As part of current renovations of Ponderosa Park, located at SE 15th Street and Wilson Avenue, a new off-leash area designated specifically for small dogs is now open. Fully-fenced, the new area features a grass surface and is accessible via either the 15th Street or Wilson Avenue entrances.
Ponderosa Park is the second of Bend’s seven off-leash areas to have a section just for small dogs. This fall, a third small dog off-leash area will open at the Bob Wenger Off-Leash Area located at northeast Bend’s Pine Nursery Park. The District’s first small dog park is at Riverbend Park in southwest Bend. For park users, a small dog is defined as under 25 pounds and less than 15 inches at the shoulder.
“Often times, small dogs can have a better off-leash experience when they are separate from larger dogs,” explains Jan Taylor, community relations manager for the Bend Park & Recreation District. “Each of the District’s seven off-leash dog parks provides a slightly different visitor experience. The small dog areas offer additional park features and benefits for park users.”
To view a map and list of all the off-leash parks in Bend, visit to www.bendparksandrec.org.
