The Dog Days of Summer: Great Dog Parks Around Memphis
If you have a furry friend living with you in your apartment, getting him or her out for a little exercise can be a great experience when you visit one of a number of dog parks in and around Memphis.
In 2010, the city of Memphis opened its first city-run dog park. Located at 2599 Avery (behind the Memphis City Schools Board of Education), the park features two fenced in dog areas -- one acre for dogs over 25 pounds and a separate half acre for smaller dogs. Biodegradable bags are provided for waste cleanup but there is no water service at the park. Dogs must have up to date vaccinations.
The Overton Park Conservancy is a fenced dog park at Overton Park, appropriately named, "Overton Bark." This 1.3 acre park has separate areas for large and small dogs as well as water fountains and an obstacle course. This is the only part of Overton Park where dogs are permitted to be off-leash.
Shelby Farms, one of the largest urban parks in the United States, has a large off-leash area for dogs complete with three ponds/lakes, open space, and woods. The dog park is open during daylight hours and only one off-leash dog per person is allowed. In addition, dogs must be well behaved and respond to voice commands.
Forgey Park in Germantown has a fenced in area just for dogs and even offers a separate area for dogs under 25 lbs. The park is open during daylight hours and provides bags for poop clean-up. Dogs must have up to date vaccinations, be well behaved, and respond to voice commands. There is restricted access to the dog park with access gates and a yearly fee for use of the park. First priority goes to Germantown residents and remaining spots will be available to non-residents.