Dogs dart across the fenced field at Page Ellington Park, chasing each other as their owners watch from nearby benches.

The park’s designated off-leash area gives dogs space to run freely, while a water station nearby helps them cool off after playing.

For many Columbia dog owners, spaces like this have become an important part of their weekly routines.

Summer McGee, who lives in nearby Forest Acres, often brings her golden retriever, Benny, to the park.

“We come probably five or six times a week, sometimes multiple times a day if the weather’s nice,” McGee said. “But this is his favorite spot.”

Still, several residents said Columbia has far too few free, conveniently located dog parks.

A spokesperson for the City of Columbia, Justin Stevens, said the city offers three designated dog parks: Page Ellington Park, Finlay Park and Emily Douglas Park. While those locations provide free, off-leash spaces, he noted that dogs are allowed in all city parks as long as they remain on a leash.

McGee said Page Ellington Park, in downtown’s BullStreet neighborhood, is about a 10-minute drive from her home, but she continues to visit because many nearby spaces are smaller or require registration fees.

“I don’t think there are enough dog parks,” McGee said. “This is really the only one I’m familiar with that is free and the size that we need.”

Northeast Columbia resident Beth Witherspoon also brings her 10-month-old lab mix, Sunshine, to the park multiple times a week.

“When I got her, I was researching dog parks in the area, and this was the only free one I found,” Witherspoon said. She said that additional parks across the city would be beneficial. 

“It would probably be better if there were a couple more,” Witherspoon said.

Sarah Walker, another Forest Acres resident, said she found the park essential for her German shepherd, Jack.

“This park gives him space to run and socialize, which isn’t easy to find elsewhere in Columbia,” Walker said.

Beyond the convenience for owners, dog parks play an important role in their dogs’ well-being.

“It’s good for socializing,” McGee said. “He’s an only child, so it’s really helpful for him to get some energy out and be around other dogs.”

Witherspoon said socialization was especially important for Sunshine while she was still young.

“I wanted to make sure that she would know how to properly act and play around other dogs,” Witherspoon said.

Walker said the park helps Jack manage his energy and behavior at home.

“When I bring him home after this, he’s much calmer and can chill out for the evening,” Walker said.

For many owners, the benefits extend beyond their pets.

McGee said trips to the park have introduced her to a small group of regulars.

“I have a handful of dog park friends that I really only see here,” McGee said. “It’s a cool way to connect with people that you wouldn’t normally meet anywhere else.”

Witherspoon said she also has built connections through repeated visits.

“We’ve bonded over our dogs playing together,” Witherspoon said.

Walker, who recently began bringing Jack to the park, said she already sees the potential for community.

“I notice that a lot of the people here are really nice and easy to talk to,” Walker said.

As Columbia continues to grow, residents said, more dog parks could benefit neighborhoods across the city.

And Columbia may soon add another option. A proposed development at 2801 Drayton St. would convert a former used car lot into a new dog park, repurposing the existing site into a space designed for off-leash play. Plans include shaded seating, updated fencing and a surface built for dogs, along with amenities such as food trucks, a small food and beverage component and restrooms to create a more social environment for non-leashed visitors.

Witherspoon, who lives in an apartment, said dog parks are especially important for residents without access to yards.

“I probably wouldn’t even want to own a dog if I couldn’t provide that for them,” Witherspoon said. “Having a dog park kind of subsidizes the lack of having a yard at home.”

Walker said additional parks in areas such as downtown or closer to residential neighborhoods would help residents vary their routines while keeping their pets active.

She said that more parks also could attract younger residents. 

“It could bring a younger atmosphere into a growing city,” Witherspoon said.