Is there a separate small-dog area?

Yes, there is a fenced small-dog section, but it is noticeably tighter than the main yard, which is large enough to read like a small woods.

What is the surface, and how does it handle rain?

The main yard is a wooded, trail-style layout with mulch paths and natural elevation changes. The mulch turns soft after rain or thaw and the wooded edges hold mud, so wear boots on wet days.

Parking is on the same street as the park, with sidewalk access to the gate so there is no need to walk in the road.

Where is the water and are there bags?

Water, waste bags, and trash are clustered at the entrance only, so plan a return loop if you walk your dog out to the far end.

Yes. The wooded layout gives it shaded areas throughout, which reviewers note makes warm days more comfortable.

All Dog Parks

Waterman St. Dog Park

Wooded East Side trails, mulch paths, and a regulars scene

4.7 · 423 reviews

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Fenced Off-leash Water

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About this park

The Waterman Street yard is the East Side's flagship off-leash park, a fenced wooded lot at the river's edge with a trail-style layout, mulch paths, and natural elevation changes from the entrance to the far end. The main side is large by city-park standards and reads more like a small woods than a dog yard, with clearings, low walls dogs use as obstacles, and a bronze dog sculpture (Reggie) near the gate. A separate small-dog section is fenced off but noticeably tighter than the main yard.

Amenities

Fenced Off-leash Water Shade Parking Small-dog area Large-dog area Benches Double-gate Trash cans

Waterman St. Dog Park reviews

What visitors consistently say

The highlights

Reviewers consistently flag the size of the main yard, the wooded trail layout, and the elevation changes as the reasons it ranks at the top of the state. The Reggie sculpture and the steady volunteer upkeep get repeat mentions.

The community

Mornings draw a mellow East Side crowd that knows each other's dogs by name. Visitors describe the regulars as friendly and respectful, with most owners walking the trail loop rather than clustering at the gate.

Best for

Social dogs High-energy Large dogs

Before you go

Wear boots after rain or thaw. The mulch trails turn soft and the wooded edges hold mud longer than open yards. Water, bags, and trash are clustered at the entrance, so plan a return loop if you walk to the far end.

Frequently asked

Is there a separate small-dog area?: Yes, there is a fenced small-dog section, but it is noticeably tighter than the main yard, which is large enough to read like a small woods.
What is the surface, and how does it handle rain?: The main yard is a wooded, trail-style layout with mulch paths and natural elevation changes. The mulch turns soft after rain or thaw and the wooded edges hold mud, so wear boots on wet days.
Where do you park?: Parking is on the same street as the park, with sidewalk access to the gate so there is no need to walk in the road.
Where is the water and are there bags?: Water, waste bags, and trash are clustered at the entrance only, so plan a return loop if you walk your dog out to the far end.
Is the park shaded?: Yes. The wooded layout gives it shaded areas throughout, which reviewers note makes warm days more comfortable.