I have witnessed many vicious dog to dog attacks here. One occurred right in front of a stroller containing an infant. The parent of the baby was also the owner of the dog who viciously attacked a Border Collie who was simply running by. This attack required 3 people to separate the dogs, while the owner stood back in shock of what was happening. Finally someone had to kick the chest of the attacking American Bulldog for it to release it's grip. Though not recommended, it did work. The owner quickly leashed the dog and left, which is rare. They usually reprimand their dog and set them loose again in the park. A second attack occurred with a black Staffordshire Terrier mix who mauled another dog over a rope toy. The owner refused to leave until another person in the park told her to take the dog out of the park. A quarrel occurred between the two people, but the woman and her dog eventually left when several other people informed her of how aggressive her dog gets. Yet a third attack happened with a boxer who attacked a Pointer. The pointer was cowering at the boxer's dominating stance; after being pounced while running. The pointer went into a submissive stance and the boxer attacked; puncturing the pointers neck with it's teeth. The forth attack I witnessed was with another dog being attacked by a Boxer/Bull Mastiff mix. The aggressive dog snapped at the running dogs muzzle causing 2 distinct puncture wounds. The fifth attack involved a toy poodle being grabbed by a herding dog and shook by the scruff of it's neck. The owner of the herding dog could not command the dog to stop; requiring another dog owner to jump after the dog to grab it. Then, had to pry the dogs jaws open to release the poodle.

This park has been inundated by aggressive dogs and inept dog owners! Though the option to go to the other side of the park exists, it is hard to keep away from them when they keep changing sides. Lakewood Animal Control has not done ANYTHING with these attacks. I doubt anyone even reports these attacks. I hate to say it, but this Dog Park is the WORST dog park in the Denver-Metro area! One is on guard as soon as they enter. I thought I could avoid these conflicts by staying far away from the owners that stand in place by the gates. Thought the owners stay away, the dogs still come around. The owners are now over an acre away and offer NO assistance in the event of an attack or when their dog needs to be controlled. This park has SO much potential, but needs more "self policing" as other dog parks have in the area.

The park is once again separated into two parks. The center gate was put back up 2 weeks ago and the ravines in the pathways have been resolved. Lakewood put down new sand/gravel around both pathways on each side. Lakewood put locks on the maintenance gates, again, in attempts to keep people from using them as personal entrances and exits; neglectfully letting dogs out of the park. Hopefully whoever keeps cutting them off will stop!

Having two sides, again, really helps control the dog to dog aggression and human to human incompatibilities.

The poop problem is still bad as ever. About 2/3 of the people still don't pick up after their dogs. Kennel Cough and Canine Influenza (Dog Flu; H3N8) are still going around bad. Aggressive dogs still come to the park and reap havoc on the peaceful ones. Much improvement is still needed.

This is the worst dog park I have ever visited. Fights galore, dog poop galore, and some of the MOST inconsiderate owners I have ever met. This park is way too overused. People and dogs come in and out all the time. I have noticed, very few people ensure the gates are closed and latched. Too dangerous for anyone to trust the other dogs in this park and around the owners. Watched a dog hack, wretch, and cough up foam for over 5 minutes; it could easily be something like Kennel Cough. The owner didn't care that they could be spreading a very contagious illness around. Left immediately.

I have never been to a dog park where dog droppings have been so prevalent. There are tubes that have plastic bags in them so you can pick it up but very few people do. I twice have had my dog step in it and it had gotten on his coat. Once a lady instructed me that the bottom was the "poop area" and you don't have to worry about it. I knew why she brought her dog here. I also had a run in with kennel cough after visiting this park. This was the only place we had been to with my dogs in the last 4 months besides our home. Our pooch was current on his vaccinations but still caught a terrible, hacking, retching, energy steeling case of kennel cough. Cost just over $200 to treat! I too have encountered the attitudes of the people in this park and they can be all out nasty. Ask someone to keep their dog under control and they say something to the matter of "they have to work it out." Well, you need to work that out with YOUR dog and keep him from attacking mine! I was informed of the plaque that contained the rules and regulations of the park but I don't think anyone knows these instructions are there and who is enforcing them? Cigarettes too tend to litter this park and had a 5 minute ordeal trying to retrieve one from my pooch's mouth. "Enter at your own risk" as another person stated. Yes, and if you do come in make sure you have plenty of money set aside for veterinarian costs. This park is too overwhelming, crowded, and hazardous to your and your dog's health.

