Talley Day Park — Attraction in Wilmington

We have had many good experiences at this park, but I wanted to share some information about some recent events that I have found to be unnerving. This morning I took my dog to the park around 8/8:30 am. It seems like the group of people there this morning are regulars; most of them knew each other. A dog and its owner started to enter the Park this morning. As they entered, two other dogs began to become aggressive, and one of them attacked the other dog by grabbing them by the neck. The owner quickly responded and leashed their dog, but the dog continued to try and lunge at the other dog. Thankfully, the other dog was not harmed. I’ve noticed other dogs with aggression as well. There were two occurrences with two different dogs that caused me to leave the park. Two dogs went after my dog, rolled her on her back, and started to bark at her and nudge her, and grabbed her by the neck, which resulted in her yelping out in pain. I quickly intervened before it escalated. I understand that dogs can play rough, mouth each other, and bark at one another. But, there is a difference between play behavior and aggression. I've seen this happen with other dogs as well, owners intervening and leashing their dogs when they become aggressive. If your dog has aggressive and unpredictable behavior, please DO NOT bring them to a dog park. We have been coming to Talley Day for over 14 years off and on. 90% of the time, there are no issues. But I have become increasingly uncomfortable with the behavior I have seen. Long story short, if you bring your dog to this park, please be hyper-alert and aware of other dogs' behavior around your dog. I would hate for any dog to get...

I use Talley Day Park for the dog park located there.

I have noticed a lot of regulars who are attentive and respectful with all dogs present.

The dog park by Garnet Valley High School is much closer to me, but I have stopped going there entirely after witnessing inconsistent dog owner culture... Less corrections, rudeness between owners, judgments over breeds, etc.

This is less the case at Talley. Owners are friendly and often familiar with one another. The same faces show up and the dogs get to know each other.

This place is excellent for its community.

The only downside is that the side for large dogs is all wood chips. Not the end of the world, as grass does get torn up and turn into mud, but I still wish my boy wasn't running around JUST...

So, I visited this lovely spot on May 24th, 2025. Let me tell you, the aroma was simply divine! 👃 Think eau de sewage mixed with a hint of 'what-did-I-just-step-in?' They've got this new, uh, 'water feature' – a 3-foot deep, 10-foot wide puddle of mysterious brownish-blackish goo. Apparently, it's all the rage with the toddler set! Who needs a water park when you have a potential biohazard? 🙄 County's put up a little barrier, bless their hearts, but honestly, what could go wrong? Just a casual pipe malfunction, they say. I'm sure digging near active sewage lines had nothing to do with it. Genius planning, folks! 10/10 would recommend for a truly unforgettable...