If you and your four-legged companion haven’t been on a walk since the temperatures hit triple digits, your dog might be ready for some quality outside playtime. Throw on a coat and grab your leash – there are plenty of dog parks in the Valley to visit this winter. However, if your dog is exhibiting respiratory issues like coughing, sneezing or nose and eye discharge, the American Veterinary Medical Association recommends keeping your dog indoors as a mysterious canine illness makes its way around the country.
Steele Indian School Park Dog Park
A close-knit community of caring dog parents can be found at Steele Indian School Park’s dog park. Divided into separate areas for large and small breeds, this park ensures a safe environment for dogs of all sizes and promotes empathy and decorum among regular visitors. Open every day from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., this park embraces new pups and their owners.
300 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, 602-495-0739, phoenix.gov
Papago Bark Park
Papago Park is a hot spot for adventure lovers in the Valley. Show off you and your furry friend’s hiking skills on the Hole in the Rock Trail – Papago’s most popular path – or the Double Butte Loop Trail. Then visit the Bark Park’s turf lawns, open every day from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., for some post-hike fun.
1000 N. College Ave., Tempe, 480-350-5200, tempe.gov
Hance Park Dog Park
When it’s not hosting major food and music festivals, Hance Park is the perfect place to enjoy the cool weather with your best friend in Downtown Phoenix. On the smaller side, just an acre of lush grass, Hance Park is a private escape from the bustling city. This fan-favorite park is open every day from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
323 W. Culver St., Phoenix, 602-262-6011, phoenix.gov
Chaparral Dog Park
Split into three sections – dogs over 35 pounds, dogs under 35 pounds and one for rotating maintenance – this grassy, three-acre park is your dog’s new favorite place to play in Scottsdale. Closed on Tuesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to noon for maintenance, Chaparral Dog Park is the dog park for Scottsdale residents and their pets.
5401 Hayden Rd., Scottsdale, 480-312-2353, scottsdaleaz.gov
Mitchell Dog Park
Nestled in a small neighborhood off of Mill Avenue, Mitchell Dog Park is a safe and lively spot for college students to meet like-minded individuals and their canine counterparts. This dog park is full of friendly faces and wagging tails every day from 6 a.m. to midnight.
S. Mitchell Dr. & 9th St., Tempe, 480-350-5200, tempe.gov
Cosmo Dog Park
You don’t have to take a road trip to the coast to visit a dreamy dog beach. Cosmo Dog Park – named after Gilbert’s first police dog – is a lakeside oasis with amenities like separate areas for active and timid dogs, dog and human drinking fountains, and two dog-washing stations. Closed on Tuesdays from 5:30 a.m. to noon for maintenance, this park is otherwise open every day from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
2502 E. Ray Rd., Gilbert, 480-503-6200, gilbertaz.gov
