James Hunter Dog Park - Arlington, VA
James Hunter Dog Park in Arlington, Virginia
James Hunter Dog Park is a popular and convenient spot for dog owners located in the heart of Arlington, Virginia. This fenced-off dog park offers ample space for dogs to run and play off-leash, making it a top choice for those seeking dog-friendly recreation in the city. The park features a large sandy area and even a wading pool, providing enrichment for pups during the warmer months.
With its wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking lot, James Hunter Dog Park is inclusive for all visitors. There are seating areas for owners throughout the park, making it comfortable to relax while your pup socializes. The park is generally well-maintained and attracts many local dog lovers, although visitors have noted occasional maintenance concerns with the water features and a lack of shade on hot days. Its central location near Clarendon also means plenty of dining and pet-friendly amenities are nearby!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Yes, dogs are allowed off-leash in the designated area.
- Is there a fenced area for dogs? Yes, the entire park is securely fenced for safety.
- Are there water features for dogs? Yes, there is a wading pool and a waterfall feature, though these may occasionally be under maintenance.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Shade is limited, and additional covered areas would be beneficial on hot days.
- Are benches or seating areas for owners? Yes, there are multiple seating areas throughout the park.
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? Yes, both the entrance and parking lot are wheelchair accessible.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? Generally yes, but visitors have noted occasional maintenance and drainage concerns.
- Is parking available? Yes, parking is available with accessible spots for visitors.
Reviews
Really nice dog park with sitting areas on both sides. Dog area is large with sandy ground and a wading pool. I like to sit and read in at the seats
7/30/21 waterfall off and blocked off
Convenient location but just a giant litterbox if not for the waterfall. The sand is very gravelly and just reflects all the heat, plus absorbs all the pee, making the whole park smell pretty bad when the wind brings it toward you.
Poor drainage. These photos were taken a couple days after we had a light snow. The dogs pee and poop in the water and then play in it and even drink it. We can’t go to the park on days like this without throwing our dog in the bath immediately afterward.
The good thing about this park is that it’s convenient for a lot of people. However, it could really benefit from better design.
Besides the drainage, two other areas where it could improve include 1) the sand. The sand isn’t pleasant and I think it prevents a lot of the park from being used, since people and dogs alike do not venture to the far end of the park often, and 2) lack of shade. I think this park could really benefit from additional shade during the summer. There really is no shade.
Full transparency I don’t have a dog. However i did stop here a couple times to take a breather during a long walk and from what I have observed from outside the fence in a random little picnic area, if you do have a dog then they would probably enjoy this park. There’s plenty of room, lots of other dogs to play with and it’s pretty well maintained. And if you don’t have a dog it’s a pretty chill little area in general.
Always a fun place to go with a great location to Clarendon. Dogs have always been friendly. I know there’s been incidents but never witnessed one myself. Facilities are mostly maintained. Some maintenance issues in the past with the waterfall and door lock (still needs to be fixed) but overall a very good dog park with ample room for dogs to run which is hard to find in urban neighborhoods. Definitely worth a visit. The locals who go here are friendly and are the dogs. All dogs welcome and are mixed which makes it more fun.