Is there a separate small-dog area?

No. McCormick Park Dog Park is one fenced area shared by every size, which is the main reason owners of small or timid dogs look elsewhere.

None. No fountain, no spigot, and no toys, so water and a bowl have to come in from home.

Is the fencing sound?

Yes. Even the more critical reviewers note the fence is in working order, which counts for more at a park with a single unseparated pen.

Worth watching. Reviewers report dug-out holes in the open grass, some eight inches across, and enough uncleaned waste that stepping carefully is standard advice here.

Is there anywhere to sit?

A couple of picnic tables and benches sit near the entrance, next to the large artificial-turf mat that keeps the first few steps out of the mud.

All Dog Parks

McCormick Park Dog Park

Compact near-north fenced dog run for quick neighborhood visits

Fenced Off-leash Trash cans

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About this park

McCormick Park Dog Park is a small, single-area fenced run on Madison's near north side, with no water fountain and no size separation, but enough grass for a decent leg stretch without a cross-town drive. An artificial-turf pad near the entrance handles mud better than the rest of the field.

Amenities

Fenced Off-leash Trash cans Benches Parking

McCormick Park Dog Park reviews

What visitors consistently say

The highlights

The most consistent praise is convenience: a small fenced park that works for a quick stretch instead of the drive out to Prairie Moraine. The artificial-turf entrance pad keeps early-season visits cleaner than the bare field would.

The community

Neighborhood-scale traffic at McCormick rather than a regulars' destination, and low-key when it's quiet. A few reviews flag unpicked-up waste, and one describes owners turning a dog loose in the pen while they waited in their vehicle outside it.

Best for

Small dogs Senior dogs

Before you go

Bring your own water and bowl; there's no fountain on site, and pack extra bags in case the dispenser is low. Watch your step in the open field; reviewers flag dug-out holes in the middle of the grass.

Frequently asked

Is there a separate small-dog area?: No. McCormick Park Dog Park is one fenced area shared by every size, which is the main reason owners of small or timid dogs look elsewhere.
Is there water?: None. No fountain, no spigot, and no toys, so water and a bowl have to come in from home.
Is the fencing sound?: Yes. Even the more critical reviewers note the fence is in working order, which counts for more at a park with a single unseparated pen.
How is the footing?: Worth watching. Reviewers report dug-out holes in the open grass, some eight inches across, and enough uncleaned waste that stepping carefully is standard advice here.
Is there anywhere to sit?: A couple of picnic tables and benches sit near the entrance, next to the large artificial-turf mat that keeps the first few steps out of the mud.