UPDATE 10/17: They have posted updated rules pertaining to dogs on social media: “The south side areas highlighted in yellow on the map below are the areas you can enjoy with your dog! Due to our Botanical Gardens including plants that are harmful to dogs and the Splash Pad being a feature that is not pet-friendly based on health department rules, we currently do not allow pets in those areas to provide the safest experience for everyone. We offer a Dog Park Membership to enjoy the perks of our beautiful dog park, located on the north side, that includes separate small and large dog sections, agility courses, and artificial turf!”

I am still unsure if bikes, rollerblades, etc. are allowed in the new side and where, but at least we have a more clear understanding of the dogs. I still don’t like how the new side’s rules were handled and think they should have been more transparent from day 1. I have since taken my dog for a quick walk through, mostly along the river, and had no issue.

Initial review: I’ve come to this park often since my family moved to the area a two years ago. I walk my dog here at least once a week and often pass others doing the same. My family and I were excited for the new south side park that we’ve seen construction on since moving here. One employee even said hi to myself and my dog in September and advised of the new side’s opening date. We saw the grand opening signs in person and posted online. We showed up opening day, my dog included, and me and many other dog owners there that day were turned away from the new side. Workers could not tell us if it was just for this event or not. I then checked online again, and I can’t find anything stating that dogs aren’t allowed to the park or the opening events. I even tried calling before trying again - no answer. So, I went back the next day and was turned away again. In fact, before I could even get close another upset dog owner warned me. A very nice security woman advised that she is not sure about details of dogs not being allowed, but it may be until they add more grass. There’s literally dog water fountains and dog bags within. We also saw bicycle riders being turned away. Why? Is the park too narrow? Why would they build a park that’s not friendly to those who have been enjoying it already? Most of the restaurants on Beach St allow you to eat outside with your dog. These rules are going backwards. Not to mention the small dog park in the side that’s been open never has dogs in it and I recently discovered it’s likely because of the price. I’ve heard from others that they were kicked out for not having a shirt or shoes on.. including runners and kids (there’s a splash pad) but I can’t personally speak to that. I feel bad for security having to enforce these rules. I have yet to see the new end of the park because I’m not going to leave my dog at home to go walk… If I could see the whole park and actually enjoy it, I’m sure it would be deserving of a great review but right now it’s just a massive disappointment. Brownie the dog would agree.