Dog’s Paradise

A Pup’s Paradise

| 2016 Q1 | story by MEGAN GILLILAND, Communications Manager, City of Lawrence | photos City of Lawrence

Mutt Run

The City of Lawrence operates two dog parks where four-legged family members can roam and enjoy scenic landscapes as part of their daily exercise routine. Mutt Run, located at 1330 East 902 Rd., and Riverfront Park, near the intersection of North Second and Highways 24 and 40, both offer dogs (and their human owners) areas to interact with other dogs and run free in a safe environment.

“I hear from park guests that Mutt Run is one-of-a-kind and a true gem for dogs and dog owners,” says Darin Pearson, park operations manager for Lawrence Parks and Recreation. “Mutt Run is really large. Guests tell me all the time they enjoy the expanse of the park, which offers areas to roam with their dog through trails, woods and native grasses.”

Mutt Run opened in 2001 and has been extensively used by dog owners. The park sits on property leased from the U.S. Corps of Engineers below the Clinton Lake Dam in west Lawrence. It includes restrooms, a drinking fountain, water for dogs and a small parking lot. Mowed paths run through the fields and along wooded areas. As with all of the city’s parks, users must be responsible for their pets and obey rules and regulations posted at the site.

“Mutt Run is an ideal atmosphere to bond with your dog, enjoy canine interaction and let your dog run free,” says Roger Steinbrock, marketing supervisor for Lawrence Parks and Recreation.

Mutt Run has gained a loyal following in the community and has become a place to gather and socialize.

“The park has become a community within a community in many ways,” Steinbrock says. “The people who go there regularly know each other and know each other’s dogs. It has become a place where people can bring dogs to interact, but friendships and comradery have flourished through the park, as well.”

Mutt Run also offers a small, 1-acre fenced area for those who want to keep their dogs within a boundary.

To access the park, take Clinton Parkway west to the Clinton Lake Dam road, turn south on the dam road, and take the first left onto 902 Road. Follow 902 Road to the first left. The 30-plus acre off-leash park is at the bend in the road that leads to the north side of the spillway.
Additionally, the city maintains Riverfront Park, north of the city and near the levee in north Lawrence. Riverfront Park is much smaller and does not have the amenities that Mutt Run does; however, it does offer a place for dogs to run and enjoy activities apart from your backyard and off-leash.

With the weather getting nicer and spring arriving soon, the city’s dog parks are a great way to get out and enjoy the natural surroundings.

“Our parks system consists of 54 parks and over 4,000 acres to explore,” Steinbrock says. “The dog parks are just one part of a comprehensive system we offer to encourage our residents to get outside and live a healthy lifestyle.”

Lawrence Parks and Recreation is committed to developing its programs and services in innovative, cost-efficient and effective ways to further enhance Lawrence’s quality of life. For more information on Lawrence Parks and Recreation, visit lawrenceks.org/lprd