Chiweenies, Cockapoos, Rottenshits—Mutts come in all shapes and sizes.
Unlike purebreds, mutts are known to have the best traits of two or more breeds. Today is Mutt’s Day, which is recognized every year on July 31. On Mutt’s Day it is customary to unleash the day outside with man’s best friend, mutt or not.
Salt Lake has an array of off-leash dog parks. Some are fenced, some are wet and some are trails. Here is a list of 10 off-leash dog parks near Salt Lake Community College campuses.
1. Millrace Dog Park, located at 1200 West and 5400 South, two miles from the Taylorsville Redwood Campus, is fully fenced. The grounds include gazebos and benches for dog owners to sit and watch their dogs run through tunnels and gravel pits. There is drinking water and a paved walking path around the park.
2. Herman Frank’s Dog Park, located at 700 East and 1300 South, one and one-half miles from the South City Campus, is fully fenced. The ground cover is mostly wood chips, but there is a long stretch of worn out grass for sliding home base. There is a doggy bridge with a tunnel and a paved walkway around the park. There is a doggy drinking fountain, but no water or facilities for owners.
3. Jordan Dog Park, located at 1060 South 900 West, two miles from the South City Campus, is not fully fenced. Just North of the skate park, it is as much a dog park as it is the outskirts of a baseball field. There is grass, trees and a few benches, but no drinking water for dogs.
4. West Jordan Dog Park, located at 5982 West and New Bingham Highway, four miles from the Jordan Campus, is fully fenced. The 3.77 acre lot is split into three areas. There are drinking fountains in each area, one of which is an area for smaller dogs only. The two areas for larger dogs have paved walkways, and all the areas have benches and cleaning stations. Dogs need a park tag to enter the park.
5. Sandy Dog Park, located at 9980 South and 300 East, one mile from the Miller Campus, is fully fenced with a double gate. There is a water fountain for dogs to stay hydrated. The grounds are grass, dirt and gravel for the dogs and a paved road for walking their owners.
6. Memory Grove Dog Park, located at 375 North and Canyon Road, one and one-half mile from the Library Square Center Campus, is not fenced. There is grass for rolling and a pond for swimming. Also, just up the way, there is an off-leash trail/area covered in fresh woodchips. The trail leads to City Creek Canyon, which allows bicyclists on odd calendar days.
7. Lindsey Gardens Dog Park, located at Ninth Avenue and M Street, two and one-half miles from the Library Square Center Campus, is not fenced. There is a designated off-leash area, but it is not fenced or well-marked. There are restrooms and drinking fountains, and grass galore.
8. Cottonwood Dog Park, located at 350 North and Redwood Road, four miles from the Library Square Center Campus, is fully fenced. The ground cover is grass, grass and more grass. There are restrooms for dog owners and drinking water for their dogs.
9. Parley’s Way Dog Park, located at 2740 South and 2700 East, three and one-half miles from the Highland Center Campus, is not fenced. This off leash area is not visibly marked, but can be found behind Tanner Park. There is a large creek, which can be dangerously swift at times, to play and cool down in. There are no restrooms or drinking fountains, but there are hiking trails throughout.
10. Millcreek Canyon, located at 3800 South and Wasatch Boulevard, three miles from the Highland Center Campus, is not fenced. It is actually five hiking trails that allow off-leashed dogs on odd calendar days. The five trails are Big Water, Great Western Trail, Little Water, Neff’s Canyon and Pipeline Trail. It costs $3 per day or $40 annually to drive up the canyon.
Happy Mutt’s Day.
