Monocacy park-off leash recreation area - Bethlehem, PA
Monocacy Park-Off Leash Recreation Area – Dog Park in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
If you’re searching for a spacious and welcoming dog park in the Lehigh Valley, Monocacy Park-Off Leash Recreation Area in Bethlehem, PA, is a popular destination for local dog owners. This pet-friendly recreation area features three fully fenced-in zones: one for large dogs, one for small dogs, and a third versatile area allowing owners to spread out and find the best fit for their pets. The park is wheelchair accessible and offers a great environment for your four-legged friends to socialize and exercise off-leash.
Dog owners appreciate the size of the park and the opportunity for dogs to mingle or play in quieter areas. Water is available (except in winter), but shade is limited, especially in the small dog area. While there are some benches for seating and trash bins for waste disposal, visitors recommend bringing your own poop bags, as these are not always supplied by the city. The walk from parking to the fenced areas includes a hill, so plan accordingly. Despite occasionally muddy patches and the need for improved maintenance, the park serves as a well-loved gathering spot for the Bethlehem dog community and offers a fun, leash-free adventure for your pup!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Yes, dogs are allowed off-leash in the designated areas.
- Is there a fenced area for dogs? Yes, all three play areas are fully fenced for safety.
- Is there a separate area for small and large dogs? Yes, Monocacy Park has separate fenced areas for small and large dogs, plus a third all-purpose area.
- Is water available for dogs? Yes, water is available during warmer months but is turned off in winter.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Yes, there is some seating, though a few more benches would be beneficial.
- Is there shade or shelter available? There is very limited or no shade, especially in the small dog area.
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? Yes, the entrance and parking lot are wheelchair accessible.
- Is there parking available? Parking is available but not directly adjacent to the fenced dog park and requires a walk up and down a hill.
- Are poop bags or waste stations provided? Occasionally, poop bags are available at posted stations, but they may not always be restocked. Bringing your own bags is recommended.
- Is the park muddy after it rains? Yes, some areas, especially the large dog side, can be very muddy after rain.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? Maintenance can be inconsistent; trash bins and grass cutting are sometimes delayed, and some gates may need repair.
Reviews
Our favorite dog park in the area. Three parks; one for big dogs, one for small, and one that is seemingly unlabeled. Big dog park has a lot of dirt patches so expect doggo to get dusty. Small dog park has no shade. Friendly people, and typically have posts where you can get poop bags from. Might be a good idea to bring a bunch of plastic grocery bags to pay it forward and replenish if you’re a regular.
The Monocacy Off-Leash Dog Park is large, containing three fenced-in areas. As such, patrons are able to spread out. Unfortunately, the small dog area offers no shade from the summer sun. Water is available however, the city shuts it off during the winter. Sadly, the parking lot is not directly adjacent to the dog park, thus requiring walking up & down a hill to get to & from the actual dog park. Moreover, the physical dog park is not well maintained. One of the three areas is mostly dirt, as grass no longer grows in a large portion of it. After rainfall, it’s essentially a mud bath. Oftentimes, the latches on the gates are broken. Where there is grass, it’s not timely mowed. Similarly, the trash bins are not timely emptied. The city does not provide poop bags.
Nice park,3 areas for dogs if different sizes. A few more benches would give it a 5star
My dog is pretty big, young, and full of energy. This park has big sections for all breeds. There are 3 parts. I take her to one by herself so she can blow off some steam then I bring her to where there are other dogs so she can mingle. She loves this park and it’s great for her size.
Well I took my dog for the first time here and it was a bust. There’s no parking adjacent to the fenced-in area for the dogs. The main dog area has no trees or canopy to protect from the sunlight. The trash cans are outside the fenced-in area, forcing you to leave to throw away dog waste. One of the gates to the entrance of the main dog park is broken. The sad fact is I see a lot of potential here. There’s a lot of land available. The dog park could definitely be made much bigger and there’s plenty of room to provide several parking spots next to the off-leash dog park fenced in area. I know the city of Bethlehem could do much better than this.