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These locations all have a designated dog park. Please note that some other locations, such as Botanical Gardens are not listed because they do not allow dogs. Leashed dogs are, of course, welcome at most other greenspaces including the UGA campus. Please see my Dog Walking page for nice places to go near campus.

Memorial Park
Dog Park Fenced in. Very weedy, lots of trees, shade, and mosquito's. Dog water fountain is turned off in the winter. No fee to use the park. There are many "regulars" at this park and most congregate on the set of lawn chairs set up near the dog water fountain. This park is quite popular in the late afternoon/early evening. In addition to the park itself, nice on leash walks are to be had around the duck pond and in the woods. Unfortunately, you can't bring your dog into the zoo.
http://www.accleisureservices.com/dogpark.shtml
293 Gran Ellen Drive
Athens, GA
706-613-3616

Southeast Clarke Park
Fenced in, separate small dog/"big" dog areas. The "big" dog area is an open field bordered by trees and has a nice agility course in the back. A dog water fountain (turned off in winter) is found at the entrance of the park along with free poop bags. There is no fee to use the park. People come and go all day, but there is more attendance in late afternoon/evening and on weekends. This park looks nicer than Memorial park. It also has more amenities like a playground and skatepark nearby. Not many people use the agility course, but it is fully functional and waiting for anyone who wants to have fun with their dogs. If you leave the park, good on leash walks are to be had on woodland trails and in the big field next to the playground.
http://www.accleisureservices.com/dogpark.shtml
4440 Lexington Road
Athens, Georgia
706- 613-3871

Sandy Creek Park
Fenced runs are available for rent by the hour but a reservation is required. Each run has a source of water, a grassy field with mixed tree cover in spots, along with a picnic table. There is a small fee to enter the park and rent a dog run. If you rent a run they loan you a stainless steel water bowl and you have the dog run to yourself for about an hour. It helps to call and make advance reservations because the runs are popular. If you don't want to use the off leash dog runs, the rest of the park is also great place for on leash dog walking. There is a nice trail around the lake.
http://www.accleisureservices.com/dogpark.shtml
400 Holman Road
Athens, GA
706-613-3631

University of Georgia Intramural Fields
Wooded trails are available for walking dogs on leash, but dogs are not allowed on the playing fields. Many people illegally walk their dogs off leash around the swimming lake, so be warned that you might encounter loose dogs. The off leash dog park area is hidden in woods and can be found by driving all the way to the back of park past the tennis courts. Parking available but sometimes it is hard to find a spot. The "Dog Park" is found by following a trail. This area is not fenced in so don't bring your dog if it is likely to run away. There used to be a swimming pond but now it is mostly drained. Very few people are at this park and it is mostly used by students who are out jogging. Note: The park sometimes has a foul smell from the river, particularly true in the evenings. Some rumors circulate that the park harbors virulent strains of Parvo virus so please don't bring any puppies.
Located off of College Station Road, across from UGA Health Center
Athens, GA

Ben Burton Park
This park is unofficially used as an off leash dog park. I heard rumors that they are cracking down on this. The park also tends to be dirty and has lots of shady characters hanging around. Some people love this place because they can let their dogs swim in the river, but given all the downsides I don't recommend it.

Athens Greenway
Some nice areas to walk your dog around town and by the river. I haven't explored it much but heard of at least one good swimming hole for dogs. It does pass through some sketchy neighborhoods, but the trails seem safe. Please send me your comments about this new resource for on leash dog walking.

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