Bellevue is known for its parks.
With an abundance of waterways and greenways, hilltops and river bottoms, forests and fields, there’s no limit to what you can explore or no better place to escape.
There’s also the Edwin Warner Dog Park, a dedicated space exclusively for your canine companions. Located at 50 Vaughn Road near Old Hickory Boulevard and across from the sports complex, The Dog Park is a vast expanse with ample room for dogs that like to run and play as well as calm corners for those who prefer peace and quiet. Not too much different from the rest of the parks when you stop to think about it.
Camille Bauer, who has lived in Nashville for four years, moved to Bellevue a year ago and she considers the dog park to be a major amenity. It’s where she brings her yellow lab, Kenny.
“As soon as I got here, and was closer to the dog park, I started bringing her,” says Bauer. “I just love how big it is and everyone is always really friendly. I love Bellevue in general and the dog park is kind of an extension of that. It’s kind of a mosh pit of people from Belle Meade and Bellevue. It’s just fun. It’s nice to come sit here because it’s very peaceful, too.”
Kenny, who celebrates her second birthday on August 3, is one of those dogs that enjoys playing with all visitors, no matter if they are of the 4- or 2-legged variety. She’s happy to play with pups of all breeds but just as content to go for a leisurely stroll or bask in the sunshine.
One of the stars of the dog park is 4-year-old Phil, the very tall and handsome purebred Irish Wolfhound who claims Michelle Southard of Bellevue as his human. Michelle and Phil visit the dog park 2-3 times a week during the summer and 4-5 mornings a week during the winter.
Southard says that the park isn’t just for the dogs. “I think probably half of my friend group are people I’ve met at the dog park,” she says. “It’s a good community to be a part of and when you come at the same time every week it’s easy to meet people. And who doesn’t like to talk about their kids?”
The dog park is busiest during the milder months, especially in the late afternoon when people return from work and their pets are ready to get out of the house. Sunny and dry winter weekends are peak periods as well.
During summer heat waves, the dog park can be quite slow. But if you’ve never been to the dog park, that might be a good time to get acclimated. A tall tree line provides late afternoon and early evening shade along the park’s west edge. There’s ample bench seating and a water fountain exclusively for the dogs. First-time visitors should know within a few minutes if the dog park is a good fit for them and their pet.
The dog park is open daily from dawn to dusk and is completely enclosed by a fence with a mesh or “chicken wire” reinforcement so that smaller dogs remain within the boundaries.
Nashville.gov/departments/parks/parks/dog-parks
To ensure a fun and safe experience for all, common sense and courtesies are encouraged and appreciated at the dog park. Pick up after your dog and keep it restrained if it becomes anxious. Above all, if your dog is overly rambunctious or the least bit aggressive, seek a less stimulating environment.