Highland Park Off-Leash Exercise Area
A fenced reservoir-side OLEA in a classic East End park
About this park
Highland Park is a 380-acre East End park built around two former city reservoirs, and the fenced off-leash exercise area sits near the Reservoir Drive entrance. The city-operated OLEA has separate large-dog and small-dog yards with posted rules: dogs must be licensed and vaccinated, tags visible, small dogs under 25 pounds kept to their own side.
Amenities
Highland Park Off-Leash Exercise Area reviews
What visitors consistently saySplit large-dog and small-dog yards give 25-and-under owners a dedicated space, a combination that's harder to find at the East End's other off-leash options.
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Before you go
The OLEA is off Reservoir Drive, not the main park entrance near the zoo; plug the reservoir address into navigation. Parking near the zoo gets crushed during evening events (Holiday Lanterns, Zoo Boo), so time visits around those.
Frequently asked
- Is there a separate small-dog area?
- Yes. There are two fenced enclosures, one for larger dogs and one for dogs under 25 pounds, which are meant to stay on their own side.
- Does it get muddy after rain?
- Rarely. Wood chips are replenished regularly and keep mud minimal even after rain. A working water fountain is a plus in hot weather.
- Are there entry requirements?
- Posted rules require dogs to be licensed and vaccinated with tags visible, and small dogs under 25 pounds kept to their own side.
- Where do you park?
- The off-leash area is off Reservoir Drive, not the main entrance near the zoo, so navigate to the reservoir address. Parking near the zoo gets crushed during evening events.
- Any hazards to know about?
- Expect more mosquitoes in warmer months, so bug spray helps. There is also a small gap between the ground and the fence at the very back of the small-dog section that a tiny dog could crawl through.
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