Enter at your own risk should be the motto of this dog park. For starters, the overflow parking lot is the only lot people seem to use anymore even though there is a nice paved lot 500 feet west on Alameda. The overflow lot is poorly maintained and contains an almost 5 foot wide and 16" deep pot hole at the entrance that can't be avoided. Though there are signs saying "park behind the barricades only," people still park all over the place making it very hard to exit this lot. Then there's the park itself. The hinges and latches to the double gait are typically broken. I have once seen one of the gates laying on the ground broken and nobody seemed to care or try to fix it for the safety of the dogs inside the park. I have witnessed multiple people letting other peoples dogs out of the park, though typically by accident, but most people don't care about the safety of the other dogs in the park. Very few people tend to ensure the gates are closed, and with a good wind, they fly open. The dog park rules and regulations are posted in a most inconspicuous spot to where most people don't even know they're rules. Walking around this park can result in a sprained ankle, at the least, due to the deep run off "ravines" that have formed. It looks like at one time the park attempted to divert the water in spots, but it seems that it became too problematic to continue doing this, so they gave up. It makes no sense why there is a split in the fence, where a gate once was, between the two sides and all the humans tend to congregate there and don't keep an eye on their dogs. This park is over 2 acres per side and most people are too lazy to walk around to pick up after their dogs. Dog droppings are EVERYWHERE! This park is also a huge mud pit when it rains or when the snow starts to melt. I find it amazing that the people come to this park wearing their good clothes and get upset when a dog rubs up against them or jumps. I have never seen so many dog fights at a dog park in my life besides at this park. Granted there will be scuffles between dogs, but this park seems to cater to people who know their dog has aggressive tendencies. Every time I have gone to this park, there has been a fight that requires human intervention to break it up while the owner is nowhere to be found. This park is really catered towards large to giant dogs. I have seen many small dogs get trampled or played with as if the small dog were a toy. Puppies that I have seen here have been traumatized by overly rough play. The dog owners tend to follow suit of their badly behaved dogs. Verbal fights between the humans are as often as the dog quarrels. I usually see the park regulars sitting far away from the crowd, and I now understand why they do this. It seems like most of the dogs that come to this park lack any and all training and are brought to this park to wear them out only. Like I said in the beginning, "Enter at Your Own Risk!"

Here is an update on my comment sense reviewing on 01/21/2009.

Forsberg Iron Spring Dog Park has changed for the worse sense its opening in August of 2008. The City of Lakewood now operates it and has done a poor job with maintenance but have at least removed the trash that is in the receptacles. Actual patrons of the park have replaced the broken hinges, fixed the latches, placed rocks and boulders against the fence where runoff eroded 1 foot ruts under the fence, and filled in mud holes. Lakewood tore down the gate that once separated the two sides allowing a person to separate dogs (or humans) who are incompatible. The Dog Park is one HUGE mud hole when the snow melts or when it rains. The grass went the way of the Dodo bird over the last year and a half but they still water at all hours of the day in the warmer months.

Dog fights are a constant issue at this park due to people bringing aggressive dogs that should NEVER be off leash let alone be around other dogs. There have been several dogs that required emergency visits to the vet due to vicious attacks.

The poop problem has become so bad that I spend the first 15 or so minutes cleaning up an area for my dog to play in so he isn't covered in poop when playing. I have had multiple experiences where I have watched someone watch their dog go poop and attempt to walk away. I would hand them a poop bag and they would: refuse to pick it up, place the bag in their pocket, or just plain ignore me. I really hope nobody ever does a soil test and discover high levels of biohazards and close the park.

The congregating humans at the "hole in the fence" is a major problem at this park. They stay in place and converse with other dog owners while ignoring their dog ownership responsibilities, thus the poop problem and dog fights.

There have been many dogs that have gotten loose, or should I say "let out", at this park due to people leaving the gates to the sally port open, not latching them all the way, or using the maintenance gate as their personal entrance/exit. One dog that I know of has been hit by a car on Alameda Parkway, requiring surgery and another dog was never seen again.

The new problem at the park has been the influx of Kennel Cough and Dog Flu. Dog owners have been bringing sick dogs to the park and spreading a very bad case of Borditella to dogs who are actually current with their Borditella Vaccination.

The personalities of the dog owners are terrible at this park. From people who should never be a dog owner, people who drop off their dogs and go for a run on the mountain, to people who will hit your dog with a "Chuck-It" because your dog took their dog's "special" ball. My dog is now terrified of Chuck-Its because of a person hitting him with one.

Another problem at this park is the owners that allow their dogs to run from the parking lot to the dog park off leash and from the park back up to the lot. Many dog fights have occurred on the walk down due to these off leash dogs. There was one serious injury caused by charging dogs outside of the fenced area. A man was leaving the park and multiple off leash dogs slammed into his leg, dislocating his knee cap and the man had to be taken out by ambulance and required surgery. Animal control has been informed about this problem, but they have not done anything but post signs about the Lakewood Leash Law along the walk.

All in all, this park has become just a place that people bring their dogs to "wear them out, and let them defecate." The attitudes of the dog owners have hindered the fun of the place.

Oh, almost forgot to mention this. This park has become a target of vehicle brake-ins. I had my car broken into in the main lot, even though I had nothing in my car to take. Parking at this park cost me a $300 passenger side window. There is glass still all over both lots from the constant break-ins.

