Off-Leash Dog Parks (Sewickley, Sewickley Heights: fence, horses, friendly)

[stasia]

I've been to South Park's off-leash dog area but am interested in branching out and am considering the off-leash areas in North, Hartwood, and/or Frick parks.

Has anyone been to any of these three other parks? Are they worth the drive/effort as compared to South Park's area?

[ajl777]

The dog park part in Frick park is pretty small and usually when I walk by there's only a few dogs in there. That being said the trails are really nice and you can kill a few hours on just one trail. I don't trust my dog enough to walk her leashless. Also beware the bikers who break for no one.

[Tinare]

Originally Posted by stasia

I've been to South Park's off-leash dog area but am interested in branching out and am considering the off-leash areas in North, Hartwood, and/or Frick parks.

Has anyone been to any of these three other parks? Are they worth the drive/effort as compared to South Park's area?

I've been to both North and Frick Park's off-leash areas and unless you just want a change of scenery, I can't say that they offer anything different than South Park. Frick's is also small, and the fence is not well maintained at all. There is also no water in the fenced area, so it's best to carry it with you. North Park's is maybe a little bigger than South Park's -- or it could just be that it's a different shape so it looked that way to me -- but it does have water available in the fenced area in the summer months.

If you are looking for a park that is totally off-leash (except for 100 feet from the parking lot) Sewickley Heights Borough Park allows dogs under voice control. It's a very wooded park with lots of nice trails and there is a big meadow where dog owners tend to congregate to let the dogs play. There's a stream there too, but I've not ventured down to it. There is nothing fenced in though, so if you don't have good recall with your dog, there's nothing to stop him/her from running off. Also, there are often horses on the trails, so if that would be an issue with your dog, that would be something to consider. But it's a beautiful area.

Dog Rules and Regs

[tmorrisn]

I've never been to South Park, but I've taken my dogs to all of the off-leash areas at Frick. There are generally a couple of dogs, but you do have to bring your own water (they are jugs by the water fountain to carry water with you and there are bowls in the park).
And as other people have stated, the rest of the park is on-leash but many people walk their dogs off leash there. And there are a lot of mountain bikers who I find to be generally courteous.

You might want to visit Townsend Park (near Murrysville) which is another off-leash (voice control) park.

[stasia]

Thanks to those with substantial feedback!

I'm taking my brother's dog to the park, and he's closer to North and Hartwood parks: the actual reason for this question. Sounds like Frick might not be worth it re: size of the off-leash area and lack of water. No one's been to Hartwood? Might be worth it just for the adventure!

[Yac]

After 17 deleted off topic posts, all i have to say here is: get back on topic or the thread will be closed.
Please.
Yac.

[groar]

thanks for cleaning up the thread, Yac!

i haven't been to hartwood acres cause it's not really in my area, but everyone i know who's been there loves it. the whole park is very dog-friendly and the off leash area is big and securely fenced.

frick's main off leash area is all right - most of it isn't fenced in though, and there are holes in the fenced area as well. there is a water fountain not that far away and people tend to leave jugs there so you can carry water down there. for some reason i've never liked the mix of people and dogs up there though - i prefer to go to an unofficial dog park near me, a disused, out of the way baseball field that has become an impromptu dog park with the cooperation of neighbors. i don't know what it is, but the dogs are better behaved there, the people are friendlier (and more accepting of "tough" looking breeds), and people *always* clean up after their dogs. i guess no one wants the place to become a nuisance and attract negative attention.