Dogwood Acres Dog Park - Sterling, IL
Dogwood Acres Dog Park in Sterling, Illinois, offers local dog owners a safe, well-maintained spot for their pups to play and socialize. Conveniently located on 12th Ave, this dog park features wheelchair accessible entrances and parking, making it an inclusive option for all visitors. While the park itself is spacious and includes separate fenced areas for small and large dogs, be aware that entry requires a paid key fob, which is fairly unique for the region and may not be convenient for travelers or one-time visitors.
The park is open 24/7, 365 days a year, and is mostly grass and trees offering natural beauty, shade, and room to run. There is minimal seating available, and currently no designated water fountains or agility equipment. Those seeking simple outdoor fun for their dogs in the Sterling area will enjoy this park, particularly local residents looking for a reliable, off-leash experience. Note that amenities are basic, so visitors should plan accordingly.
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, the park has fenced areas.
- Is there a separate area for small and large dogs? Yes, there are two separate yards: one for small dogs and one for large dogs.
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? Yes, the entrance and parking lot are wheelchair accessible.
- Is the park open year-round? Yes, Dogwood Acres Dog Park is open 24/7/365.
- Is there a fee or membership required to enter? Yes, you must have a paid key fob to access the dog areas.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? There is only one place to sit.
- Are there water fountains or bowls for dogs? No, there are no water dispensers available at this park.
- Is there shade or shelter available? There is natural shade from trees, but no covered shelter.
Reviews
Like the sign says “Stupidest thing ever”. Someone else apparently agrees with me. Don’t know where that address is but I’m sure it isn’t too far. But if your traveling through and just want to let the doggies out for some exercise like me you have to find that address AND pay for a NULL permit/fob key to get in the dog area(unless someone will let you in I guess). I think it’s good for a year but still if you’re traveling through it doesn’t make any sense to pay NULL to exercise your doggy…even if you live here it’s ignorant. I have never been to a dog park where you had to pay.
I guess Sterling doesn’t like visitors/ travelers.
Terrible, not at all dog friendly!!! They have a big dog park, but you have to have a code to get access to the dog park.
You must have a key fob to enter. Open 24/7/365. Large. Has two separate yards, one for smaller dogs and a bigger one for larger ones. Only one place to sit.
There is not any amenities or anything else besides the grass and trees. They could do with added some dog friendly activities or play ground like equipment that I have seen at other dog parks.
Also, they do not have a water dispenser to give the dogs water.
Don’t forget they want people to pay for something that TAXES paid for…. you need a keyfob to open the fence door. However any able bodied individual can easily access it. 😉
Overall it’s a decent park!
Average park, nothing special. Blows my mind that there are no indoor facilities to socialize your dog. Also dog parks in the Western stated don’t make your register and pay a yearly fee for every single dog park in the state. Dog Parks should be included in our taxes like public parks. I lived in CA for almost 8 years and I’ve never once seen or experienced problems at any of the dogs parks I went to in AZ, CA, CO, Utah, Nevada, etc. Clearly it’s more about making money than providing a opportunity for people to socialize their dog