I'm not sure if I just went during the wrong days when I tried this dog park out, but both times I went it sucked. I went in the middle of the summer during the afternoon, and on a fall evening after work around 6:45. Both times, I could count the number of dogs there on one hand, and both times there was only one or two who were interested in romping around with my puppy (which is why I go to the dog park, for my dog to play with other dogs) and even then it was only intermittent. It seemed all the dogs were just standing around, sniffing at things and digging holes, and entertaining themselves. When a couple dogs would start to play for a second and it would get the SLIGHTEST bit like romping dog play (which I consider totally normal), the owners seemed really surprised/a little nervous about it. I am a regular at the Baron Cameron dog park in Reston, and that kind of romping, rough-and-tumble play is what the dogs there are all about!
The actual park itself is nice, mulch and shady with trees and various pieces of agility equipment that I guess adds a fun dimension to dog play (if they actually play). But, it is pretty small, and as far as I can tell, pretty low volume most of the time. Maybe people in the Vienna area are on a different dog park schedule and come during the day instead of before or after work (like they do at Baron Cameron), but it was a waste of time both times I ventured out there. I had to take my dog to Baron Cameron after going there the last time I went just to get his energy out, since he barely did any real playing at this dog park by the time all 3 people who were there left once it got dark (there is no lighting).
This dog park has great potential if 1) more people would bring their dogs, 2) the dogs would actually play and 3) people would be comfortable with rough-and-tumble dog play, the way dogs are supposed to play. I just got the impression both times I was there that everyone was a little stand-offish and too prim and proper for a dog park, including the dogs...not that it's their fault, I'm sure they're just not used to the kind of play/interactions I was looking for. If you want a quiet, serene, pretty place to let your dog off leash to play fetch, or work on training or agility, and calmly interact with some other dogs, I think this is a great place. If you want a place that reliably has a good number of dogs present before/after work hours, where your dog can just let loose, run around, romp, wrestle and work some energy off with LOTS of other dogs, this is not your place...I'll stick with Baron Cameron dog park! read more