However, if you have a furry companion, their future must be a little more certain than yours. This is the main reason why we created the best dog parks series! To be more specific, you need to know the dog parks in an area before traveling through it with your pup. Without any further ado, here are the best 5 dog parks in Lubbock that you can explore and discover!
1. MacKenzie Park-Canyon Dog Run
MacKenzie Main City Park shelters the MacKenzie Park-Canyon Dog Run and Prairie Dog Town. Do not confuse the latter with a dog park. It’s a mini-reservation where people can admire prairie dogs. The dog run is extremely busy on weekends. We recommend visiting the park during the week if your pup doesn’t like crowds or company. MacKenzie Park-Canyon Dog Run is a large, fenced area covered in grass and mulch. There are plenty of shade trees within the dog run, so you don’t need to worry about your pup overheating. Owners can rest on benches and even have picnics using the tables placed throughout the park. The entry is double-gated for increased pup safety. Be aware that there are no water fountains inside the dog run. You should bring along some bottles of water and a bowl for your furry friend.
2. Clapp Dog Park/ Hub City Unleashed
Clapp Dog Park can be found in the park of the same name, and it is a popular attraction for the area’s dog owners. The park is very crowded on weekends, but during the week, your pup will have enough space to stretch and run with other dogs–just not too many. The dog park, also known as Hub City Unleashed, features two separate areas for small and large dogs. Water fountains are present on-site, but they are not working. Pack water bottles and a suitable bowl to quench your pup’s thirst. There’s a pond crossed by a natural strip of land that can be used to cross from one side to another. You can help your pup explore it on a leash if the dog park gets too crowded.
3. Charles A Guy Park
Charles A Guy Park is near Henry Huneke Park and, like many other parks in Lubbock, features a pond. The water is not, however, suitable for swimming. Most of the park’s surface is covered in soft grass, so your pup can freely roll around–it won’t get scruffy. Ducks are also present in the area, besides children. Since Charles A Guy Park is not a designated dog area, you should keep your dog on a leash. It is, however, a dog-friendly park, marked by the several poop stations that can be found here. This is one of the busiest parks in Lubbock, especially between 3 PM and 7 PM. Many runners and walkers come here with their pups, so prepare yourself and your pup for some old-fashioned interaction. If this park gets too crowded, you can trek to Henry Huneke Park or McCullough Park in University Pines. As you can see, Lubbock has its fair share of parks you and your pup can explore whenever you want!
4. Maxey Park
Maxey Park can be found in the Medical District of Lubbock. It is a large park that shelters multiple playgrounds and a large lake. You and your pup can explore its shores while visiting this park. Since it is not a designated dog area, you should always keep your pet on a leash. Some visitors, however, let their dogs run free. You can do so too if your pup is not a runner and behaves well around company and children. The park features several trails, but lake activities are the main attractions here. The shoreline is easily accessible, and you can also feed ducks. Just make sure that your pup doesn’t feed on ducks accidentally. Maxey Park has plenty of shade trees and benches, so you can stop to take a break from walking, running, or playing with your pup whenever you can. Remember that there can be a lot of children in the park, and they might want to pet your dog.
5. Hodges Park
Hodges Park can be found a couple of blocks away from Rodgers Park, and it surrounds Llano Estacado Lake. Since the park stretches along the lake’s shores, it is the ideal destination for morning or evening walks with your pup. A couple of walking trails can also be used to discover the park’s secrets. The water is accessible, and the lake is not too deep. Your dog can go out for a swim if it wants. The lake is lined with benches and trees, so stopping to admire the surroundings or pet your furry companion won’t be a problem. One thing you should consider is the presence of both ducks and prairie dogs. Keeping your pup on a leash or under surveillance is a must, especially if it’s a chaser.
