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| - My absolute favorite dog park. I live in the NW, and actually go out of my way to drive here in the morning with my two pugs. I stop at Starbucks on the way, and Jonas & Chloe start to freak out in excitement once I pull into the parking lot - they just know!
I love how the entire area is fenced off (and when I say "area" I mean multiple, massive areas) since my two little monkeys haaaaate bikes, and rollerblades, and skateboards, and anything with wheels that goes faster than they think it should. The bike & jogging paths are on the other side of the fence, which is a huge, huge, HUGE help.
There are multiple, tree-lined, lush pathways and several river access points for doggies to get a drink & to cool off during the summer. Wear wellies on a rainy day, as it can get pretty mucky in some areas with nearly impassable puddles! They are doing a lot of work on the park itself, post-flood, since it was essentially annihilated last year... some areas and gates are still fenced & locked off, which is extremely frustrating because there is absolutely no need for them to be, but every time I visit someone has found a way to get around the barriers (there's no stopping us dog folk.)
There are some new interpretive centre/nature reserve-style signs posted around the park, and after reading one of them I learned that the hills in the larger off-leash area (sans river access) were man-made specifically for the dogs, as well as (what seemed random and misplaced) wooden posts which are actually strategically put in the ground to the musical score of "how much is that puppy in the window", it's purpose being to look and act like a structure for dog agility. Now, I am an advocate for banning the sale of dogs in pet store windows all together, but the gesture is thoughtful. ;)
A couple of cons: I wish there were doggy fountains like at River Park in the huge, huge area that doesn't have any access to the river. Bring your own doggy water bottle if you plan on walking this loop on a hot day, especially if you have squishy-faced dogs like mine!
I also wish there were those boxes with black poop bags available throughout the park. Some dog parks in Calgary have them, and others don't, including this one. My pockets & car are always stuffed with them, but on the rare occasion that I've run out, I've had to frantically ask around for extra baggies (although it is never a problem to get some from others!)
Third - and I know this is a common complaint - I see huge maintenance trucks in this park ALL the time (watering trees, etc) meaning that I don't think it would be THAT much to ask to put some garbage bins throughout the park. There are ZERO. You'll be stuck carrying your poop bags the entire way until you make it back to the parking lot, unless some kind soul traveling in the opposite direction offers to take it for you, which has happened to me on several occasions.
I personally have not had any trouble with parking, but I tend to go during non-peak hours. I can see how spots would fill up quick however, and judging by other reviews, they do ticket those who park on the street. People are always coming and going, though, so you might just have to spend some time trolling around before you secure a spot.
Also, VERY important - there have been several reports of dogs getting poisoned at Southland, including my own (recently - it was an expensive and time-consuming, overnight emergency vet visit). Since it is such a huge, popular park, I'm guessing it must be a prime target for those cold-hearted individuals who do terrible, hurtful things for reasons nobody understands. Keep an eye out for your fur babies while they are here - don't let them eat anything off the ground, play with abandoned toys or drink from the puddles, which is what happened to my poor pug Jonas.
As long as you are cautious, mindful, attentive, and aware, as well as stocked up with poop bags & water - possibly a towel or two to clean off muddy paws & bellies before getting back into the car - then this park is DEFINITELY worth the trip, and a huge treat for your pups.
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