Motoring Monday - Dog Parks in Kansas




Sunset at The Friends of Hays Dog Park. Credit: Friends of Hays Dog Park.

Three dogs enjoy a run through one of the
 many open fields at the Mutt Run in Lawrence.

Are you scratching your head about where you can take your dog to experience a fun day of play? There are more than 20 dog park locations that offer plenty of open spaces for your pup to release some energy and have a ball. We are highlighting a few of them in today’s Motoring Monday.



Starting in northwest Kansas and located off of Old U.S. 40 in Hays - the Friends of the Hays Dog Park offers two separate fenced-in areas depending on the size of your furry friend. There are shelter houses and doggy drinking fountains to help keep your entire pack cool. 

Kim Perez says that one of the reasons she loves the dog park in Hays is that she gets to meet people from all over the U.S. who have planned their trips strategically so they can exercise their furry family member at dog parks. She said she has met people from Missouri, Georgia and even California.

The next location is the K-9 Rooster Dog Park in Wichita. This park features three off-leash enclosures for each size of dog joining you on your journey. This park was named for a fallen Canine Officer named Rooster, who lost his life in the line of duty.



Shawnee Mission Dog Park.

Farther north in Salina is Barkley Park. According to the city of Salina, their facility opened in August 2016. The two-acre dog park features two open fenced-in areas. Barkley Park is located within the E. Crawford Recreation area and is open daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Located in Lawrence is the Mutt Run. This 30-acre off-leash dog park is one of Kansas’ more unique canine destinations. Miles of trails and walking paths weave their way throughout the park so your dog can run free through trees, open brush and even climb haystacks. There is an additional smaller park located nearby for dogs that require fenced-in areas. The Mutt Run is located within the Clinton Lake Reservoir. 

The final stop is the Shawnee Mission Dog Park, a 44-acre off leash dog area that a great get-away for you and your canine buddy. This location is complete with wood chip and trails through the trees, walkways and even a beach where your pooch can enjoy some waves. This great doggy vacation spot can be found east of the observation tower on John Barkley Drive in Shawnee.