I drove from Bettendorf to see this park based on this page, and a couple other pages, It is $5 per dog for a day pass, $25 per dog for the year pass. I paid $10 for my two dogs. When I got in, I noticed there is vary little shade, and not much seating, for owners to relax, while the dogs play. We found the swimming area that is for dogs only and 15 feet deep according to other web pages. The swimming area was more like a farmers small pond, or mudd whole. It was locked. There are 3ft wide paths to walk through and around the park. I was not impressed, It was a normal dog park. Bettendorf Dog park is better they have fenced in areas for small dogs being put up right now and two large fenced areas that alternate for use. The big area is form all dogs. aside from that Crow Creek Park has a flooded quarry that has a fresh spring that fills it with water and many nature trails for hiking. Lots of shade from big trees and The trails are groomed. But best of all it is free. A fund raiser is held every year for donations, and the city cares for the lawn. I should mention that swimming is not allow, for people or dogs, in the quarry. But I think thats posted so you cant blame the city if ur dog drouns. I see dogs playing in there all the time. In comparision I will not be traveling to Iowa city to pay for something that offers half of the experiance. When I can stay in town and get a much better environment to take my dogs for free.
Thornberry Off Leash Dog Park
Iowa City Animal Services (319) 356-5295
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The Thornberry Off-Leash Dog Park is located in the Peninsula Park at the west end of Foster Road.
Park Rules:
For the safety of all dogs and their human companions and for the enjoyment of all, please read and abide by the rules and etiquette suggestions. When you get to the park, please don’t congregate with your dogs at the entryway and gates, so that everyone can enter and exit easily.
All dogs must:
- Have a current rabies vacination
- Display a permit for use of the park.
- Be accompanied by a responsible person at least 16 years of age.
- Be on-leash in the parking lot and in the entryway until they are inside the first gate.
- Be off leash in the park. It is okay to leash your dog to lead them out of the park.
The following dogs are not allowed in the park:
- Vicious, dangerous or aggressive dogs
- Dogs with communicable diseases
- Dogs in heat
Dog handlers must:
- Clean up after their dogs. Please use the green biodegradable bags available in park dispensers. Dog waste in the florescent green bags should be deposited in the underground waste tanks. Other waste bags should go into the garbage cans.
- Carry a leash for each dog in the park. Leaving a leash on the gate is a violation of park rules.
- Discourage dogs from excessive barking and dominating behavior such as staring, humping, and bullying.
- Stop dogs from digging and fill holes made by their dogs
- Be responsible for actions and behavior of their dogs at all times.
- Remove pinch, choke, and spike collars prior to entering the park. This is a safety issue as dogs can be injured by such collars when playing. People have been injured by these collars too.
- Not have more than two dogs in the park at one time.
More info can be found here: http://www.jcdogpac.org/park_info.shtml
- Handicap Accessible: Yes
- Parking: Free lot
- Restrictions: No alcohol, No smoking
- Area: 12 acres
I've never been to the Bettendorf dog park, but I've never felt the need to drive an hour out of my way to visit another community's dog park when my own city has two dog parks to choose from.
I take my dogs to the dog park in Iowa City often; usually at least twice weekly. The $25 membership is extremely affordable. There are young trees growing at the Thornberry park, so they don't offer much shade. But there are two covered benches in the main park and one covered bench in each of the alternative parks. The Thornberry Park has the main running area, but it also has a park area reserved for small dogs only and one additional park area reserved for small groups and/or more aggressive dogs who need the chance to run, but who really aren't safe to play with other dogs.
I like the pathway in the dog park. It's especially nice during the weeks when snow is melting or when there is a lot of rain and, as a result, the ground is muddy. I often see people use the pathway to get some exercise while their dogs play with others.
The pond is indeed locked up at this time of the year. It's usually locked up during the winter months. There's a sign posted that lists the months that it is open.
In short, it is indeed a normal dog park. I plan to continue taking my dogs to the Thornberry Off-Leash Dog Park.