By Brenda Mitchell:

Lake Havasu City dog parks are a popular attraction for both locals and visitors. An area for dogs to run freely off their leash to play and exercise under their owner’s supervision, dog parks offer open opportunity for the pets to engage in social interaction.

A dog named Goldie runs after a ball at one of Lake Havasu’s dog parks. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Havasu dog parks have varying features, most including a 4- to 6-foot-fence, separate double-gated exits and entries, and parking close to the area. Local parks also include benches for people to sit and watch their dogs, water readily available, and bags and trash cans to pick up and dispose of animal waste. Lake Havasu City dog parks have regular maintenance and cleaning of the grounds.

The Lion’s Dog Park at London Bridge Beach. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Located at the waterside London Bridge Beach, the fully fenced Lion’s Dog Park offers a grassy stretch for pooches to party in. Even featuring a hydrant-shaped fountain spraying a cool mist, fresh bowls of drinking water are readily available to ensure a cool and relaxing afternoon for the entire family. Dogs are welcomed outside of the park’s fenced area while on a leash. Facilities including London Bridge Beach public parking and restrooms are available at this park.

A fenced in dog park is available at Avalon Park. Rick Powell/RiverScene

Located at 1294 Avalon Ave., Avalon Park is a relatively new dog park featuring a large grassy expanse, wading pool and open air benches. Located in a quiet neighborhood park and often referred to as a local “hidden gem,” public parking and restroom facilities are available at this park. Avalon Park is open between the hours from dawn until 10:30 p.m.

Dylan’s Dog Park is located near SARA Park. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Dylan’s Dog Park, located at 7200 Dub Campbell Parkway, in SARA Park, is a large two-acre park featuring separate sections for small (under 25 pounds) and larger dogs. Each section features a wading pool, walking path and shaded benches for the comfort and enjoyment of both owner and pet. Facilities including public parking and restrooms are available at this park, with park hours open between dawn and 10:30 p.m.

Lake Havasu State Park is pet friendly, with leashed pets welcome in all areas except the beach. Open between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., public parking and restroom facilities are available, with campground showers, picnic areas and a boat ramp within walking distance from the park.

Jack Hardie Park, located at 2470 Baron Drive, offers pet friendly walking paths, with leashed and attended pets welcomed. Open between the hours of dawn to 10:30 p.m., public parking and restroom facilities are available at this site.

Located at 3143 Newport Drive, Realtor Park offers a pet friendly walking path and a short rail system, with leashed and attended pets welcomed outside the playground area only. Open between the hours of dawn to 10:30 p.m., public parking and restroom facilities are available at this site.

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

It is stressed that owners remember, especially in warmer climates, that dogs need to have water and shelter in order to keep cool and hydrated. A lack of these provisions could prove dangerous or deadly for the pet and is never advised. All Lake Havasu City dog parks have rules and regulations clearly posted in order to guarantee an optimal and safe park visit for both owner and pet.