It’s springtime again in Central Texas! With lockdowns behind us and the wildflowers coming into bloom, it’s time to get outside and take a walk. And there’s no better way to enjoy the outdoors than in the company of your four-legged best friend. So put on your shoes and grab the leash and I’ll give you the details on a few great places you can take your dog to walk, play, and make new friends.
First up is my hometown, the City of Georgetown. Georgetown Parks and Recreation maintains more than 40 parks, including one of my all-time favorite dog parks.
The Georgetown Bark Park is a 6 acre off-leash dog park with separate areas for small dogs and large dogs. Bark Park is located in a pecan grove adjacent to the McMaster Complex just a bit northeast of the Town Square. It’s easy to fine and has plenty of parking.
Bark Park is a great place for your dog to socialize, run off some energy, play games, or practice their agility. There are water fountains scattered across the park, along with waste stations, benches, picnic tables, and a walking trail around the perimeter of the park. Whether you stay for a few minutes or an afternoon, you and your dog will have a great time at Georgetown Bark Park.
Just to the south of Georgetown, you can check out the Round Rock Dog Depot. This off-leash park is easily accessible off of I-35 or Mays Street in Lake Creek Park near downtown.
The Dog Depot is just under 2 acres in size and consists of 3 play areas: one of large dogs, another for small dogs, and a rotation area to allow for grass regrowth and maintenance. Inside the fenced park, you’ll find agility equipment along with plenty of room for your dog to run and play with others. There are benches and covered seating areas, along with water fountains and waste stations. Round Rock Dog Depot is located adjacent to the Lake Creek Pool, making it an ideal place for the whole family to enjoy the outdoors.
For those of you on the eastern side of town, the Brushy Creek Dog Park in Hutto is the newest off-leash dog park in our area. Brushy Creek is a private dog park, so before visiting you’ll need to stop by Starmark Animal Behavior Center to register your dog for a free membership.
The park has a fenced in play as well as direct access to Brushy Creek. If your pooch is a water baby, they’ll love splashing and playing at Brushy Creek.
Veterans Memorial Park in Cedar Park is home to the 5-acre Cedar Bark Park. This little slice of doggy heaven features plenty of room for play among the trees and grassy fields, along with a dog pond, water fountains, and pet waste stations. There are plenty of benches for us humans, and even a dog shower where you can rinse the dust or mud off your puppy before the trip home.
Did I whet your appetite for adventure? Believe it or not, this list barely scratches the surface! You’ll find dog-friendly parks and businesses all over our area. If there’s a particular place you like to hang out, like a bar or eatery, check to see if they have an outdoor seating area that’s dog friendly. Leashed dogs are also welcome at many city or regional parks and on most hike and bike trails.
Whenever you take your dog out and about, please remember to be a responsible and respectful pet owner. Leash laws are in effect everywhere, so don’t let your dog run around untethered if you’re not inside a fenced dog park. Don’t forget the water (it’s easy to get hot when you’re running around Texas in a fur coat) and waste bags (because accidents happen!). Finally, pop a few treats in your pocket because every good puppy deserves a little something after a big day out.
Now, go take your dog on a play adventure! Be sure to share your favorite off-leash play places with us so that we can all join in the fun.
