My husband and I have been taking our Great Dane here for about 2 years and we absolutely love it and so does she! The parking lot is nice and clean and I've never had an issue with parking. Our girl is always so excited! When you enter the park, there are 2 gates once you get under the shelter area. One goes to the almost 7 acre open area for large dogs above 15" and then another gate to the under 15" small dog area that is almost an acre big. We obviously go to the large dog area, I don't think our girl can fool anyone into thinking she's a small dog even though she acts like a lapdog at home and besides, she's terrified of small dogs because she can't ever see them under her. I can't comment much on the small area but it looks really nice! Although the larger area says it's for big dogs, small dogs are welcome, at their own risk of course. My girl can run faster to get away from them so it's all good on our end, ankle biters are welcome! The park has always been well maintained throughout the year.
There is a gravel walk path that is along the fence of the park that we walk around while she plays. Not sure of the actual distance around though.
There are also drinking fountains for the pups that are turned on during the warmer months of the year which is nice because at other dog parks I have forgotten to bring a bottle of water for my dog but owners are usually quick to share.
Dog waste bags are provided for you at 5 different locations in the park and 1 location outside near the parking lot for those pups too excited to wait until they get in. Ceanup after your dog is a must! And it's nice to the other owners because some of us do walk on the grass to play with our dogs and it is not fun to step in some poop someone didn't clean up. There is a dog waste dumping station in each area at the front of the park where you can dispose of the bags. I do wish there was one on the other side of the park so you wouldn't have to carry it all the way back. Maybe next year they can do that.
There is also a 1/2 acre pond that is gated inside the large area for any doggies wanting to swim or play. I do caution that the pond is NOT treated so swim at your own risk.
I've been to other parks in the Des Moines area and this is definitely one of the better ones. You do need a pet license and pay to use the park. We just pay for a yearly pass since we live in Ankeny so it's convenient for us. However, they do sell daily passes at Hy-Vee and there's one located up the road. I'm not sure if I would recommend bringing kids but if you think it's okay then that's up to you. I don't recommend bringing a stroller on to the gravel walking path. I saw some folks do that and it seemed like they were struggling with it.
I have met a lot of the dogs and owners that frequent this park and everyone is so friendly and nice. I highly recommend this dog park to anyone who wants to come out and play with their fur babies off leash. read more