The Best Dog Parks in Richmond Hill

Richmond Hill offers two awesome dog parks to run around with your canine best friend, without worrying about having to keep them stuck on a leash. At these parks, your dog can run to their heart’s content, make new playmates, and you can meet some neighbours! Not every dog park is created equal, and these two dog parks each have some great features. We’re sure that all the pooches in attendance will have their tails wagging for a day of outdoor fun at these dog parks.

Phyllis Rawlinson Park off Leash Dog Area

11715 Leslie Street, Richmond Hill, ON  L4E 3R7 

Located near 19th Avenue and Leslie Street, and stretching between Leslie Street and Highway 404, this park is extremely spacious. This park is Richmond Hill’s largest park on the Oak Ridges Moraine. Your four-legged friend will have a giant area and field to frolic in. The dog park is 1 hectare in area and is surrounded by a 1.5-meter wire fence, with cedar timber posts. For those of you with small little doggos who may be weary of their bigger counterparts, Phyllis Rawlinson offers a separate area that is double gated for small canine companions. Not only does this park offer a green area to roam, it also offers onsite parking, and bathrooms for all of the dog park patrons’ convenience. The park also has benches for paw parents to take a “sit”. For any of you weary about venturing to this park who may not have full mobility, there is an updated access path to meet accessibility standards, so all owners can enjoy! In another area of Phyllis Rawlinson Park, there is a beautiful pond and a community garden that you can explore. The park also features a picnic area where BBQ’s are allowed. In the area, there is a pet groomer nearby, so if your buddy gets a little muddy, you could take them for a bath.

Tower Hill Off- Leash Area

122 Tower Hill Road, Richmond Hill, ON  L4E 0K6

This canine-friendly park offers a fenced three-quarter hectare site located in Ward 4 south of Tower Hill Road and west of Yonge Street. The park is surrounded by a 1.5-meter-tall chain link fence and a separate small dog area with a double gated entry and exit area. Not only is the fenced area large, there are also hills for all puppers to run up and down to get out lots of energy. But have no fear, the fences are high enough to keep even the jolliest jumping escape artist contained. Tower Hill has water areas and benches for any dog parents who prefer to sit. An awesome feature of this park is that it’s located on the Town’s trail system, which increases accessibility to the park for more people. So, if your pup is not great off the leash, there are many open areas to discover together. There is also some new evergreen hedgerow for you and your furry friend to sniff out. Parking in the area is not a problem, as there are many options. The park is within walking distance to other public parks too, if your dog is ready for a new adventure. 

Don’t forget that when you visit any dog park in Richmond Hill, there are some rules you must follow. First of all, make sure your dog is licenced and is up to date with all their vaccinations. Secondly, all dogs must be neutered or spayed in order to partake in the fun. Third of all, any dogs who have been ordered that they require a muzzle, as per the Dog Owners’ Liability Act, are not allowed at the parks. 

Some other important rules are that all dogs are to be with an owner who is at least 16 years of age and that the dog is within your sight at all times. When entering and exiting the off-leash area, you must have your pup on a leash. Also, if you have a small dog, make sure to use the small dog area in order to avoid any conflicts and to keep everyone feeling safe and comfortable. You must pick up after your dog, so make sure to bring extra poop bags, just in case your dog needs to take care of business. 

Finally, keep this dog park etiquette in mind while visiting the park. Before petting another dog, be sure to ask the other parent for permission. If you have treats with you, make sure to only give them to your dog after visiting the park, to ensure there is no competition between dogs. Additionally, if you decide to bring a toy to the park, make sure to bring a second one in case another dog grabs the first one. While your dog is occupied with the second toy, you can ask the other owner to return your toy to you. And most importantly, don’t forget to have the most tail-wagging fun with your furry friend!