Whether you're going out on a fishing trip, discovering new hiking spots, or heading out for a weekend of camping, the Trailblazer is an ideal companion for your active lifestyle.
As a dog owner, I’m more than aware that sometimes your little furry friend has (an absurd abundance of) energy to burn. While dog is man’s (or woman’s) best friend, there are occasions when allowing Fido to socialize with other four legged creatures is appropriate.
Take your little buddy to a dog park! Now that the weather is warming up and the sun is shining, it’s the perfect opportunity to try out the many pup parks Metro Detroit has to offer:
Preservation Park, located in Cherry Hill Village, Canton
- Open dawn to dusk, seven days a week
- Membership required—$25 for an annual resident membership, $50 for an annual non-resident membership; registration tag must be worn at the park
- Up to three dogs allowed per household
- Six-acres of fenced in space for your dog to run and play sans leash
- Divided into a large dog section (20 pounds and over) and small dog section (under 20 pounds)
Orion Oaks Bark Park, located on Joslyn Rd., Lake Orion
- Open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
- Daily fee or annual permit required
- 24-acres of fenced in space for your dog to roam
- Small dog area, trails, picnic area and access to Lake Sixteen—a swimming area for dogs only!
- All dogs must be older than four months of age
- Up to two dogs allowed per visitor
Community Park Dog Park, located at 5 Mile Rd., Northville
- Open everyday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. or dusk, whichever occurs first
- Offers four-acres of play area for your pup
- Requires attendance at an education session
- Annual passes cost $29 for residents, $60 for non-residents
- Neighboring Cady Street Dog Park is available for use by Northville residents only; annual passes cost $29
Mark Twain Park, located off of Campbell Rd. south of 14 Mile Rd., Royal Oak
- Open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily
- Seven-acres of space, including a dog run and nature trail
- No food (canine or human) allowed in the park
- Annual park pass required—$50 for Royal Oak residents, $75 for non-residents
- Three dogs allowed per owner
Maloof Statler Dog Park, located inside Herman Brys Park, St. Clair Shores
- Open from dawn to dusk unless otherwise noted
- 53,842 square feet of fenced in play area, including picnic tables and rain shelters
- Park is divided into two areas—one for small dogs, another for large dogs
- Membership rate for residents is $20; non-resident is $30
- Puppies under five months are not allowed
- Three dogs per owner permitted
Swift Run Dog Park, located at Platt Rd., Ann Arbor
- Open from dusk to dawn, 365 days a year
- 10-acres of grassy, fenced-in park
- Separate areas for large and small dogs
- Annual permit fees are $50 for both residents and non-residents ($35 for spayed and neutered dogs)
- For each additional dog, there is an extra $10 fee ($5 for spayed/neutered dogs)
Please note, all of the above dog parks require your pup to be licensed and up-to-date on his or her vaccinations. Once you’ve got that taken care of, you’re well on your way to having fun with Fluffy outdoors!
