This dog park is good but it is closed for major renovations until January 2025! South Mountain is an alternate.

Wow a nice dog park .... a large size and pretty clean for the most part. There is a large dog park and a smaller one for small dogs . There are entrances on both sides Dog owners were pretty nice and gave me some pointers on my dog that I'm trying to socialize more. She did great. I can't wait to take her back read more

Great dog park! My fur babies really enjoyed themselves today at this huge park! I had no idea what to expect from here, I ran into some ppl in Petsmart who recommended this park to me and I'm glad I took the trek all the way across town and ventured here. Huge huge huge park! I lost sight of one of my pups several times, so if you have more than one be careful. Dogs had so much fun that they didn't want to leave! Friendly ppl, friendly dogs read more

This place is great for our little girl.. It's a nice big open space with water running all year round! It does get a little muddy around the water supply but it's fine because most places don't have running water. Great bunch of dogs in this park too! read more

Echo Lake Dog Park - Parks Near Me - Mountainside, New Jersey

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So much space for the dogs to run. There's also a smaller space for little dogs. Plenty of benches to sit and watch your pup having fun. Everything is fenced in. Baggies and plenty of bowls. Nice watering station. Huge bench with a roof for a rainy day. read more

I came to this dog park and became a regular, I thought this dog park was a great environment for my dog until yesterday My dog was aggressively attacked by another dog! The owner of the dog did not do nothing about it or grabbed him!! He was on his phone and payed no attention. My dog is the sweetest dog, wouldn't hurt anyone, but my dog got stressed and is struggling being home due to this incident! This dog park is good and all but you really have to watch out for those aggressive dogs! There is no reason why a dog should be attacked after putting themselves into a submissive position ! These owners must pay attention to their dogs and take into consideration that this can affect a dog psychologically or from going into other dog parks, or even interacting with other dogs! It has got to stop ! read more

Love this park so big lots of cool people. Water for the dog and cool trials. A nice big fenced in area for small dogs and separate for big. Highly recommend! read more

This dog park can be great at times with nice dogs and responsible, friendly owners or can have aggressive dogs with owners who do not watch them or stop them. Two of the "regular" dogs started to become aggressive with my dog, barking and growling in her face and I waited and watched. My dog was already being submissive and laying on the ground scared. Then one dog starting biting at her neck and tried to pull her by the skin. The owner never stepped in. When he was asked to pull the dog back, his reply was that is the way the dog plays and that I should relax. My dog ran to me and stayed by me, but then the dog came back at her again. I once again asked the owner to stop the dog. He said it was just playing and if I did not like it, I should leave. Even told me his dog is a herding dog and this is what they do. I have a pure breed herding dog. She has never bitten another dog, barked aggressively in a dog's face or pulled by the skin to drag the dog. There is another dog there that likes to bark in a dog's face to get it to play. Not aggressively, but in an annoying way. It was annoying my dog, so I asked the owner to stop it. He said that his dog wants my dog's attention, but you could see my dog was clearly not comfortable with it. He lead his dog to the other end and now when we are there together, he watches his dog and stops it before it starts. That is what a responsible owner does. And if my dog would ever make another dog uncomfortable or scared, I would take her out of the park after apologizing to the owner. I understand some folks let their dogs play more aggressively, but have respect for another dog that is clearly scared by it and an owner asking for it to end. Lead your dog to the other end of the park to play with those who are allowed to behave like that. It is a public park and whether you are a regular or not, you should be able to use it and not deal with bully dogs and bully owners. read more

