Hance Large Park Dog Park — Attraction in Phoenix

Very nice, albeit not extremely large, dog park.

The park is located in central Phoenix, in a very scenic area with lots of green grass, rolling hills and mature trees.

The park itself is set up pretty nicely. There are actually two separate / enclosed areas: one for smaller breeds, and one for medium to large sized breeds. We have a German Shepherd and American Bully, so we've only experienced the area for larger breeds.

Overall, the interior of the park is well kept and generally clean. There's a dog friendly drinking fountain that comes in handy, especially in the heat.

One thing I definitely like about this park, especially compared to other dog parks in the valley, are the dog owners / pet parents. Specifically their attentiveness and involvement with their dogs.

I've been to a few dog parks where people enter the park, let their dogs off the leash, then sit down and socialize, completely ignoring their dog. In most cases this is fine. However when the person has an unruly dog (or at least one that does a lot of aggressive-ish rough housing) this approach is unfair to others. In the half dozen times I've visited this park, this hasn't been an issue at all. Respect.

Keep in mind, because it's a nice park in a perfect location, it tends to get pretty busy. And because the actual enclosed dog park areas aren't overly large, it can be crowded. As long as that isn't a deal breaker for you, I'd definitely recommend...

I'm starting to learn to enjoy this place with my dog. She really likes the doggy park, though it is small and after about 30-45 minutes it can become boring. But there is plenty of space for walking the dog if your dog is like mine, and loves walking.

As the weather warm up, it is nice to see lots of people just chilling, enjoying family and friends, children playing, and dogs having fun. It is a delightful atmosphere.

People are disturbed by the homeless, and yes it is a true a few of them do not use the garbage as they should, but most of them do not bother anyone. They are usually with their own friends, chilling or catching up on sleep. Some are definitely doing drugs so I caution all to keep an eye on their children's play area for needles.

Also, NEVER send your little children to the bathroom by themselves! ALWAYS GO INSIDE WITH THEM! I see this way too often and I never deem that safe because perves of that sort go where children are. And sad to say, it is not always the homeless but sometimes those that seem to "fit in" with the crowd. This is not to set fear or worry any parent but rather, a note of caution.

Other than that, it is a lovely spot to visit and the best time is now, before it gets really hot. I dare say until the end of April is lovely time...

BEWARE OF CARELESS OTHER PEOPLE AND THERE DOGS HERE*

People don't respect or control there dogs. My dog's third time to this (small section) dog park one morning some lady brought her two dogs a whinnie dog and don't remember the other type. But they were running up barking at anyone who would come in. These dog's also would run after other dogs toys when they were playing with there owners. Add to the fact these two would start fighting each other for said toy.. long story short as my dog was sniffing around one comes behind him and trys to mount him (my dog is nuturted) my dog gave him a snap to back off thats when the other one comes and now my little yorkie poo was fighting not one but two dogs at the same time. I was freaking out as i never been in this position before but that lady was just standing there casually laughing. My dog was just about to turn a yr old. When i was able to swoop him up i rushed out in a panicked state when i got to the car i checked him out he had a little blood on his lips not sure if it was his or the other dogs. Never again... i recommend going to the park side and playing with your dog in the large grass field instead some dog owners are careless no respect or consideration for...