Need to let your dog off leash? Check out some of Lexington’s dog parks and pads
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If you and your canine companion live in or near Lexington and need a place to get out some energy off leash, Lexington offers four dog parks, as well as other amenities.
Dogs are the most popular pet in the U.S., according to the 2021 to 2022 American Pet Products Association National Pet Owners Survey. The findings said 70% of American households have at least one pet of some species, with 69 million homes graced by a canine presence.
Pet ownership increased nationally during the pandemic, and with COVID-era pups may come boundless energy and restless tail-chasing. Fortunately, there are plenty of places where your dogs can stretch their legs in the city.
So the next time you need to hit up a dog park, here are your options in Lexington, along with rules for use. These parks have no entry fees, and there are options for smaller dogs to be separated from larger ones.
Jacobson Dog Park
Jacobson Dog Park consists of 8 acres divided into two paddocks. Amenities include benches and a water hydrant.
According to Friends of the Dog Park, a nonprofit organization founded more than 20 years ago to promote recreation and responsible dog ownership, Jacobson was Lexington’s first dog park.
The park was renovated in 2014, including an expansion and new fencing.
Location: 4001 Athens-Boonesboro Road, Lexington, KY 40509
Wellington Dog Park
Wellington Dog Park has 8 acres and two paddocks. Open from dawn-to-dusk, it underwent improvements in 2019 to become Americans with Disabilities Act compliant.
Location: 565 Wellington Way, Lexington, KY 40503
Masterson Station Dog Park
Spanning 15 acres, Masterson Station Dog Park is the largest of Lexington’s dog parks.
Its two separate paddocks each have a water fountain, and the park boasts mature trees and installed benches.
Location: 3051 Leestown Road, Lexington KY 40511
Coldstream Dog Park
Coldstream Dog Park has 12 acres, and there is a separate paddock for small dogs to play.
The paddocks are enclosed using horse-farm style fencing with mesh backing, and benches are available for humans to relax while the pups play.
Location: 1850 Piscano Drive, Lexington, KY 40511
Other dog offerings: Pads
Dog pads are small areas, often found at human parks, where dogs can run off-leash in a contained environment. There are two in Lexington.
Pleasant Ridge Park
Pleasant Ridge Park has a 0.5-acre dog pad as one its amenities. Adjacent to the parking lot is a shelter, which has restrooms and water, as well.
Location: 1350 Pleasant Ridge Park, Lexington, KY 40509
Phoenix Park
Phoenix Park features a 0.1-acre dog pad, which is a pilot urban dog park in cooperation with Anderson Communities, according to the city of Lexington.
Location: 100 E Main St., Lexington, KY 40507
Dog park rules
The city of Lexington provides a list of rules for dog park use. Here are some of the restrictions:
- Owners are legally responsible for their dogs’ actions.
- Owners must clean up their dog’s waste.
- You can unleash your dog, but you must supervise them.
- Children under 13 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
- All dogs must have proof of appropriate licensing and vaccinations.
- Food for humans or dogs is not allowed in the parks.
Do you have a question about recreation around Lexington for our service journalism team? We’d like to hear from you. Fill out the form below or email ask@herald-leader.com.
This story was originally published June 2, 2022 at 11:00 AM.
