What's the best place in Springfield for dogs? (appointed, rentals)

[polskacelt]

Hey all,
The wife and I and two dogs are moving to Springfield Missouri in March/April.
Work will not be an issue, as we both have a variety of skills and resumes to get us work just about anywhere.
I was wondering if there are any dog people out there that can tell me which is the best part of town to live in. We have a lab/border collie and an aussie shephard/heeler/dingo who need to run a lot.
Is there an area not too far from downtown that has some open forest and fields?
We are working people, not rich yuppies, so affordable rates for house rent is an issue.

[Arrby]

Definitions will help. What do you consider "affordable"? Every zip code in town will have rentals at or under $700/month (but not every neighborhood).

From downtown to any corner of town is less than 30 minutes. There are several trails in and around and through Springfield. There are parks within walking distance of almost every neighborhood. There are Conservation Areas (think National Park on a greatly reduced scale) south, east, and north of town.

Be aware that Springfield does have leash laws, and I believe the county does as well. It seems to me that Springfield passed an ordinance a while back about cleaning up after your dog. If not, well it is only neighborly anyway.

Rentals with large yards - acreages even - are not out of the question. This is particularly true in the county - especially to the west, north, and east.

[Leprechaun731]

Hey there! Here is a link that you might find helpful:

Springfield-Greene County Park Board (http://www.parkboard.org/info/dog_park/index.html - broken link)

[BigRedIdiot]

My neighbor, despite my repeated polite requests that they control their mutt AND the presence of a fence (that the mutt is able to climb) seem to revel in their beast entering and depositing piles of pooch poo.

Just typical behavior for the trashy residents of "Dog Town"; the west-side area chock-full of trash.

This, apparently, Springfield's prime dog location is my yard; though I do not possess one of the vile creatures and will not within a city or municipality of any size.

Considered utilizing legal resources to end the constant invasions but the class of folks involved, from past experiences, tend to utilize acts of retribution such as flattening one's vehicle tires through the sidewall so that repairs are not possible; only costly replacement.

If the actual residents adjacent do not perform the deed their friends are ready to jump to the "rescue."

Welcome to Missouri!!!!

"Drive Friendly."

[topospace]

It looks like you are coming from Moab so you will be disappointed at the lack of public lands for places to take your dogs. There are a few very small areas of National Forest but nothing like you are used to.