Athens West State Park - Athens, OH
Athens West State Park is a popular dog park in Athens, OH, nestled near the West Union ball fields and surrounded by the peaceful shade of tall pines. This dog-friendly spot features a spacious, fenced area measuring approximately 600 feet by 100 feet, allowing dogs to run freely and enjoy being off-leash. Local pet owners appreciate the park’s picturesque setting, friendly atmosphere, and the fresh water available onsite during the summer months, making it a prime destination for dog lovers looking for a safe and welcoming environment.
The park’s amenities include agility equipment for your pup to explore, multiple benches for owners, and convenient access to pet-friendly trails for walking or biking. In addition, Athens West State Park offers public restrooms, picnic tables, a barbecue grill, and a vibrant playground, making it a great choice for families with kids. Whether you’re looking to socialize your dog, relax in the shade, or enjoy a day out with your pet, this well-maintained park on the edge of Athens is a top pick among locals. Parking is available, and the park is wheelchair accessible, providing easy access for all visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Yes, dogs are allowed off-leash within the designated fenced dog park area.
- Is there a fenced area for dogs? Yes, the dog park features a large, securely fenced area.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, the park is surrounded by tall pines providing good shade, and there is a shelter nearby.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Yes, there are benches within the dog park for owners to relax.
- Are there water fountains or bowls for dogs? Fresh water is available onsite during the summer months.
- Is there agility equipment for dogs to play on? Yes, there are obstacles and agility features for dogs to enjoy.
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? Yes, the entrance and parking lot are wheelchair accessible.
- Is there a playground or activities for kids nearby? Yes, there is a playground and play equipment close to the shelter.
- Are restrooms available for owners? Yes, public restrooms are available nearby.
- Is there parking available? Yes, there is a parking lot for visitors.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? There is access to pet-friendly walking and bike trails near the park.
- Are picnics or BBQs allowed? Yes, there are picnic tables and a barbecue grill for visitors to use.
Reviews
Nice ballpark with a dog park onsite as well.
This review is for the Athens dog park by the West Union ball fields, not to be confused with the East State Street dog park behind the pool, Holiday Inn Express, and by the waste water treatment plant.
All locals with dogs know and seem to prefer one or the other of the two parks, but if you like shade and a slightly more picturesque park, the W. State St. park is for you. It is surrounded by tall pines on 3 of the four sides, and has 3 decent sized benches. It is also big enough, at about 600 feet long by maybe 100 feet wide. In summer there is fresh water on site. Be careful if you’re the only one there to check that both gates at both entrances are secured, because sometimes idiots walk through and leave them open. So if you come in one end and don’t notice the gate at the other end was left wide open, good by Fido. This is worse if it’s baseball season, or you’re the only one there.
All in all, I totally recommend this park. The other one out on East State is ok but it is simply an old baseball field, and it shows.
This park is at the edge of town, and was used for a school group event. Nice and quiet park. At least to my observation, it looks like it has been maintained pretty well. While not a rare event in Athens, one can see deer and other wildlife hanging out, even as walkers and bicyclists go by on the walking/bike trail. (I assume it is connected to the main one that runs through the university and town, but I admit I don’t know that for sure.
Reservations are necessary. There is play equipment near the shelter house we met at, but I didn’t see (or look for) restroom facilities.
Great friendly atmosphere for walking your dog.
A nice dog park. Plenty of space for them to run around and have a good time. I like that there are obstacles for the pups to play with. My dog definitely enjoyed those. I did have a little trouble finding it initially. It’s kinda tucked in the back side of the park next to the trails leading to the restrooms by the river side trail.