As a dog owner most of my life, I will not move to a place that does not allow pets and provide areas for dogs to walk and play. I will sacrifice comfort for the love they give. In 2004 we searched for the perfect house with a yard because at the time we had just one dog but we knew it would not be a short term thing. Now we have 4 beagles and other foster beagles that visit from time to time.
While I'm out with my own dogs, I often see other dog lovers walking their dogs on trails in county parks or letting them play in designated areas. Two Anne Arundel County parks with enclosed fence areas for pets include Bell Branch Park in Gambrills and Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis.
Bell Branch Park
Located in Gambrills, Bell Branch Park has a big enclosed fenced section next to the baseball fields.
Quiet Waters Park
Located in Annapolis, it has a nice enclosed fenced in area. I took my dog there for a dog event once. Quiet Waters also has sectioned off areas for different sized pets and has a separate dog beach.
Downs Parks, Fort Smallwood Park and Lake Waterford Park are three other county parks I’ve taken our dogs to, but because I have beagles, I do not let them off a leash.
Downs Park
Downs Park is situated on the Chesapeake Bay in Pasadena. I’ve taken some of my dogs there for trail walks. They usually do the shorter trail because they are older and out of shape. They must stay on leashes there or they will disappear, but it's great exercise for both dog and human. Downs Park also has a dog beach. My dogs do not like water, but it's a great option for dogs who like to frolic in water.
This park is also in Pasadena and has a lake that wraps around the park. There are pavilions and a big playground area for kids. The walking trails are not as wide or as long as the ones at Downs Park, but they are definitely better than neighborhood sidewalks.
Editor's Note: For a complete list of dog-friendly parks throughout Anne Arundel County where dogs can play leash-free, click here. In the link you'll also find the rules for all dog parks and dog beaches.
About the author: Scott is Pasadena resident for over 17 years and has had a dog or dogs most of his life. Currently he and his wife have 4 beagles, 2 of which came to them as puppies and 2 that were foster fails. His day job is in childcare and coaching basketball. He said, "My heart is full of Iove that I experience everyday between my love for animals and my love for making a difference in the lives of children."
