The Best Dog Parks in Columbia, SC
Best Dog Parks in Columbia, SC
If you’re new to the city and have no clue where to take your pooch to get their daily exercise, you’ll be happy to hear that Columbia is a certified paradise for dogs. With plenty of dog parks for pups and their owners to choose from, there’s never a shortage of all the fun and adventure that you can have together. In this article, we explore the six best dog parks in Columbia, SC where your dog can play with others and roam free safely.
1. Emily Douglas Park
Right at the heart of Shandon, this bowl-shaped park slopes down to a basketball court, giving both dogs and their owners options for fun and play. While this park has minimal grass and has a lot of dirt, it does offer plenty of pine trees for shade, along with swings and playsets for kids. There’s also heaps of sand for playing and digging, along with a water spray that’s available for use during the summer months.
The Emily Douglas Park also has a neighborhood center that offers various programs like summer camps. Inside the center, you’ll find vending machines, foosball tables, ping pong tables, and restrooms. It’s also open from Monday to Friday, from 2:00 PM to – 6:00 PM, and the whole park is handicapped accessible.
Emily Douglas Park at a glance:
- Address: 2500 Wheat St, Columbia, SC 29205
- Has an off-leash area
- Provides plenty of shade
- Doggie drinking area during summer
- It is the only free off-leash area in Columbia
2. Sesquicentennial State Park
Sesquicentennial State Park is affectionately known to the locals as “Sesqui,” and offers a beautiful, spacious, and green escape right in the center of the Sandhills region. This park will immerse you in the 1,400 acres of pines, nature trails, and camping sites that will melt away all your worries. It will surely whisk you away from the bustling city of Columbia, and if you plan to stay overnight, camping sites are also available.
You’ll find canoe and kayak rentals here, where you can enjoy fishing as well as walking on their nature trails or go biking on a six-mile bicycle loop. The park takes safety seriously, and owners will need to present proof of vaccinations as well as neuter/spay before paying a $4 daily pass or $25 for an annual membership.
Sesquicentennial State Park at a glance:
- Address: 9564 Two Notch Rd, Columbia, SC 29223
- Has a fenced, two-acre off-leash area
- Provides shallow pools for dogs to play in
- Visitors will need proof of vaccination and neuter/spay
- Has picnic areas for all-day fun
3. Doggie Park
A great destination for owners and their four-legged best friends, the Doggie Park requires registration and a $36 annual fee to use the park. In this park, dogs are given the opportunity to get their daily dose of exercise while socializing with other well-behaved dogs.
If you’re visiting here for the first time, please make sure you pre-register as this is not a public dog park and requires and annual fee.
Contact Tina Heckman at 803-783-8193 for more membership information.
Doggie Park at a glance:
- Address: 127 Humane Ln, Columbia, SC 29209
- Has plenty of comfortable chairs for relaxation
- Visitors will need to present proof of vaccinations and neuter/spay, along with a $36 annual membership for park access
4. NoMa (North Main) Bark Park
NoMa Bark Park is located in downtown Columbia, which is two acres of land in Earlwood Park, where dogs can socialize, play, and enjoy off-leash time. It is available for members only, so you’ll need to pay an annual fee of $30 along with up-to-date vaccinations for distemper, rabies, and kennel cough. You will also need to provide proof for spay/neutering.
This park also provides separate fenced areas for both small and large dogs, while there’s also a double-gated entrance to ensure your pet’s safety. You may also use tennis balls to play chase with your pup, while there are shade trees, benches, and lights that turn on in the evening for your comfort. Lastly, there are pools for the dogs to splash in, and running water is provided to keep everyone hydrated.
NoMa Bark Park at a glance:
- Address: 1250 Recreation Dr, Columbia, SC 29201
- Two acres of fenced land for off-leash fun
- Separate spaces for small and large dogs
- Plenty of off-leash trails for exploring
- Provide proof of vaccinations and neuter/spay along with a $25 annual membership
5. Barking Lot Dog Park at Saluda Shoals Park
Home to the Barking Lot Dog Park, Saluda Shoals Park is a two-acre, off-leash fenced area where dogs are free to run and play. It features three small pools for dogs to stay cool in, an agility course, interactive fire hydrant sprayer, and a gazebo that can help visitors to relax. Barking Lot is open during normal park hours, while there is a $40 fee every year; this pass is good for two dogs per household.
Furthermore, there are also Daily Parking Fees for $5 a day or an Annual Parking Pass for $55 every year. Lastly, applicants for Barking Lot will need to provide the following documents:
- DHLPPV
- Rabies vaccine
- Parvo vaccine
- Canine bordetella vaccine
- Spay/neuter
By providing these documents, the park ensures the safety of both dogs and their owners by guaranteeing that all dogs are healthy and without any health risks.
