Leash Free Dog Parks

Running Free: Leash Free Zones to take Your Dog
By Sharon Miller

October 2004

Owning a dog is one of life’s true pleasures. You have a constant companion who gives you unconditional love and loyalty, but often, it is difficult to provide it with the exercise it really needs, especially if you live in an apartment. Luckily, Austin is a very dog-friendly city and provides numerous places where you can take the leash off your dog and let them run free.

South Austin

The area south of the river boasts the most leash-free parks. If you are South Central, Zilker Park and Auditorium Shores offers you relatively large areas for your dog to run free. In Zilker Park, the area known as the “Kite Field” on the north side of Barton Springs Road is legally leash free, and at Auditorium Shores, the area north of Riverside Drive and West of South First street is as well. Despite its lack of beautiful hill country scenery, Norwood Estates Dog Park located on the Northwest corner of IH 35 and Riverside Drive, is a favorite among South Austinites. If you grace Southeast Austin, you can find a dog friendly area in the Onion Creek Greenbelt, just head east on William Cannon past Pleasant Valley Road. Southwest, you can head out to Red Bud Isle, just south of the Tom Miller Dam on Lake Austin. My personal favorite, although it is not legally designated as leash free, is Twin Falls. During the spring, the rainy weather keeps the swimming hole full of refreshingly cold water and draws a very eclectic crowd. Head south on Mopac, exit 360 North and go straight through the light. You will see all of the cars parked along the feeder.

Central Austin

Due to your close proximity, you could easily head down to Zilker Park, however, if that is too far of a trek, you and your dog are free to play along the Upper Shoal Creek Greenbelt, home to the very Austin Pease Park and the annual Eeyore’s Birthday party (one of the many dog-friendly festivals). Head just a few minutes north and you can find another park just east of Mopac across from Far West Blvd.

East Austin

A little north of the city, Northeast Dog Park provides East Austinites with a good place to take their dog. Just head east on Loyola Lane from Ed Bluestein Blvd. and you will see it on your left.

West Austin

For those of you in West Austin, Emma Long Metro Park provides a fun and friendly place to take your dog. Just head West on RR 2222 and take a left when you reach City Park Road. The area just west of Turkey Creek is leash free. West Austin also has one of my all time favorite leash free parks, Bull Creek District Park. Situated on Lakewood drive just east of RR 2222 and HWY 360, this park has all the beauty that the Texas Hill Country has to offer. With picnic tables, grills, a beach volley ball court and bathrooms, this park can entertain the whole family, and Fido will love having all of the other dogs to play with and the icy cold water to cool down in.

North Austin

Although North Austin has only one true leash free park, it certainly does not lack in size. Just south of Yager Lane on North Lamar Blvd., Walnut Creek Metro Park provides plenty of open space for you and your dog to blow off some steam.

Wherever you live in Austin, there is definitely a place that will welcome you and your canine friend with open arms. If you need more information or maps to any of these parks, visit www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/dogparks.htm on the web.