In my opinion, this park is extremely overused due to it being the only off leash dog park in a densely populated area. I have counted over 80 dogs in this park at one time. The parking is a mess in the additional off street lot, but nobody uses the 44 space paved lot anymore. Lakewood has done a very poor job maintaining this park and enforcing the rules that would make this park what it once was, FUN.

I have not been to this park in about a month or so but since it's been open I've been bringing my dog here. It's by FAR the best place to bring your dog in the Denver area. There is not another dog park in Denver with something other than grimy dirt. This park has grassy areas, long grass/bushes etc.

I have never seen aggressive behavior at this park. I have witnessed the ordinary dog rifts here and there but dogs will be dogs.

I agree that this is a great park for big dogs and high energy dogs to run/chase/play. It does not cater to small dogs that have not been properly adjusted to large dogs or dogs that have never been to a dog park. I've seen plenty of small dogs that hold their own just fine with the big dogs. This park is one of the rare spaces that big dogs can really stretch their legs!

Because this park is catered towards big dogs, it is also not appropriate for small children, although people seem to have not been told that large groups of dogs are never safe for small children.

Use your noggins here people. Big dogs, who are bred to work all day, need time to be dogs. Don't throw your children or small pups in the mix with the big dogs!

I agree in everyway. This park is great for BIG dogs, but if your dog is little, then don't bring them here. The big dogs there are not bad dogs, per say, but more so that the people there just shouldn't be dog owners.

I really used to like it better there but a few months ago my dogs both got kennel cough from a dog there. They had no other contact with animals so they had to have gotten it from there so people are bringing their sick dogs there. People do not watch when they are coming in. Somebody let out my 9 month old Weiner dog and didn't even bother to try to help get him. People do not watch there dogs enough so they are jumping on people and my dogs are very small and the owners of the big dogs do not care enough when their dogs are being to aggressive toward the little dogs, who can be hurt very easily. People don't pick up their dogs poo because for a few weeks I went there and the trash was overflowing for well over a month.

They let my four month old puppy out of the park and when I ran out to catch him and voice my concern everyone started yelling at me that it was my fault for not watching him. I stated I was watching him, I watched them let him out. Only one sally port and many times both gates are open at the same time. Line to get into the park and line to get out of the park. Lots of dog poo, no one picks up after their animals. Left after 15 mniutes when I realized my dogs weren't safe there. Witnessed three dog fights in that short time. Not enought parking spots. Really bad experince, won't be back.

This is a fenced in dog park with million dollar views of the foothills and of Red Rocks. As of now, the park is independently owned by the developer of Solterra (2008 Parade of Homes builders), Carma Development. Located on the south slope of Green Mountain, it has a downhill slope throughout both sides of the park. They rotate the sides every 2 weeks or so to replenish the lawn where the dogs have been romping around. FYI, this park can get VERY muddy! Bring poop bags and please bring any extra you may have. There are tubes where you can place bags in for others to use. There is a "doggie water fountain" but bring water anyway due the the fountains being shut off in the fall and are not turned back on untill late spring. The restrooms are never guaranteed to be open and have thus far been unlocked.

The well mannered dogs are a joy for other dogs to play with. I often spend 2-4 hours a day here with my German Shorthaired Pointer and "the regulars" make the park enjoyable for both the dogs and owners. I don't suggest/I oppose bringing toys other that tennis balls into the park for obvious reasons; you may never get the toy back, if you do get it back it may be destroyed, and the dogs may fight over the toy. Anyway, try to keep the peace and keep your toys at home or in your car, and always remember to keep your knees a bit bent to avoid being knocked over by a stampeding pack of dogs! *Caution*There are rattlesnakes in the area, so be cautious!

There are also a few problems with this park that can make it a bad/traumatic experience, including: people not picking up after their dogs (stay on the trails less step in a pile. Yes, it gets that bad), people not supervising their dogs and allowing VERY inappropriate/aggressive behavior that usually ends in an all and out dog fight(s), *people bringing knowingly aggressive dogs to the park*, parents bringing young children into the park and allowing them to run around amongst the dogs (several young children have gotten seriously injured in recent months), and the biggest problem in my mind; people bringing food (lunch/people snacks) into the park!

All in all this place is fabulous for average mannered dogs but should not be the only exercise your dog gets.

I LOVE this dog park. I've visited lots of other dog parks in Colorado (Golden, Stapleton, I-70 and Kipling, Fort Collins, Etc.), but this dog park has been the best ever! :) Its large, really new (this means the landscape isn't perfected yet), has some smaller trees, but not a ton of shade yet unfortunately. There are a few picnic tables, and a water fountain just outside the park. Be sure to bring a water bowl and make sure your dog is friendly! There are all sorts of dogs here (no size separation), but in my experience all seem to get along quite well!