Dog Parks On My Mind

Cosmo Dog Park in Gilbert was on peoples' minds this week. I received two separate inquiries about it. First,

What is the Park District policy on the pond. Is there a filtration system and what does it filter for? Do they test the water on a weekly basis? My dog just loves to swim and I need to know that he will be safe from bacterial infection

and second,

Just FYI, Cosmos dog park does not have an area for Timid or small dogs. There are two separate areas, but none designated for 'timid' or 'small dogs'. The separation is there for the lake area, one half of the dog park has a beach like setting that leads into a small lake, and the other half is a dry normal area, but large dogs attend both halves. I haven't spoken to the city yet, time, work etc.. but will soon, especially after I bought two custom bricks to help fund the park and revived no return on investment. I know others have voiced their frustration, with no success. Its frustrating.

In case you didn't know, Cosmo Dog Park is the first one in the Valley that has a lake where dogs can swim. According the the Parks and Recreation Department for the Town of Gilbert, the question about water treatment is a common one. The water is tested weekly and they inform me that steps are taken to insure the water is safe for both owner and animal. Naturally they solicit the help of pet owners in cleaning up after their pets which will assist with water quality. There are also measures in place to keep the beach area safe as well. Still, I would definitely make certain that your pet has all the current vaccinations before taking them to swim, or really before taking them to any dog park. (Last time I visited Cosmo Dog Park, there was a baby in diapers wading at the shore of the lake. What could those people possibly be thinking?)

As far as the small dog vs. large dog areas, the intention at Cosmo Park is to have that designation to allow all dogs and their owners the opportunity to enjoy the park. It is unfortunate that some people just don't obey the rules, or think that they don't apply to them. Of all the complaint emails I receive, I'd have to say that dog park problems top the list! In this case, your best course of action is to politely report the issue to Gilbert Parks. I know they are interested in providing a good experience for both dogs and their people.

Finally, I received an email from Mike about Tempe dog parks:

What about Papago Park? It's not listed as a bark park. FYI. Are there others that aren't listed as "Bark Parks" or dog parks that actually are? I did find it listed on another site though. Just curious because I am moving and was trying to find a Dog Park that was closer to where I live. Obviously I am a dog person.

I added the dog park at Papago Park in Tempe to the list. My listing of dog parks is current, but this is a big area, with more than 20 cities and towns in the metro area. I depend on those cities/towns to let me know when a new one opens up, and, of course, I depend on people like you to let me know about new dog parks, or changes to existing ones. Thanks for the heads up, Mike.

If you have a photo of a dog park near you, why not submit it? I might add it to the Phoenix Area Dog Parks Photo Gallery!