If your pooch has never frolicked at a park in Iowa, be sure to carefully read through all the rules, make sure your dog is up-to-date on his shots and prepare to pay for a day pass. But once all that’s taken care of, your best friend will get free range in some of Iowa’s dog friendly parks, including the following three!
1. Thornberry Off-Leash Dog Park – Canton Street near Foster Road, Iowa City (map)
A very pawpular pooch park, this location features a fenced-in area for smaller dogs, a larger main area, an agility area and a space called Emma’s Run that can be reserved for special events. The park even features a pond for your pooch to frolic in. Biodegradable poop bags are provided. Be sure to follow the park’s rules and etiquette requirements, which you can find here. Your pooch will need a permit tag ($35 a year) or a day pass ($5) to play at the park. Check out some of the happy pooches playing at Thornberry here.
2. Indianola’s Dog Park – South K Street and West 17th Avenue, Indianola (map)
Another haven for our four-legged friends can be found at this pawesome off-leash park that features fenced land for both small and large dogs, agility equipment, watering stations and much more. Just as at Thornberry Park, you’ll need to either purchase a day pass for $3 or pay an annual fee of $20 and display the pass when entering the park. This park has strict rules, so be sure to read them carefully, or you might end up being cited or ejected.
3. Raccoon River Park Dog Park – 2500 Grand Ave., West Des Moines (map)
The name alone could get your dog’s tail wagging! This park features a 10-acre fenced play area and has a separate area for small dogs. Be sure to check out the rules before visiting the park. Just like the other two parks, you must purchase a permit ($20 for residents or $40 for non-residents) in order to use the facilities. All proceeds go to maintaining the dog park. After your visit, be sure to email a picture of your happy pooch to the park so they can add it to the Dog Park Pals! The park is open daily from 6:30 a.m. to dusk.
PHOTO: 4Neus