This dog park was absolutely awesome, but it's helpful to have the following GPS tip, since 1000 Springfield Ave. (at least according to Garmin) is a little way from the entrance of Echo Lake Park, which is a little way from the actual dog park. If I were you, I would GPS the address 560 Springfield Ave. (For some reason, there doesn't seem to be any convention for the building numbers on Sprinfield Ave. 560 isn't very far from 1000.) That will bring you to a small medical plaza on Springfield Ave., at a three way intersection with Mill Lane. Head Southwest on Mill Lane (which is the only way that you can go on Mill Lane). If you stay straight through your second small intersection (when Mill Lane veers to the right and staying straight actually puts you onto Park Drive), you will see a small parking area on your right. That's where the regular park begins. If you keep going straight on Park Drive, you should see a slightly elevated area on your right where it looks like there are cars in the park. If you take that right, you'll be in the parking lot for the dog park. The reasons that the dog park is awesome is that it is very large, very well maintained, and gets a good crowd for your dog to play with. There is a separate area for small dogs, which is also pretty spacious, but we found that people's dogs were well behaved enough that our 9 lb. shih tzu didn't have any problems in the big dog section. The fencing around the park seems very secure, as well. read more

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WHAT? A 3 acre enclosed dog park nestled in Echo Lake Park in Mountainside, NJ. WHY? Just because you're a couch or mouse potato, doesn't mean your best friend needs to be! PROS: -Renovated in Fall 2009 with secure fence around perimeter -Separate area for smaller dogs and puppies -Waste receptacles located in various locations around perimeter. You're only a few steps to a trash can! CONS: -Parking is limited, although additional parking available on Park Drive. -BYOW: Bring Your Own Water (or share!) WHERE? Located within Echo Lake Park in Mountainside, NJ. Located at: 1000 Springfield Ave, Mountainside, NJ The following Google Map link via Tiny URL is helpful in locating the dog park within Echo Lake: http://preview.tinyurl.com/y9735l2 read more

If you want to socialize your dog, this is definitely the place to go. One of the most crowded dog parks I've been to. But it's also probably one of the largest dog parks in the area. The site says it's about 3 Acres. So there's still plenty of space for them to play. The small dog area is about as large as a lot of dog parks (about 1/2 acre.) The first thing I noticed about this place is the tall fences. If you have an active dog who loves to jump, this is definitely the place to go. I'm not sure the exact height of them, but they're much taller than the standard 5 foot fences at a lot of parks. There's plenty of benches at the park to sit at. And there were a couple of water fountains, although they looked like they were still under construction. The park is long, so it's a perfect place to throw a ball or frisbee with your dog. Very few dogs used the entire park, so if you can move from one side to another if you feel it's necessary. The crowd of people were diverse, but most seemed friendly. My major concern is that with the number of dogs and such a large space, you have to be a lot more attentive. I think it's best if you do a 1 dog per person at this park so you can keep an eye on them. There were several times where I'd hear an owner scream out, or dogs getting into it. The owners were pretty good about getting everyone separated, but you do have a lot more ground to cover to get to your dog if he/she is in the mix. read more

We love this park for our dogs and the majority of dog owners are great about watching and managing their pets. There are some that do not manage their dogs when they become overly aggressive and take a laissez faire attitude that "dogs will be dogs" or "they are just playing" when it is clear by the dog's body language that they are in an attack rather than play mode. This is the second time that we chose to leave because of an owners unwillingness to manage their dog and focus on socializing with other owners. Also, recognize that while it is posted to where a mask, many owners do not. read more

I've been coming here for about a year now . My dog is the most friendly dog you can meet. He's only 15 pounds and likes to get along with every other dog at the park. This is the second time that he's been attacked from dogs that are not trained properly . The first time it wasn't too bad so I tried to give the park a second chance. However, I have noticed there are a lot of people that bring their dogs to the park about 10 times a week. I can care less about that.... but there are certain people who know their dogs are vicious and they still bring the dogs to the park. This is unacceptable, I feared my life today along with my dogs life . read more

First time taking my dog to this park and it was great. The large dog section is huge, double entry gate is very ensuring. Fresh water is supplied as well as doggie poopbags. My dog absolutely loved it, there were some dogs which were slightly aggressive but nothing that got outta hand, a growl here and there, normal behavior. The people there were also very nice and inviting. We will definitely be coming back! read more

New dog mom ! Decided to take my little pup to the park. Came across this spacious dog park and let the pup lose. He had a blast. The regulars who bring their dogs here were very welcoming and kept a close eye on their dogs at all times. The park itself is big, small pond with plenty of walking paths. Will return here again! read more

