Essex Dog Park
A sprawling fenced run with free tennis balls and loyal regulars
About this park
One of the largest fenced dog parks in the Burlington area, with two separate enclosures for big and small dogs and a mix of dirt and grass underfoot. Reviewers consistently call out the active, thoughtful community of regulars and the abundance of free tennis balls, water bowls, and seating. Leashed nature trails loop around the park for an easy post-romp walk.
Amenities
Essex Dog Park reviews
What visitors consistently sayReviewers rave about the sheer size of the run, the thoughtful separation of small and large dogs, and the friendly regulars who keep the tone welcoming. Free tennis balls, water bowls, and seating are frequently praised as the touches that set it apart.
A close-knit group of local regulars sets the tone. Reviewers describe the crowd as educated, attentive, and quick to welcome visitors.
Best for
Before you go
The main field turns muddy after rain and dusty in dry weather; bring a towel in wet months. The water spigot is shut off once temperatures drop below freezing, so pack your own in winter.
Frequently asked
- Is there a separate small-dog area?
- Yes. Two fenced enclosures, a larger one and a smaller one, let big and small dogs play apart; the small side is roomy enough to double as space for a less social dog.
- What's the ground like after rain?
- Mostly dirt and sand, so it turns muddy in wet weather and dusty when dry. Bring a towel in the wet months.
- Is there water on site?
- Yes in non-freezing months, along with water bowls, but the spigot is shut off below freezing, so pack your own in winter.
- Can you go after dark?
- There's no lighting, so it's best in daylight. Hours run 6 AM to 10 PM
- Should you check for ticks?
- Yes. The grassy back section gets mowed only periodically, and a reviewer recommends checking for ticks after warm-weather visits.
Nearby parks in Burlington
View all
West Allen Park Dog Park
Wood chips instead of mud, small-dog side included
Centennial Woods Natural Area
An urban woods where you can disappear for two hours
Wheeler Nature Park
Meadow trails with Mount Mansfield in the frame