VISIT A DESTINATION DOG PARK
Jack Darling Memorial Park in Mississauga
The sun is shining, the snow is melting and all I’m thinking is “It’s a beach day!”
So here’s one for you:
⛱ Jack Darling Memorial Park in Mississauga! 🏊🏼♀️
On Tuesday, I took my dog to Jack Darling Dog Park for the first time. The weather that day was like spring. At 9am there was still frost on the ground, but the temperatures were to rise to 7 degrees celsius later that afternoon. I was pleased that the ground hadn’t thawed yet; it was clear that the land here could get pretty muddy in the spring and fall.
The dog park area at Jack Darling was gorgeous and very spacious. Once inside the enclosure, my dog immediately bounded through the trees and down the road, and she couldn’t care less about me then!
While there, I met Andrea and her golden retrievers. It turns out that Andrea is the Vice President of Leashfree Mississauga, an organization that oversees park maintenance, such as reporting broken gates and acquiring and spreading wood chips over particularly muddy areas. They also handle fund raising, and sponsorship and liaise with the city of Mississauga.
I could not believe my luck to have met her by happenstance. Andrea was friendly and welcoming; she showed me around the dog park like a tour guide to a tourist.
According to the Jack Darling website, at 22 acres, this is one of Ontario’s largest fenced-in dog parks.
What’s unusual about Jack Darling Leash-free park is that it’s situatated at a water treatment plant.
I enjoyed the various paths and open areas for the dogs to play. There are a variety of trees; sumac, oak, birch, ash, maple and pine. Even in the winter, it feels beautiful to walk around here.
Tobogganing Hill
Those with kids would be interested in the hill for tobogganing there. About a week ago this area was was snow-covered and full of kids bombing down the hill. The folks at Jack Darling were kind enough to arrange hay bales at the bottom to stop speeding sleds from crashing into the surrounding fence. This area is separate from the dog park area for obvious reasons.
Andrea describes Jack Darling Leash free as a “destination dog park” and I would agree, especially if you head out to the waterfront as well.
Details of the Dog Park
- This dog park is easily accessible by bus
- Water taps for dogs in the summer (I believe the tap needs to be repaired, but it is there)
- small enclosed area for smaller dogs
- washrooms available year-round beside the first dog park entrance parking lot
- lots of parking available in multiple lots
- tobogganing in the wintertime
- access to the waterfront trail
- four double gates to enter and exit the leash-free zone
Jack Darling Trails and Waterfront
Next, I left the dog park by one of the 4 gates and headed toward the waterfront. There I saw a sandy beach and geese swimming in the water. There was a nice playground for children and a long row of swings. Beautiful willow trees around the park add to the relaxing ambiance.
It’s important to note that the washrooms by the beach are closed for winter. However, this is not a show-stopper given that it’s an easy walk to the facilities by the dog park.
Overall, Jack Darling Trail is a 3.9 km loop. I love this vivid description of Jack Darling I found on Planetware :
So head down to Jack Darling Memorial Park, bring your dog if you have one, and enjoy this local waterfront destination.