If you need a handy list of the best dog parks in Missouri, continue reading to learning about 10 pooch friend parks and their facilities.
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1. Penn Valley Off-Leash Dog Park (Kansas City)
Penn Valley Off-Leash Dog Park was the first off-leash park for dogs in Kansas City, MO, and opened in 2004. The park covers an area of around 2.7 acres and is fully enclosed with double-gated entries for extra security. In addition to the 2.7-acre space, there is a 1.8-acre area designed specifically for elderly, handicapped, or small dogs.
The Penn Valley Off-Leash Dog Park features water fountains for both owners and pups, taps for filling water bottles, and lots of grassy areas for playing, exercising, and making new friends. Please clean up after your dog, dispose of all trash, and supervise your dog closely during your visit.
2. Southwest City Dog Park (St. Louis)
Located inside Willmore Park in St. Louis, MO, Southwest City Dog Park is one of the most popular off-leash parks in the city. The park is open for ten months of the year and covers just over one acre. There are two separate fenced areas and one agility area with special equipment.
Southwest City Dog Park features several water stations, benches for owners, trees for shade, and swimming pools for pups that are available between June and October. The park is open to members only – to join, you will need to read the park rules, ensure your dog is vaccinated and registered, and fill out an application form.
3. Cruse Dog Park (Springfield)
Located in Springfield, MO, Cruse Dog Park covers a massive 6-acre space, fully fenced for your dog’s safety and enjoyment. The park is divided into separate sections for large dogs (a 4.5-acre space) and small dogs (a 1.5-acre space). Cruse Dog Park is open every day from sunrise to sunset (closed Thursdays until 8:00 am due to maintenance).
Cruse Dog Park is a member’s only dog park with an annual registration fee of $35 per dog (each owner may register up to two dogs). Daily passes are also available for $10. To become a member, you will need to complete a form online and provide proof of your dog’s vaccinations for rabies, parvo, distemper, and Bordetella.
4. Swope Park Off-Leash Dog Park (Kansas City)
Swope Park Off-Leash Dog Park is open daily from 5:00 am until midnight. This park is one of the most popular off-leash areas for dogs in Kansas City, MO, and covers around 5 acres. The park is divided into a one-acre fully fenced area for dogs under 30 pounds, or those that are disabled or elderly. The rest of the space (around 4 acres) is open for larger dogs.
Both the small and large dog areas at Swope Park Off-Leash Dog Park have water fountains for owners and their dogs. Please clean up after your dog, supervise them closely, and note that you may not bring more than four dogs to the park at any one time. Dogs must be under voice command of their handlers while in the park.
5. Forest Park Southeast Dog Park (St. Louis)
Located in St. Louis, MO, Forest Park Southeast Dog Park is a smaller off-leash park that’s open only to members. The park covers around half an acre of space, is fully enclosed, has a secure double-gated entry, and features water stations for both dogs and their owners.
Forest Park Southeast Dog Park has waste pickup and disposal stations – please take advantage of these and clean up after your dog. Memberships cost $35/year and are only available for dogs that are properly licensed, vaccinated against rabies, Bordetella, and distemper, and are spayed/neutered.
6. Twin Lakes Recreation Area (Columbia)
The Twin Lakes Recreation Area in Columbia, MO, features three separate dog parks. The Lakeside Dog Park (4 acres) is open from spring to fall and is fully fenced on three sides – the fourth side is a 16-acre lake that dogs are welcome to splash and swim in. Parking and restrooms are available to owners at the shelter parking lot.
The Paws Pond Dog Park (3 acres) was specifically designed with small dogs in mind – dogs in this park should be under 18 inches tall at the shoulder. This park is open from spring to fall and features a small pond. The Off-Season Dog Park (3.3 acres) is open during the winter and is available to all dogs. Please supervise and clean up after your dog at all three parks.
7. Waggin’ Trail Off-Leash Dog Park (Kansas City)
Waggin’ Trail Off-Leash Dog Park is open daily from 6:00 am until 9:00 pm (or until sunset – whichever comes first). The park is divided into two separate areas – one for small dogs (approximately one acre) and one for large dogs (approximately 2.7 acres).
The Waggin’ Trail Off-Leash Dog Park has a lot of great features, including walking trails, benches, ADA-accessible water fountains, plus tunnel runs and agility courses for dogs who want to show off their skills. Please supervise your dog and pick up after them during your visit to the park.
8. Shaw Dog Park (St. Louis)
Shaw Dog Park is open to members at a rate of $40/year. The park covers around a ¼-acre space and is in the Shaw neighborhood of St. Louis, MO. The park has running drinking water year-round and a crushed granite surface that is not prone to flooding or muddiness. The park is fully enclosed with a secure lock system.
To become a member, fill out a form online and provide proof of rabies vaccinations for your dog(s). You will then be issued with a tag for each dog you register, as well as the code to the park. Please ensure that your dog wears their tag at all times when visiting the dog park.
9. Garth Nature Area (Columbia)
Garth Nature Area is in Columbia, MO, and features a 3-acre dog park. This designated off-leash area is fully enclosed and features a pond and picnic tables. There’s also on-site parking and restrooms. As well as the off-leash area, there is a nearby 1.6-mile wetland walking trail, plus a 4.8-mile trail to Bear Creek.
Please clean up after your dog, dispose of any trash you see, and supervise your pup during your visit. Your dog must always be under voice command, and each handler can bring up to four dogs to the park. Please leash your dog when you leave the park.
10. West Terrace Dog Park (Kansas City)
West Terrace Dog Park is a designated off-leash area located within West Terrace Park in Kansas City, MO. This is a members-only park that’s open every day from 5:00 am until 10:00 pm. The dog park is fully fenced and covers an area of around 1.5 acres.
West Terrace Dog Park features benches, shaded areas, picnic tables, waste bags, and disposal stations. There are also drinking fountains for both dogs and their owners. New memberships cost $50/year and are available to Kansas City residents and non-residents alike. All dogs must be vaccinated against rabies prior to visiting the park.
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