Barrie Dog Off Leash Recreation Area — Attraction in Barrie

I usually avoid this park and I have given it quite a few chances (at least a dozen). The area is large which is the only redeeming quality but there are next to no trees for shade in the summer and it gets hot in that large flat area. There is also no tap for water at this park which is a huge down side, especially on those hot days.

The other issue I have faced every single time is poorly trained dogs and their absent minded owners. Owners are often busy socializing amongst themselves, sitting down on a bench on their phone, drinking their coffees or having a smoke instead of watching their dog(s) and paying attention to correct their bad behaviours or pick up after their dog when it has pooped. There is quite a bit of poop in this dog park because of owners not paying attention. On a couple occasions now, dogs have lifted their leg and peed on me ruining my winter boots (which the owner did not take responsibility for) and on my legs and feet while wearing flip flops and again owners don't apologize or take responsibility. It seems that people who have poorly mannered dogs due to lack of training come here because they have no other...

One of two dog parks in Barrie, and personally I believe this one to be the better of the two. Very large and wide open field, makes it easy to keep an eye on and spot your doggie even from afar. Double gated entrance as per usual, large parking lot and also an area for small dogs though I rarely find it used. They also have a separate area in the back that is basically a small woodsy trail for dogs to wander around and also get muddy/wet in some of the pools of water that can build up during the summer months. In the winter it's precariously icy, so be careful.

No poop bags on site! No water either! Bring your own poop baggies and water, but usually most people tend to have some on hand and there are plenty of bowls around to use as dishes.

The community is pretty nice for the most part. There's the usual regulars and occasional new comers, but generally speaking people are accepting and understanding of dogs, people and things that may occasionally occur at the park ie. scraps. I've seldom seen a problem occur between dogs or people, and it's usually sorted out quickly without much issues.

Definitely watch...

I babysat a Lab who I took here and he had a great time burning off energy by running and playing with other dogs. But there's a lot of owners who just unclip the leash and sit near the gate while their dogs run wild and they don't call them off when they get too amped up and start chasing and hounding other dogs. One owner Iet her dog plow into other dogs without any correction at all. I see one of the other reviews made a comment about how huskies play differently than other dogs. That might be true, but it's inexcusable to allow poor behaviour to go unchecked if it could cause harm. I would never bring my own dogs here, particularly to the large dog section but even to the designated small dog area. My dogs are socialized but I found a lot of the other owners don't monitor their dogs play or interaction . I would particularly never bring a puppy here. It's a lot of big dogs who have way too much energy and it would probably traumatize pups who need positive interactions in a controlled...