Dogwood Acres Dog Park - Sterling,
Dogwood Acres Dog Park in Sterling, IL
Dogwood Acres Dog Park, located on 12th Ave in Sterling, offers a simple but spacious environment for local dog owners seeking a fenced, off-leash space for their pets. This park features two separate yards—one for large dogs and one for smaller breeds—making it convenient for all sizes to play and exercise safely. The park prides itself on accessibility, with wheelchair-friendly parking and entrances, ensuring an inclusive, pet-friendly outing for everyone.
While the park is open 24/7/365 and allows dogs to roam off-leash, please note that entry requires a paid key fob or code, and there are minimal amenities onsite. There is only one seating area, no water dispensers or playground equipment, and shade is limited to what’s naturally provided by trees. Despite these limitations, Dogwood Acres remains a decent choice for Sterling residents and visitors with key fobs seeking a quiet place to socialize their dogs off-leash within a securely fenced area.
Dogwood Acres Dog Park FAQ
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Yes, dogs can be off-leash within the designated fenced area.
- Is there a fenced area for dogs? Yes, the park is fully fenced with two separate yards for different sizes.
- 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, both the entrance and parking lot are wheelchair accessible.
- Is the park open year-round? Yes, it is open 24/7, 365 days a year.
- Is there a fee or membership required to enter? Yes, you must purchase a key fob or access code to enter the dog area.
- Are there water fountains or bowls for dogs? No, there is no water dispenser or fountain onsite.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? There is only one place to sit inside the park.
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