Dog Park at Emily Douglas Park
Or call (803) 733-8531 for more information.
Reviews
- CasMay 24, 2023small
very small, overgrown with weeds, and it is on a hill so it is hard for dogs to run. but at least it’s free..? would recommend page ellington dog park instead, which is also free and much bigger
- JackMore than a year agoterrible
Not maintained and hardly any grass. Mosquitoes everywhere. Do not recommend at all.
- ZachMore than a year agoAverage park, nice people
This is the only free off-leash park in the city. The park largely feels like it's maintained by the people who come to it, so it can be lacking in things other parks have. To illustrate this, there is one water spigot at the bottom of the hill, two water bowls people have brought, and a plastic container for bringing water up the hill to the second bowl. There are only two small park benches, so most people just stand or sit on the concrete retaining wall. There is a double gate for entry, but the smallest dogs sometimes scoot under the gate to come say hi to new dogs before the others can.
The park itself is basically a fenced in hill, with about half of the terrain being sandy dirt that seems typical of South Carolina. The other half is covered in leaves and small brush and is basically filled with poop. At the bottom of the hill is a flat, sandy area filled with tennis balls and old toys where most of the dogs will play.
In the couple of times I have come here (~4-7pm), there were around 10-20 dogs, most larger than 30lbs. I would describe the "culture" or type of play of the park as aggressive and fast-paced - lots of chasing each other around and individual playfights. There can be a tendency of some dogs to bully one dog or to gang up on one, but most of the owners will break these fights up and/or take the aggressor away. Most dogs do tend to stick with dogs of similar size, i.e. hound dogs on hounds or german shepherds on labs. I've found the people who come to be very nice. Lots of college students coming to let their dogs release some energy or locals from the area.
Overall, this park is rough around the edges, but it has what you mostly need from a dog park: a large space for dogs to play with each other, and somewhat attentive owners. My dog has always left absolutely exhausted and ready for a long nap.
- AmeliaMore than a year agoOnly free park around
We visited Columbia for a week and looked hard for a dog park. This was the only one in the area that didn't seem to charge a fee and require a lot of paperwork -- not ideal for visiting dogs. It was fine enough, I never saw more than 3 other dogs there at a time. Sandy, and relatively dirty due to the dog poop everywhere, even though there is a convenient trash can right outside the gate. I visited it a few times, but would not have if there had been another free park in the region.
- AlexMore than a year agoGross
This is a beat up sand pit. When I went there were no poo bags and to top it all off the trash hadn't been taken out in a year or more. When you fill a trash can with small dog poo bags it says more about you and your care for my pup than me. I'd be more willing to pay a small yearly fee and fix this.
- DebbieMore than a year agogood park
This dog park was very good. I didn't give more bones because it doesn't have night lighting but it's got nice running hills and water and it has perfect fencing! Good amount of very nice dogs and humans????
Traveler Photos
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