and check out 3 Dogs 1 Cat Urban Pet Shoppe. This shop features Detroit items, like collars and Shinola leather leashes designed just for your pooch. A portion of every sale goes to help local animal shelters.
4. Statler-Maloof Dog Park
Just a short 23-mile drive from downtown Detroit is the Statler-Maloof Dog Park. Located in the upscale community of St. Clair Shores, the Statler-Maloof Dog Park is an off-leash park located at 8 Mile Road and Harper, just inside the Herman Brys Park. The park has over 53,000 square feet of fenced-in space and is named for a local businessman, Fred Maloof and his dog, Statler. This dog park features a special section for smaller dogs, as well as rain shelters and picnic tables. And after a romp in the park, be sure and stop at Wally’s Custard on Harper Avenue. Wally’s is a favorite with its furry friends for its dog-sized custard cones made especially for them.
5. Gross Point Farms Dog Park
Just south of the community of St. Clair Shores is the community of Gross Point Farms. Located on the shores of Lake St. Clair, Gross Point Farms is another upscale community approximately 20 miles from downtown Detroit. The Gross Point Farms Dog Park is part of the Kerby Field Facilities and is operated by the Gross Point Farms Department of Parks and Recreation. The dog park is available to Gross Park Farms residents. Residents of Gross Park Farms must apply for a dog park pass, available for $15.00 each year. To qualify for the pass, you’ll need a valid dog license and be able to show proof of current dog vaccinations. The dog park is open from dawn to dusk or from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Owners must be 18 years of age or older, and puppies younger than four months are not allowed in the dog park.
2 Point Highlight
The Detroit Riverfront includes beautiful views Detroit and Canada along with many newly constructed apartment complexes and loft homes.
