By Living Room Realty, May 7, 2019
Leslie Knope dreams of this park when she sleeps at night. The whole city should be proud of the thought and attention to detail that went into the design and creation of this park because it includes everything one could imagine. The park is rarely empty and is used by people of all ages and walks of life. Parking is plentiful with a winding center road that leads to two different lots. However, the right-hand turn into the park is sharp and comes at the end of the hill. Go slow.
The three fenced dog areas are located across a bridge and behind a large swath of trees creating both a visual and auditory divide from the dog and human sections of the park. Each of the dog areas has a separate, two-stage entrance which is perfect for allowing a smooth transition for pets and owners into the wild west of dog park world. The different areas are sectioned off for different sized dogs but it is highly dependent on popularity. During early mornings, groups rarely split up but in the afternoons or weekend, there is a clear size differential that should be paid attention. These divides also allow a wonderful way to integrate nervous dogs or young puppies by releasing them into an empty area next to one filled with dogs. Your young pup can smell and meet freely through the fence without the chance of being overwhelmed. Then when dogs get their first burst of nervous energy out you can integrate at whatever speed you feel is best.
While the dog and human areas are both incredible, the real secret is the natural wildlife area. Venture off down one of the lifted walking paths with your dog on-leash and be completely surrounded by stunning sights and hidden secrets. Please stay on the path in this area, while the ground can look inviting during the summer months it is really quite bog-like. The soil is incredibly soft and muddy and even quick trips off path do lots of damage to the environment. It is easy to walk through the trees and find yourself at numerous rest spots that have benches and often look out on small ponds.
If you live in Happy Valley or nearby, this is truly a remarkable park that should not be missed.
Features
- Athletic Areas: Volleyball sand, two tennis courts, a basketball court, three baseball fields, two full soccer fields, and a skate park
- Three fenced dog areas
- Two playgrounds
- Splash area for young children
- Picnic Tables
- Resting and exercise areas throughout the park
- Concerts in the summer
Address
13770 SE Ridgecrest Rd, Happy Valley, OR 97086
