When you are working at your home office and your dog brings the tennis ball to you to throw again and again, it may be time to take a break with your four-legged friend. So you grab the leash and have to make a decision, where are we going to go today? A run would be great exercise for you both whereas a nice, brisk walk would also clear the mind. Whether you decide on a walk or run, here are some of the best parks in Abilene, Texas, to visit with your dog.
Redbud Park located at S. 32nd and Ivanhoe Lane is one of my favorite places to visit with my dogs. I had two beautiful golden retrievers that spent their youth playing at Redbud. From the miles of exercise trails, to the vast fields and open spaces, Redbud will delight you and your four-legged friend. It is a great place to play fetch, stick your nose in gopher holes, and get in a good run on the combined 2 ½ mile course. The smaller course is 1 mile and the loop around the YMCA is 1 ½ miles. There are even convenient doggy poo bags located on various portions of the running course. Make sure you bring some popcorn to throw to the gophers in their big, brick den located across from the playground.
Our next dog park, Camp Barkeley is a park built just for the dogs. This park is actually located inside of Nelson Park located at E.S.11th and Highway 322. I love Camp Barkeley for doggy socialization. There are two separate huge fenced in areas at Camp Barkeley. The smaller of the fenced in two areas, is designated for small dogs, thirty pounds or less. The other area is a bit larger with two acres of fenced in grass to play in, it is specifically for dogs larger than thirty pounds. It is designed as a place for the dogs to be able to run without their leashes. There is ample room to play ball, relax on a bench while your dog explores, and plenty of room to make friends with other dogs as well. They have convenient dog bags for poo and a water fountain just for the dogs! As at all parks, there are rules at this park too. This park is located on the right front side when you pull into the Abilene Zoo parking lot.
Conveniently located, beside and around Camp Barkeley is our next dog day destination. Nelson Park located at E.S.11th and Highway 322 has one mile of designated trail, part of which passes right alongside Nelson Lake. Nelson Park is my favorite park for a lazy walk with your dog. Meander pass children playing at Fort Imagination, bring bread to throw for the ducks and geese relaxing on shore, hear the lions roar from the zoo across the way. This park is perfect for relaxing and enjoying the day. Of course if you are up for a run, this is also a great park for that as well, cool down and let the dogs relax at Camp Barkeley for a happy finish.
Another top dog park in Abilene, Texas would be Abilene State Park located just south of Abilene at 150 Park Road 32, in Tuscola Texas. There is a $5 fee for a day pass or there is also an option to buy a yearly pass. Whether you take your dog for an overnight stay or just a quick day visit, Abilene State Park has over 529 acres for you and your pet to roam to your heart’s desire. If you do decide to stay overnight, there are rules about pets not being allowed inside buildings so make sure to bring a tent large enough for you and your four legged friend!
If you are closer to the north side of Abilene, Arthur Sears Park is conveniently located at Ambler Ave and Kirkwood. It boasts a .68 mile track that travels over a scenic bridge. If you have got a digger, than Sears Park is for you. Your dog can play in the sand by the playground or if that is too crowded, head on over the bridge to the volleyball court and he can dig to his paw’s desire.
Whichever park you and your dog choose, enjoy your day and don’t forget your leash, water, and a tennis ball!