This used to be an oasis for us when we first got our puppy. It is a small, comparably plainer dog park than others in the city. But for a nervous dog, it was often unoccupied when we went or one or two dogs and friendly, attentive owners were there. As the summer wore on, more and more people were showing up at this park. You got to know the regulars and their dogs, which was nice and had a community feel, even though we lived in different areas. August was when I first started thinking this may not be the place for us. A kind regular mentioned how she had been attacked by another dog owner and had to press charges against her! The same attacker threatened to sic their dogs on another friendly regular who was questioning the odd individual's behavior! A week later, I was here with my dog when a new family showed up. My dog was playing with another that was already there. Here is the scary thing about dog parks- although we should all be able to read our pet's behavior, NOT EVERYONE IS ABLE TO DO SO! Immediately, new dog went IN on my dog! Pulling her down by her ears, slamming her to the ground so hard that dust was flying! My dog was having to bare her teeth and growl! The other owner was staring at this interaction, absentmindedly saying "see, idk if this is him playing, or if I should stop him." Uhummmm...b*tch, that is aggression! As I went to leash my dog and get the hell out of there, she took off at a dead run from this other dog who was STILL coming for her. *SLAM!* My dog and her pursuer knocked me down. Annnnd my ankle was broken. Almost three months in a boot and an ankle surgery later, I still was willing to give this place a second (and third) chance. I saw a friendly regular in the store after I got hurt. She warned me that she was there in the evening and once the sun set, she and another dog parker saw a flashlight come on in the middle of the field next to the park. Like someone was watching them. Second chance: The SAME DOG was there when my mom took my dog in! The owner had him on a leash this time, clearly aware that she was trying to socialize him at a dog park. NO! He went in for my dog AGAIN!! The owner had the nerve to say "well, it looked like she (my dog) liked it." Are you INSANE?? Additionally, there was a huge string of "smash and grab" robberies going on at dog parks last summer. The broken glass in the parking lot made me think twice. Third chance: Another dog was biting my dog so hard she was yelping! Not once, but three or four times. Owner was busy texting and standing against a fence. We are beyond done here. It is only a matter of time before someone ELSE or their dog get seriously injured. It was nice and convenient for us at first, but it's like the Wild West there now. read more

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I enjoy going to this dog park as it really isn't too big which allows for people to stand in the middle and watch what the dogs are doing. It's a great park if your dog doesn't like to listen and run away from you. It's big enough to walk laps around while still watching your dog. The one main problem with this park is the drainage. Once a good hard rain comes or the snow melts then this park floods pretty bad. You have to make sure you go when it has been nice out for a few days otherwise your dog will be a muddy mess. There is also a smaller fenced in portion for shy/smaller dogs. read more

The newest dog park in Madison, Odana School Park (as of October 2013) now offers a fenced in area for dogs to play! A nice west side option, the park is on the small side (about 5 acres) and most people just seem to gather near the double gates, chatting with each other, while the dogs play. Given the set-up, it's a more "social" park than some of the others, with friendly, chatty folks, kind of like the culture at Brittingham Dog Park. It does have one pro over Brittingham though - close, easy parking! It's a long space, great for those who want to throw balls for their dogs to chase. It's not really a place to do much walking around, so if you're looking for that you're better off heading to one of the other parks. Yet another park without running water so be sure to bring your own! Overall, it's a great option if you're in the neighborhood but necessarily a destination for those farther out. read more

Odana School Park - Leo, at the Odana School Dog Park, plotting his next doggie mission - Basketball Courts Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin