Locke Dog Park

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450 71st Avenue NE
Fridley, MN
Operating Hours:
Dawn - Dusk
Managed By:
Anoka County
Days closed:
None
Fees:
Free
Restrooms:
Park Size:
1.5 acres
Type of Park:
Fenced
Other Notes:

County webpage. Be sure to bring water for your dog.

Chip's picture
Dog Walk

Thank you to Micah for making the Locke Paw team page for the Animal Humane Society dog walk on May 1st. The link in the post below did not work and this is the link to join or to donate to our team.
Thank you.
chipsuchy@comcast.net

http://events.animalhumanesociety.org/site/TR/Walk/General?pg=team&fr_id...

Visitor's picture
Attacked today
1

Second time at this park with a 5-month standard poodle. First time was pretty good except for a lab that kept pinning her by the neck. This time was good with all the dogs, lots of friendly play. Then a woman came with a lab that ran full speed to my pup (who was playing with other dogs and was not looking at the new dog) and began to aggressively attack her. We all ran to the group and a man pulled my dog away from the lab. She was really screaming during the attack. Her head was covered with saliva but no obvious damage. The woman said the lab didn't like small dogs or puppies. I won't take the chance again and will stick to dog play with dogs I know at their homes. Too bad, was a nice location and close to home.

Visitor's picture
Walk for Animals

Join the Locke Park - Walk for Animals team

Team - Locke Paw

Step up for animals!

Micah and Samantha will be participating in the 2010 Animal Humane Society's annual Walk for Animals. With five Twin Cities locations, they care for nearly 40,000 animals in need each year.

Our team 'Locke Paw' has a goal of raising $1,000.

This year, the need is as great as it has ever been. Animals also suffer the effects of tough times and this is exactly the time when our commitment must be at its strongest. These animals rely on your support and anything you can give to help me reach my goal will make a big difference in their lives.

This is a short walk that goes miles and miles and miles for animals ? animals that absolutely need us and love us absolutely.

Please support me - and the animals - with a donation by selecting the "Support Me" button above the thermometer or "Make a Gift" below the thermometer. Our efforts will help make a big difference!

Thank you!

https://secure2.convio.net/ahs/site/TRAPIPreview?page_type=fr_team_page&...

Visitor's picture
Nice, Will Return
4

Sake and I had a great time there today, very friendly owners and pets. The area was nice, accept for there was a lot of doggy do-do laying around. Owners, please be sure to pick up after your pet!
Next time I will probably bring a tennis ball for Sake to play with while we are there.

Visitor's picture
License

This park doesn't require any special permit or license except for that your be licensed in the city you live in. In some cities you don't have to license your dog. In the 2 1/2 years I have been there I have only seen the police or park patrol check license's twice.

Cassiebud08's picture
We can not wait for our

We can not wait for our first time! Maybe tomorrow.

Visitor's picture
Thanks!

Thanks guys that helped a lot! Im sure we will be down. No for this park you do not need a license or anything?

Visitor's picture
Times

The times where there are the most dogs are during the week from 3ish to 5:30ish and on the weekends from 2 to 5. Bring Penny down, she'll fit right in.

Visitor's picture
New comers
5

The biggest thing for new timers and well just everyone in genral would to NOT bring treats or toys from home other than a tennis ball or frisbee. About 3/4 of the arguements dogs get into is over a treat or toy from home. Other than that just relax, your dog will feed off your energy so if you are nervous more than likely your dog will be also. This park has alot of regulars who go day after day at the same times and they know how to spot danger signs so put your faith in them as you will learn the same signs after time. No one up there intentially will allow there dog to fight, if a dog gets out of control people usually will just take their dog out and leave or give it a time out. Dogs can and do sometimes play hard so keep that in mind, the dogs will tell you when to hard is to much. I can understand your apprehention as I had it the first time but after 20 minutes of seeing how my dog acted and talking to people that were there my nervousness subsided and it was a good day. Talking to the people is one reason we go, I get to talk to new people and the dog gets to play with other dogs, don't be afraid to say "hi, this is my first time". Most everyone at the park are very friendly talkative people. So to recap, treats are not a good idea or toys from home other than tennis balls and frisbee's. Be calm and show your dog you are having a good time and it will have fun also. And last but not least bring a bag to pick up your dogs poop and throw it away in the blue garbage can in the parking lot. We try our best to keep the park clean, mostly with success but there are people out there who think they don't have to pick it up.

Visitor's picture
First timers!

My irish setter and I thinking about trying out a dog park for the first time. Any pointers for new comers? I just want to know anything I need to know so I dont make other owners upset for any reason. Penny (my setter) is my first dog (I had a dog growing up but Penny is mine) So I am still new at this whole raising a dog thing. Any pointers would be awesome. Thanks!

Nikachan's picture
Snow

The City of Fridley does a good job of plowing the road in.

Nikachan's picture
Good.

The 1st 15 minutes are the worst. Keep breathing.

Visitor's picture
Good Time
4

Our fist time at the park was great, I didn't see any aggresive dogs, just dogs who wanted to play and alot of dogs. The park could be alittle cleaner but I guess the regulars try there best to keep it picked up even though it isn't there job. We will be back!

Visitor's picture
First time at the park , was
1

First time at the park , was not too happy .. was hoping for a better time... felt like the dogs were to agressive and the owners were not paying attention

Visitor's picture
fleas & ticks

We had a huge issue with fleas for MONTHS, and still continue to with Rosalie. We had to flea bomb the house, spray the carpets, frontlined/capstar/washed her, and still they came back. Turns out this cycle of fleas has now become immune to the Frontline. A few generations later, we'll probably go back to using it but for now we're trading off to using a cheaper brand (20 bucks for three month supply.) Anyways, we've gone with a different product that kills eggs/adult fleas/larvae/ticks and mosquitoes. FINALLY, those buggers dropped dead in a few hours off her, like they were originally supposed to with Frontline all along.

Nikachan's picture
Tick

Found a wood tick on Nika, Tuesday night. Slightly engorged. Maybe a week on her. Right in her dense mutton chops. Used a water-based tick spray, and shot it point blank. Gone the next day.

Ticks in December? Never did Frontline (or another brand of flea/tick prevention) her after October in the past. New paradigm. Even fleas - which is normally a spring thing - may be introduced by new dogs I suppose. But ticks aren't much dog transferred. Must be the squirrels. We hates squirrels.

Nikachan's picture
Rosie

Rosie isn't much a bully that I have seen. Sweet girl. Pushy at times, but no bully. Don't want a wimpy dog, yes? The park allows more socialization than most dogs will ever get with people and dogs. Which is a good thing. This hjas made my girl a better dog holistically. That said, she would be nearly as good a pup if we had never gone there at all. She played poorly w/others at 1st. But she never had to. She could have lived her life with never having been to a dog-park and still be a cutie.

I never expect dogs to stand around like cows. Their normal interaction that I have seen is very heart-warming. Some flashing of teeth, but no bites much. It interesting how many dogs have a personality shift at the park. At home my dog is often very barky. Even when people show up she's seen many times she will bark at them. And the more they try to engage her, the longer she barks. But she's pretty easy with people at the park. Often goes looking for some petting. Never has barked at a person. Only occasionally at squirrels. She hates squirrels.

Mikaela's picture
I can agree with the comment

I can agree with the comment above. I bring my dog who has herding instincts and generally seems to enjoy being the playground bully (though I do try my best to keep her in check) but at home, she's a completely different, very sweet dog. On walks, she's even good with dogs...which I don't get, but oh well. She seems to enjoy her foster cat playmates more than dog playmates, which I will never understand...but as long as she's not terrorizing them too much I won't question her species confusion. :)

Anyways, my point being was that I still bring her to the park and people are nice enough to help me either recognize & notify me of her naughtiness, or correct her behavior most of the time.

Nikachan's picture
What to expect

Had someone w/dog new show up at the park today. After about 10 minutes of too much attention from the other dogs, the dog's owner said she should maybe leave. The usual suspects convinced her too ride it out. After a 1/2 hr all was well.

She later confided her dog had never been much around other dogs. Neither had mine until I took her to the park. Unless you take them where there are other dogs, they won't be.

My 1st dog, a beagle, I got when I was 4, mostly never ever had to be 'social' to other dogs for his entire life. Only when hunting, and all were focused by task then. No pleasantries. That said, some folks have been bummed when their dog doesn't 'play well' with other dogs. That's silly. Dogs haven't been breed to interact with other dogs. Dogs have been breed to interact with us humans. Other than sled-dogs.

If they bark too much or bite too much at other dogs, we should be somewhat patient. New turf for them. We've bred them for centuries to be sweet to us, protect us, and not their own kind. Unless they are sled-dogs.

This dog-socializing thing may well not be for all dogs. You should consider that. But give it some time. Don't be disappointed at your pup if it doesn't work out. There is little need for dogs to 'play well' with other dogs. Practically. The reaction to other dogs is the very least valuation I would use to judge a dog. So long as they are sweet to their masters is all that counts. Most dogs never deal with other dogs. For decades. Except in such parks. Which is a new thing mostly.

If they don't play well with other dogs, so what? Does not diminish their value as companion to a human.

Nikachan's picture
Heh, yes mem, boys will be

Heh, yes mem, boys will be boys. More so 10 & 12. Short of actual committing a crime consider yourself lucky. That said, I would advise any youth that running is ill-advised around trackers who are much faster than they are. Many dogs were bred to run down prey. Other than terriers and such who were bred to dig out prey.

The boys (and girls) should know that running may invite some dogs to chase them. Have seen it. Maybe get a nip - as a coup. Running is not really a healthy thing around a bunch of dogs. But it is a runnable park area. A great trail right next to it. I like running down the back path. And having dogs buzz by me. But I weigh more than most dogs. All dogs really.

Glad you like the place.

memingwa's picture
Good Park-Good People
4

I've been going to this park for almost a year. People are friendly, & the dogs are awesome. I've seen breeds that I either haven't ever seen or haven't seen many of. Most dogs interact with the people, but it's plain to see that the dogs came to see the other dogs! Once in a while, a couple of dogs get into it, though generally it's peaceful. When there is a fight, owners are right there to handle their dogs. Most folks do clean up after their dogs. Some don't. (Shame on you, you slacker!) Rather than rant & rave, now I just try to just accept it & pick up a pile when I see it. My pet peeve is the hanging poop bag! I just don't understand why... the smell of hanging poop curing in the sun is awful. Many people forget it; some may just be inconsiderate. Many of the folks here will pick up others' poop. After all, we don't want to step in it. I like it when I don't see my dog going & someone lets me know! Cuts down on the piles if owners don't see their dog go. I have never seen any dog park where there aren't a few slackers.
I like that most of the people who come there genuinely love dogs--not just their own, but all dogs. Also, most people there are friendly & respectful. As long as you pull your weight & are pleasant, you'll enjoy this park. I wish it were a little fancier, but the county's budget is very tight. Maybe some day, some of us can raise funds & make some improvements.
I rated it 4 stars because it needs a coat of woodchips--has needed it for a while. County, get some of those folks assigned community service to spread 'em around.
I'm glad to see kids come. I agree that parents need to take responsibility for their kids. When I bring kids, if they're whiny or disruptive, I cut my visit short & I don't bring them back for a while. Many parents can't pay a babysitter to come to the park. It's good for kids to be exposed to different dogs. Helps teach them how to behave appropriately with dogs. When I brought a couple, 10 yr & 12 yr boys, they ran around in the woods a lot. I explained to them that they could get run over or hurt by the dogs if they kept getting in their way. They assured me they could handle it. I pointed out that if they got hurt, it would be because of their behavior & they'd have to suck it up!
Enough, see ya' at the park. Oh, and bring your owner--they need to get out too.

Chip's picture
Nov. 1

Tomorrow it's suppose to be in the 50's so hopefully we will see many of you out there.

Chip's picture
Today the 30th

Anyone planning on going today? I know it is raining now but looks like it is spose to clear up by the time we mainly get go. If anyone has a questions please feel free to e-mail me. chipsuchy@comcast.net

Nikachan's picture
Great People
5

By error my pup escaped from the park today. And she's a runner. Several gentlemen at the park joined the hunt for her. She's fast.

I took the car to try and head her off. Rice Creek is thick with trees and shrubs. I had no success after much walking, calling, and whistling. Pretty much gave up. Very disheartened.

Finally returned to the park and there she was. Several good souls had wrangled her.

Gives one hope for humanity. Deep thanks to them all.

Nikachan's picture
treats
5

Being in the park is treat enough. Please keep the other treats in the car.

Nikachan's picture
Rain Day
5

Heh, more come when it's snowing than when its raining.

The park has quite fair ground cover with woodchips, but some bare spots. So be prepared for dirty paws when you leave if it's been raining.

All and all a delightful park. My old pup was pretty antisocial to dogs and strangers. After 3 months she became a real mixer with all.

For newcomers to off-leash, usually the first 15 minutes is a leap of faith that the dogs won't just swarm and devour your pup - they won't. Let 'em go leash free at the gate. May the dog force be with you!

Chip's picture
Snow day

We went to the park today like we do everyday but there was snow today. A lot of people still showed up and the dogs had a blast, so if you think there might not be people here in the winter your wrong since people still come. We took some pictures today so hopefully they'll be up soon.

Visitor's picture
I tried it
5

I saw this site the other night and decided to go to this park after the rain stopped and after reading the reviews and was in aww when I showed up. The dogs warmed up to my dogs right away and the people were so nice and all haveing fun. I will be back soon.

Visitor's picture
I love it!
5

Me and my puppy Barney just recently started coming to this dog park, and I would recomend it to everyone as long as your dog is well behaved for the most part, because it is not fair for everyone else to have to run after your dog!! Everyone is super friendly, and the whole atmosphere is terrific!! :o)

Chip's picture
It is a dog park

I agree with watching your children but I think it is both the dog owner and the parent of the child to make things work. A dog is at the park to exercise and to play, there is a human park next to the dog park for children to run and play.

Visitor's picture
agree

I agree with watching your children, this is a DOG park and dogs rule here, if a child is running a dog could tackle a child which has happened in the past and the child's mother actually got mad at the dog and not her child disobeying her oder to not run.

Visitor's picture
awesome park
5

this park is a very friendly to both the dog and owner. When it comes to our dogs Adam and Duncan Smaller breeds "mini doxie and a ACD rescue" they get there pack time, with the larger dogs like Yukon. I recommend this dog park to anyone on one condition, as with any dog park please watch your children if you bring them.

Chip's picture
Winter

This park is open year round though it is only open from dawn til dusk. A lot of people still show up during the winter.

Visitor's picture
Is this park open in the winter?

Wondering if this park is open in the winter

Visitor's picture
First Time

Today was our first time to this park and have to say it was an experience, a good one!!! There was atleast 15 dogs all playing with each other with no problems. The owners were really nice and friendly as we were very nervous not ever being to a dog park before. We will definatly be back.

Visitor's picture
Nice Park

This is a nice park. It has a wooded area and an open area for the dogs to run. It is part of a park area and has walking paths and a creek on the outside of the park, though dogs must be leased outside the fenced area. A park patron made a container for empty dog bags so if you forget one just grab one from the container, though throw used bags in the blue dumpster out in the parking lot.

Visitor's picture
Fun Park
5

Wide variety of dogs at this park. People are nice and friendly to talk with, both you and your dog will be satisfied. Now and then someone doesn't pick up after their dog and sometimes people just don't see their dog go, but all in all is a clean dog park.
There are water dishes at the park so just bring water, and treats are nice for a dog at home but can cause problems in a dog park so best to leave them home or in your car.

Visitor's picture
Great Dog Park

Good size, clean park, friendly people. Many regulars goto this park and many great dogs. I would think average age of most dogs at this park is 1 to 2 years in age. Monday thru Friday people start showing up around 3, with 4:30-5:30 being the busiest time. On weekends poeple start showing up around 1:30 and the busiest time is 3:00 to 4:00.
One downside is that the park has no lights and closes down at dusk.

Visitor's picture
Why?

Have you been to the Coon Rapids Dog park? If so, what is the comparison?

Visitor's picture
Didn't like it and people

Didn't like it and people need to clean up after their dogs!