John Mastenbrook-Greenway Downs Park - Falls Church, VA
John Mastenbrook-Greenway Downs Park: A Dog-Friendly Destination in Falls Church, VA
John Mastenbrook-Greenway Downs Park is a charming, neighborhood green space located in Falls Church, Virginia. Although not an official dog park, it is a popular spot for dog walkers and pet-loving families. Tucked away from busy roads, the park features open grassy areas ideal for playing fetch, a scenic wooded loop trail perfect for light pet-friendly hikes, and a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. Local residents appreciate the quiet beauty, shaded spots beneath tall trees, and a sense of community centered around outdoor recreation.
This pet-friendly park is known for its circular walking path, children’s playground, basketball court, soccer and softball fields, and even a modest skate area. There are benches, some areas of shade, and a covered pavilion with picnic seating—perfect for owners to rest while their dogs explore. While there isn’t a dedicated off-leash or fenced dog section, it’s a favorite spot for leashed dog walks, frisbee, and spending time in nature. The park’s proximity to the W&OD trail adds even more options for dog-friendly adventures in the Falls Church area.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? No, dogs must remain on a leash within the park grounds.
- Is there a fenced area for dogs? No, there is no fenced-in dog area at this park.
- What are the park’s leash requirements? Dogs should remain leashed at all times for safety and the enjoyment of all park visitors.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, the park features mature trees and a small covered pavilion for shade and rest.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Yes, there are benches and a covered seating pavilion available.
- Is there a playground or activities for kids nearby? Yes, the park includes a playground, skate area, basketball court, and fields for soccer and softball.
- Where is the best place to park? Parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood near the park entrance.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, there are wooded walking trails within the park and it’s adjacent to the W&OD trail for additional dog-friendly hiking options.
- Is the park muddy after it rains? The park can become swampy and muddy following rainy weather.
- Are ticks or other pests common in the area? Mosquitoes and other insects can be prevalent during the summer months.
Reviews
A small neighborhood park tucked away from the major roads with lots of tall trees. You might spot a deer or two during your visit.
A small neighborhood park tucked away from the major roads with lots of tall trees. You might spot a deer or two during your visit.
A monument to invasive weeds. The entirety of the park is like a most noxious list of invasive weeds, totally overgrowing the strip of park along the suburban roads and the stub end (playground area) of it: Porcelainberry (it should be renamed “Porcelainberry Park”), Bamboo in the stub end, English Ivy, of course – through in noxiously comparison with the earlier two, ivy seems quaint. The kicker: Fairfax Parks doesn’t care, the park is entirely overgrown with ugly vines and bamboo, except for the mowed patches. If this was rich McLean, there would be remediation attempts, but until recently this has been a working class neighborhood, and no one cares. There is nothing notably nice about John Mastenbrook-Greenway Downs Park except it has a standard basketball court and a playground. Otherwise, it’s an eyesore.
A monument to invasive weeds. The entirety of the park is like a most noxious list of invasive weeds, totally overgrowing the strip of park along the suburban roads and the stub end (playground area) of it: Porcelainberry (it should be renamed “Porcelainberry Park”), Bamboo in the stub end, English Ivy, of course – through in noxiously comparison with the earlier two, ivy seems quaint. The kicker: Fairfax Parks doesn’t care, the park is entirely overgrown with ugly vines and bamboo, except for the mowed patches. If this was rich McLean, there would be remediation attempts, but until recently this has been a working class neighborhood, and no one cares. There is nothing notably nice about John Mastenbrook-Greenway Downs Park except it has a standard basketball court and a playground. Otherwise, it’s an eyesore.
Nice to stop for lunch sometimes, when not busy, and have the place mostly to myself, but dog walkers going by. Mostly friendly but one dog doesn’t like me at all, and is scary,needs to be controlled… Park hours depend on sun 🌞 Rise and Set times which gDrug gMaps doesn’t handle relative times well/at all…
Nice to stop for lunch sometimes, when not busy, and have the place mostly to myself, but dog walkers going by. Mostly friendly but one dog doesn’t like me at all, and is scary,needs to be controlled… Park hours depend on sun 🌞 Rise and Set times which gDrug gMaps doesn’t handle relative times well/at all…
Nice enough to stop in for lunch, sometimes when not busy. Dogs going by, but had place to myself for a while, to eat what was packed with me…
Nice enough to stop in for lunch, sometimes when not busy. Dogs going by, but had place to myself for a while, to eat what was packed with me…
Cozy little Park with a loop through the woods and a small playground. Little sanity for someone who grew up out in the woods. Mosquitos are rampant much of the summer
Cozy little Park with a loop through the woods and a small playground. Little sanity for someone who grew up out in the woods. Mosquitos are rampant much of the summer