It’s the perfect time of year again to get outside more with your dogs, and while walking around your neighborhood and playing in your backyard can be fun – there are various other places where your dog can run around while interacting with other people and dogs.
But before grabbing the leash and heading out to play, remember your dog must be up to date on their vaccinations, they should be able to play well with others – aggressive dogs shouldn’t go to the dog park – and you need to watch your pup and clean after them while at the park. Also, if it’s a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Parks and Recreation dog park, children under the age of 12 are not allowed in the park. Follow those rules and you and everyone else will have a more pleasant experience.
Here are some dog parks you can visit throughout the summer – if there has been inclement weather check the park’s website to make sure it is open before going.
Dog Bar
3307 N. Davidson St., Charlotte
(704) 370-3595
info@dogbarcharlotte.com
Located in NoDa, this park has something to offer for dogs and people alike, with a $10 annual membership fee. Owners can enjoy live music, a full bar and more while their dog plays in the off-leash park. During the summer the patio is cooled and during the winter enclosed so people can keep warm.
Tuesday to Thursday – 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Friday – 6 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Saturday – 1 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Sunday – 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Frazier Park
Along Interstate 77 near West Trade and Sycamore streets, Charlotte
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Parks and Recreation
This park is a little more than one acre with a public water supply and separate areas for small and large dogs. It’s near Irwin Creek Greenway, which you and your doggie might enjoy as well. If you live in or near uptown Charlotte, this park is definitely a good choice.
7:30 a.m. to sunset
Lucky Dog
19607 Statesville Road, Cornelius
(704) 896-5550
www.luckydoglkn.com
While this dog park may have a $10 annual membership fee per family, it has many options included. There are indoor and outdoor off-leash play areas for dogs, a sports bar, doggie play area, a sports-themed boutique for dogs and people, doggie daycare, grooming and overnight care. People can sit on the outdoor patio and watch sports games on television while their pup makes some new friends. Since there is a bar, no people under the age of 21 are allowed.
Monday to Friday – Opens 5 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday – Opens at noon
Daycare, boarding and grooming opens at 7 a.m. Monday to Sunday
McAlpine Creek Community Park
8711 Monroe Road, Charlotte
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Parks and Recreation
The one-acre Ray’s Fetching Meadow is located at this park, with one area for all doggies to play together.
7:30 a.m. to sunset
Ramsey Creek Park
18441 Nantz Road, Cornelius
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Parks and Recreation
Swaney Pointe K-9 Park is located at Ramsey Creek, and is four acres with separate areas for small and large dogs.
7:30 a.m. to sunset
Reedy Creek Park
2900 Rocky River Road, Charlotte
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Parks and Recreation
Barkingham Park is directly to the right when you pull into Reedy Creek, with four acres for your doggies to run and play. Also separate areas for small and large dogs.
7:30 a.m. to sunset
Shuffletown Park
9500 Belhaven Blvd., Charlotte
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Parks and Recreation
This park is four acres – with separate areas for small and large dogs – and is partially shaded to provide some relief if it’s too sunny out. There is a weekly Yappy Hour on Sunday evenings at this park.
7:30 a.m. to sunset
William R. Davie District Park
4635 Pineville-Matthews Road, Charlotte
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Parks and Recreation
Davie Dog Park is located at this park with five acres – two separate sections for small and large dogs. The large dog park is sectionalized with many trees surrounding the park, separating it from the main park.
7:30 a.m. to sunset
By Ciera Choate