First and last time here (South Mountain closed for deer killing today). Too many traffic cops. I have a $30 parking ticket--blergh. (Yes, i shouldnt have parked in the zoned off spot by the stairs but cmon--not like I was a total dbag and parked in the handicap spots!!! Snow day and the park was PACKED with parents and kids sledding.) Union twp cops have too much time on their hands apparently. Park itself was pleasant enough. Owners friendly, my dog had a good time. read more

Great dog park near our home; they have two sections so that our dog doesn't get scared by bigger dogs. In addition, they provide water, bags for poop, and some sheltered seating. Every time we have gone there have been at least 5 other dogs, which is great for interaction. Highly recommend to any other dog owners in the area! read more

This is by far the best dog park that we have found in central New Jersey. Before we used to go to Sea Warren which was kind of small, very cliquey and hardly had any dogs there at decent times. The area is very large and there is always a diverse group of dogs there. So far we have probably been going for about a year. In that year we have seen only four incidents. Most of the time it's because owners bring dogs that are not neutered and the dogs act a little bit more aggressive. The other times it's because of the owners that do not know how to properly manage their dog. Some tips that might make your experience a little bit better: Parking can be scarce, be sure to get there early between 9 to 10 AM. Make sure you unleash your dog whenever they are in the park around other dogs. If not, it makes them feel uncomfortable and vulnerable like a worm at the end of a hook. I see this the most out of anything. I wouldn't recommend bringing any puppies. A dog should be at least one year-old before going to this kind of dog park. There can easily be over 30 dogs there at one time and it can be very overwhelming for such a young dog. Especially if there are extra large dogs present. Dogs play differently than humans. Usually dogs like to wrestle and chase each other. Do not overreact. Never touch someone else's dog. Control your dog and everything will be just fine. There is a small dog park to the left. Usually Terriers and other small breeds use that area. Do not take your small designer dog into the big dog park. I have seen this several times and it never ends well. If you are bringing children or infants to the dog park please be prepared. Dogs can be curious and may want to play with the children. I have seen several parents bring in 3 to 4 children at a time. A child gets jumped on or licked in the face and starts to overreact. It causes a scene and it's really not necessary. If the children do not know how to be around animals it's something you should work on before coming to the dog park. The final and most important piece of advice that I can give. Always be friendly. Too many owners show up to the dog park with a chip on their shoulder or an attitude. Remember why you are there. This is so that your dog can enjoy itself and release some extra energy. Most of the people that go to the park are friendly. We have met some that are not so friendly. I know this is really long, and some of the people reading this may not understand why I posted this. It's because I believe that newcomers to the park may want to know a little bit of information. If you already go to this park maybe you could take some of my advice. I don't know, this is just what I see. As far as the grounds and everything else, it's a great spot. read more

Beautiful facility but plagued by small number of dog owners who think their dogs are friendly but they are not. We took our lab several times and had mostly good experiences until the last few visits. People had dogs there that were very aggressive. Sadly today was our last visit. Just not worth taking the risk of having our dog attacked. read more

Great wide open dog park. All owners since I've started going are always paying attention to there dogs. Another plus it's also inside a a park with a lake to walk around read more

We took our 4 month old black lab there this weekend and had our share of incidents. First of all, our pup is the sweetest little lab and has never shown aggression towards dogs or people. Friday afternoon was a great experience but today he was viciously attacked by two white terriers within 30 second of entering the small dog area. I had to pull him out of the middle of the unprovoked onslaught by these two aggressive dogs. Once I removed him from the park I received no apology or word of concern from the dogs careless owners. They simply claimed that my dog was too young and that their dos "aren't vicious". Simply put, go to this park at your own risk and be on the lookout for two very aggressive white terriers if you do happen to go there. They apparently have a reputation, according to concerned onlookers, of ganging up on younger, more passive dogs. No dog should be attacked when they are trying to have a fun day at the park. read more

This large dog park is the best in the area - a separate area for small dogs that is fairly large, and a huge field for larger dog. I don't think water is available at the dog section, but there is a large pond and other sources nearby. read more

