Salem Rotary Dog Park — Attraction in Salem

Not only is this the best dog park in Roanoke for dogs, it's the best for dog owners. Everytime we visit, we're impressed & encouraged by the diversity in age, race, color, class & creed, etc of all the people we see. Unlike other dog parks, there is no silent, cliquey status quo. Everyone (and dog) is warmly welcomed.

Both big and all dog sections are substantially spacious and well-maintained, with benches about 2-4 benches in each, but some people bring their own chairs. It's really easy to find yourself there 2hrs with the time flying by from great conversations with new folk or ongoing moments of dog play.

You can view a live feed of the park from the city of Salem website, which is nice for when my husband brings our pup while I'm stuck at work. We now go 2-3 times a week, and will likely pick up throughout the Fall with the lovely weather....

This is the best dog park around. Always people and dogs there... fairly clean (come on folks, pick up after your dogs!!) And nicely constructed. There are two sections separating larger and small dogs. Double grates to get in. Water and bags. Donate to the Rotary Club in a donation box bear the main entrance if you go. We haven't run across this but we've been told this park doesn't allow dog toys and balls. There are almost always balls there, but we've heard that folks get yelled at for playing ball there. Evidently some gals have called the police on some folks although I don't think that's happened recently. I suspect some folks brought their dogs and those dogs were ball aggressive and they caused a problem in the past. We go nearly every week and have not seen that but something in the past got a burr under someone's skin. So just be aware...

I love taking my dogs here, even though we already have a fenced in back yard and they get plenty of yard time.

Most all other dog owners are quite friendly and very understanding when my husband and I bring our medium-sized dog to the small dog area (our sweet 2 year old dachsador) since the much bigger dogs tend to frighten her. Only have had a few exceptions of side eye from others for her being on that side of the fence, but she only plays with her small brother and sister at home, so she plays so well with the smaller dogs.

Love the hours that the park is open, as well as the live stream camera so we can decide ahead of time if it seems a bit to crowded to keep up...