Barking Lot Dog Park at a glance:
- Address: 5605 Bush River Rd, Columbia, SC 29212
- Offers a fenced, two-acre off-leash area
- Provides running water and two separate dog pools
- Visitors need to provide proof of neuter/spay and vaccinations
- There is a $40 annual membership fee
6. Granby Park
Granby Park is a 12-mile long park located near the Granby, Olympia Mill, and Whaley Villages, which opened in 1998. This naturally beautiful park offers excellent views of the Congaree River and historic ruins along deeply shaded paths. There are multiple swings and benches here which overlook the river, while other features and facilities include:
- Hiking trails
- Picnic tables
- Wheelchair trails
- Paved biking trails
- Historic buildings
Because of the proximity of the park to the river, fishing is a popular pastime here. There is also drinking water available here, so both owners and dogs can stay hydrated. Finally, public restrooms are also provided for your comfort.
Granby Park at a glance:
- Address: 100 Catawba St, Columbia, SC 29201
- Provides access to the Saluda, Congaree, and Broad Rivers
- Shady paths with amazing views
- Great park for nature lovers
7. Page Ellington Park
This park has limited information online, it recently opened in the Bull Street section of Columbia. With several of the dog park options around Columbia, SC area are pay to play, Page Ellington Park is free and open to the public. This 20 acre park features a fenced in dog park, 2 acre pond, and running/walking trails. CIty of Columbia will manage and handle the maintenance for Page Ellington Park. Although there is conflicting addresses online, the location of the Grand Opening was 1640 Freed Drive, Columbia, SC right behind Segra Park.
Page Ellington park at a glance:
- Address: 1640 Freed Drive, Columbia, SC
- Park Size – 20 acres
- Features shaded fenced in dog park, walking and running trails, and 2 acre pond.
- Free to the public and managed by the City of Columbia, SC
- Grand opening for the Page Ellington Park was held June 21, 2021
Dog Park Rules to Keep in Mind
As always, there are rules and guidelines to be followed to ensure that every visit to the park is a fun and safe experience, not just for you and your dogs but everyone else in the park with you. Here are a few words to live by for an enjoyable day out in the sun.
- You are responsible for the damages and injuries that your dog may cause.
- Dogs that are aggressive, sick, in-heat, without current vaccinations, or too young for a rabies vaccination aren’t allowed.
- Keep your pup on a leash until it safely enters the park, and place it back on a leash once you exit.
- Pick up your pet’s poop immediately, and don’t let the excrement stay on the ground long.
- Keep an eye on your dog at all times, and practice voice control to avoid potentially dangerous situations.
- An adult should supervise children at all times.
- Should you sense a problem, proactively place a leash on your dog.
- Don’t allow your pet to dig holes, and fill any holes they may create immediately.
- Immediately report an attack or bite to the proper authorities or the park office.
- Keep food away from any enclosure, as dogs can become aggressive or protective when in front of food.
- Access to dog parks may be restricted during special events; if this is the case, notice will be posted.
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Dog Parks in Columbia, SC
What is dog park etiquette?
Dog park etiquette is a set of non-written rules dog owners should follow to make sure the environment is safe and fun for everyone. Always supervise your dog to prevent unwanted behavior, pick up after your pet to keep the park clean, and follow leash rules.
Before considering taking your dog to a dog park, check that it is well-socialized and comfortable around others. Intervene if play gets too rough or aggressive. Offer enough water and treats to your pup to keep it hydrated and happy, and always adhere to the park’s specific guidelines. By following these simple tips, you and your furry friend can enjoy the dog park to the fullest.
Can dog parks make your dog reactive?
Dog parks can be a great way to socialize your dog and help them become more comfortable around other dogs and people. While some dogs may initially show signs of reactivity, regular visits and positive experiences can actually help reduce this behavior over time. If you expose your doggy to various playmates in a controlled environment, in time you’ll be able to build their confidence and improve their social skills.
Why do dog trainers don’t normally like dog parks?
Dog trainers often express reservations about dog parks due to mainly the unpredictable nature of interactions at dog parks, which can make it challenging to control the environment, which is essential for effective training. Also, the presence of dogs with varying levels of socialization and training can lead to negative experiences, such as aggression or fear, which may hinder a dog’s progress. In general, trainers prefer controlled settings to manage the dynamics and ensure positive, consistent experiences for the dogs under training.
In conclusion
If you’re looking for the best dog park in Columbia, SC, you can be sure that any one of these parks has a great chance of taking the number one spot. Many of these options provide thirst-quenching ways for dogs to have a good time, even during summer. From plenty of shade to water fountains and even pools, these choices are capable of providing you and your fur baby with a wet and wild adventure. However, be sure to follow the rules stated above to ensure that everyone enjoys a happy and safe time in these great dog parks.
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Preston Guyton
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