In Berkeley, California, the Ohlone Dog Park was the first of its kind, created in 1979 by Martha Scott and Doris Richards. Since that time, dog parks have become one of the fastest-growing amenities in the U.S. Recognizing the need to provide a safe space for dogs to exercise off-leash, these parks have been popping up in major cities and rural areas as a way for owners to spend quality time with their pets and to teach them how to socialize with other breeds.
Every dog owner knows the benefits of giving their dog plenty of playtime in a safe space. But what qualifies as a good dog park? Cleanliness and large spaces to run are among the top priorities, along with vigilant dog owners who supervise their pets. Fencing and separate areas for large and small breeds are a must for safety reasons, and plenty of water fountains, doggy poop bag dispensers and shade are also at the top of the list.
With all of that in mind, these are the absolute best dog parks in every state.
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