Taking your dog to a park is the highlight of their day, and a great opportunity for you to get some fresh air. Yet, going to a normal park often means keeping them on a leash and worrying about other people. Instead of making it a stressful event, you can take your pooch to a dog park and let them run wild. Tucson is home to a handful of dog parks that have been crafted to help you and your pooch get the most out of the trip.
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We’ve investigated the best dog parks in Tucson to determine which ones are worth your time.  Every dog park on this list has succeeded in crafting an ideal environment for you and your pup. It’s time to explore the best Tucson dog parks.
Flowing Wells Dog Park
Located on Shannon Road near the Rillito River, this hidden gem is well-light, features dog-sized water fountains and has separate sections for large and small breeds. It’s one of the go-to spots for Tucson residents who wish to spoil their pups.
It’s a fairly new dog park that was opened in a small park in La Cholla. It’s in a rougher seeming neighborhood, but the rest of the park is often filled with kids playing basketball and adults running laps. The dog park section of the park is well-maintained. Grass is cut regularly, and your dog can release their inner beast and stay clean.
They even provide pooper scoopers, a sign of a dog park that’s well worth your time. The fewer supplies you have to bring to a dog park, the better. The scenery available at this dog park is breathtaking, with great mountain views and stunning sunsets.
Smiling Dog Ranch at George Mehl Foothills Park
This fully fledged park has Smiling Dog Ranch within it. Located on East River Rd near the Rillito River, this dog park has a sparkling reputation as one of the best dog parks in Tucson. Smiling Dog Ranch has a number of obstacle courses and other amenities that will make any dog feel at home. One of the most popular attractions is the dog tunnel that lets dogs nurture their desire to explore.
There are many shaded seated areas for dog owners, along with everything you need to clean up after your pooch. There’s even a hose that allows you to clean your dog if they get a little too wild. There’s no pools of standing water, but plenty of water buckets to keep your furry friend hydrated.
This particular dog park is quite popular, so there’s often other dogs for your pup to play with. However, not all dog owners are as considerate and aware as you are. Sometimes there are aggressive breeds that can cause problems. If this happens, talk to their owner and ask them to keep their dog under control. While this is rare, if the dog owner is not receptive, it’s best to visit one of the smaller dog parks on this list.
Miko’s Corner Playground at Reid Park
Featuring three gated entry points, this dog park features two separate areas for breeds of different sizes. Miko’s Corner Playground is one of the most popular dog parks in Tucson, making it an ideal place to socialize your dog – and yourself! It’s a great place to meet other dog owners.
Miko was a police dog lost in the line of duty, so this memorial park is expertly maintained and remains pristine. This dog park is quite popular, so there’s almost always other dogs and dog owners around. This can be an asset for some dog owners, while others may prefer a less populated park.
Purple Heart Dog Park
Also known as Ivan’s Spot, the Purple Heart Dog Park was named after a police dog that was lost during his service. This memorial park features one acre of well-maintained grass, complete with separate sections for different size breeds. While it may not be the biggest dog park in Tucson, it’s certainly one of the best maintained. A concrete walking path allows for leash training, while the fenced in areas allow your dog to run wild.
McDonald Park
This park is located at Harrison Road and Prospect Lane. The park itself is relatively small, with the dog park section being smaller than others on this list. However, it’s well-maintained and provides the core amenities that signify an ideal dog park, such as water fountains for both you and your pup. There’s also some nice shaded areas for dog owners to relax and watch their dog have fun.
The dog park area is not fenced in, which is unusual for dog parks. If your dog is easily distracted and likes to run away from you, you may need to opt for a fenced in park. However, this park has a reputation for attracting excellent dog owners and they’ll help manage the chaos that often accompanies groups of dogs.
Remember to Focus on Safety
As you visit each of the following dog parks, you still need to focus on the safety of your pooch. Even if your pup has all the required shots and immunizations, other dogs can still carry diseases or illnesses that may affect them. Keep an eye out for any sickly looking animals.
Additionally, beware of aggressive dogs or absentee owners. Not every dog at the dog park will be as friendly and amazing as yours. If you see a dog showing even the slightest signs of aggression, ask whose dog it is. If it continues, it’s time to leave.
That being said, dog parks are usually filled with other people who love their dog as much as you do. Visit each of these dog parks and have fun with your pooch!
2 Point Highlight
1. Dog parks in Tucson are well maintained and typically feature separate areas for different size breeds.
2. With so many dog parks in Tucson, if you don’t like one, there’s another one to explore.