For the first time I took my rescue mixed breed Beagle there today and was pleasantly surprised how well behaved the other dogs were with him. I initially was apprehensive and kept Brownie in the "small dog" area, but because there were no other dogs in that section, I decided to try out the "large dog" area as there was a lot more activity. As expected, all the other dogs "checked" out Brownie and they all felt comfortable with him. The park is great, spacious, has plenty of water, some toys, space for the owners to rest and of course plenty of grass for the dogs to check out. My concern is not so much with the park as with the owners who don't clean up after their dogs. I'm hoping that those few bad apples don't ruin a well maintained park. read more

I love this dog park, I see that some reviewers have had issues with other dogs and owners, but I have been coming here with my 45 lb pointer mix since June and have had no issues. You see a lot of the same dogs and owners which is nice. The smaller fenced in area is for small dogs but the larger is for ALL dogs, as I have seen a mix of large and small in there, it just depends on how comfortable you and your dog are. The water fountains work now, which is a great plus, but it takes about 10 seconds for the water to come out. Lots of benches, not enough shade for the summer though. The grass has been beaten up a bit so there are a lot of dirt patches, so if you don't mind a dirty dog then you can handle it. I love coming here and so does my dog! read more

Echo Lake Dog Park is a great place to let your dog burn off energy, run & socialize with other dogs. Some get a little rough with smaller or more timid dogs. The rough dog owners should check their dog in the time out area or leash them and leave. The timid or small dog owner should retreat to the small dog area or leave. Owners SHOULD NOT allow their dog to hump others. It is a form of dominance and not play. Most dogs will not tolerate it. Dogs that display this behavior should be stopped immediately and put in the time out area or taken out of the park until they are trained not to. ALL MALE DOGS SHOULD NEED TO BE NUETERED as this encourages aggression and dominance There is a stout man with an accent, who comes to the park with a large male brindle & white boxer THAT IS NOT NUETERED and with his female tan & white boxer accomplice runs down and surrounds many dogs, growling and intimidating them. Every time there is a major scuffle you can be sure the boxers are there or are coming in as the action starts at the entry gate Although the owner can control them, he let's them go as soon as he enters and cannot keep up with them as the charge and challenge almost every dog. He is not considerate enough to enter thru the small dog area on leash and observe the activity or to keep the dogs with him until they behave or to keep them in the other area altogether. This man will apologize if his dog starts a fight with yours, but he doesn't learn and just keeps coming back. I finally got bitten by his UN-NUETERED BIG MALE BOXER while I tried to break up a fight he caused when he charged in on my neutered male Doberman. I incurred 2 nasty bite slashes down thru the muscle and a bite between the fingers and spent the morning in the emergency room where I endured much pain and 5 or 6 stitches, As I write this, the wounds have healed on the outside, but the burning inside the wound continues as well as the numbness on the outside. I was on a long regimen of antibiotics and 2 more visits to my regular doctor. Luckily insurance covered most of it. When I tracked this man with boxers down & asked him to pay about $212.00 I had put out, he said I was wrong for putting my hand in between and sent me a letter saying he would pay $65 and I would have to sign a letter releasing him from any further liability. I told him he would need to pay the full half ($106) He will now not even respond to me and continues to bring the dogs to the park. I am in the process of retaining legal counsel which will include pain & suffering in a law suit either assigned to him or his homeowners insurance. SO WITH ALL THAT SAID... HAVE FUN... BE CAREFUL... STAY ON TOP OF YOUR DOG AT ALL TIMES... DO NOT PUT YOUR HAND IN TO TRY TO BREAK UP A FIGHT... CARRY A CANE OR THICK STICK TO GET BETWEEN THE DOGS... AND BE A RESPONSIBLE OWNER...KNOW WHEN TO LEAVE!!! (OR NOT ENTER) YOU ALWAYS HAVE THE OPTION OF STAYING IN THE SMALL DOG PART IF YOUR DOG BEHAVES. read more

This is by far the biggest dog park we have visited. So great to have so much space to run around. The best part is that dogs can be in smaller groups within the park playing since it's so large. Definitely a must visit! read more

This is a cute little dog park. My Shitzsu puppy enjoys coming here every so often. The only down side is the dirt after it really rains or snow. The people are very friendly and I like the sections for the smaller and bigger dogs. You really need to find the best time to go though, because if you catch a busy time, it may be too much commotion for some dogs (like mine). My pup gets intimated easily! read more

Absolutely love it here , it's spacious , friendly dog owners for the most part. I have a puppy and many dogs approach it but what I love most is that there are a variety of breeds and most are well behaved. read more

My dog and I love this park. It's very big with a section for small dogs. The have a well for water the dogs all run together. Best dog park I've been too. read more

Love it here. The park is huge and well kept. A portion of the benched area is covered, which is nice in the summer or if it starts to drizzle. Working water fountains. The "regulars" are friendly and my dog never had an issue with another dog here. Just wish I lived closer to it! read more

Five star for the facility, people and dogs. One star for the mud. If you don't mind mud, it is great!

Today was our first time bringing our dog Summer to Echo Lake Dog Park. The dogs and people were friendly. The fences looked secure. And there is water and dog bags should you need them. We had a good experience there today. read more

Brought my dogs here for the first time recently- very large spaces for small and large dogs. I've been back a few times and everyone I've encountered has been friendly (dogs and people). read more

Went on Sunday with my dog and had a great visit, though the dirt field is a bit offputting. Today, I ran into the 'friends of echo lake dog park club'. I left after being unwelcomed by the proclaimed president of the local dog park club issuing his interpretations of the rules. Yet when I read the rules over again, he's clearly wrong. The rules do not state one has to keep their dog leashed while inside, simply that one has to have a leash and the dogs must be on the leash until in the unleashed area. His histrionic outburst that continued during my long walk out of this 'could be nice' park confirmed, no further interest in running into folks like this and thus won't visit the park or support efforts to beautify this dog park The dogs have a way of sorting themselves out, oddly, humans don't. read more

I will never bring my dogs there again.. When I was there owners were not paying any attention to their dogs but were there to socialize with one another, and long and behold a dog cornered my dog and no one but me was paying attention l.. Long story short I will NEVER go there again. P.s. Don't even walk your dogs near the park because even in the parking lot their NOT leashed as well. Guess everyone seems to think there Caesar Milan and could do that. I would never, even with my two dogs being trained! read more

Good dog park! The other reviews are very accurate. I had a great time this evening there with my two small dogs.

I just want to say that this park is fantastic for my family and my dog however there was another inicident today. I am not 100% sure what happened from where I stood it looked like a family was trying to come in maybe for the first time and the big dogs charged the gate. There was a lot of barking and I think the owner started screaming it was pretty bad. Just a word to the owners please keep an eye out even when your dogs are comfortable the new comers may still need your help. And for the newbies please make sure you are comfortable and in control before walking into the big dog sections. So many times I have seen first timers keep the leash on and panic. Don't bring your children unless they can handle large dogs, no running the dogs will chase. Walk your dog around the fence or only the small dog section until you know what to expect. Don't bring a bag of bacon strips unless you expect to get jumped and is okay with it. read more

I had a great time visiting this dog park. Most of the owners are friendly and everyone seems to be a true dog lover. If I had one complaint is that some owners don't know that the little dog area is no places for their big pooches even if they are calm. Besides that everyone seems to get along great. read more

Today was my first visit to the park, it was amazing, It was clean, met very friendly people. It was a perfect day for this outing, weather wise. I thank "Piper" parents for telling me about the park. It is separated between small dogs and large dogs. My dog Winston was in heaven, he ran, jump and played with whomever would play with him. He met some resistance from those who did not want to be bothered, but it was a good experience for him. We were there for more than an hour and I had a great time watching Winston enjoy himself and release some of that energy. I would recommend this part to anyone. I have a four month old boxer and I will be bringing him there at least 3 times a week, it is less than a half hour from my home. I recommend this to anyone. read more

it is a great dog park!! But, please don't bring little children. the sign says no kids under 8. One kid not looking and one dog running and it's over for the park. read more