Oakwood Dog Park

Navigate to Oakwood Park at 910 Brookside Drive and use legal marked parking serving the 12.7-acre park. The same area serves two athletic fields, basketball, and the shelter beside the dog park, so games and reservations can increase demand. Respect neighborhood restrictions and never block driveways or gates.

Follow park signs from Brookside Drive to the fenced dog park and choose the posted small- or large-dog gate. Keep your dog leashed across the park and through the entry vestibule, wait if dogs crowd the gate, remove choke, prong, pinch, or spike collars, secure the outer gate, then unleash. Leash again before exiting.

The current Oakwood Park page does not list a public restroom as a dog-park or shelter amenity. Plan as though no restroom is available and do not rely on nearby businesses, schools, or private facilities. Never leave a dog unattended in either enclosure while looking for a restroom.

The official Oakwood Park page says sunrise to sunset, and Raleigh's dog-park directory describes dawn to dusk daily. Finish before dark; the park does not list dog-park lighting. Posted closures for weather, mud, maintenance, or safety take priority.

Yes. Raleigh explicitly lists it as free to the public year-round. The adjacent shelter costs $20 per hour to reserve, and fields or organized activities may have separate charges; those fees do not apply to ordinary dog-park use.

The City does not document a dog-enclosure-specific accessible route. Wood chips, gate force, mud, grade, and crowding may create barriers. Oakwood Park is managed by Lions Park; call 919-996-4726 before visiting for current parking-to-gate conditions and accommodation questions.

Yes. Raleigh lists fenced areas for both small and large dogs. Use the section identified by current gate signs rather than choosing only by crowd level. Separation reduces size mismatch, but handlers must still supervise closely and leave if play becomes unsafe or overwhelming.

Yes. Raleigh's dog-park directory lists a water tap for dogs. It may be unavailable during freezing weather, drought restrictions, repair, or seasonal maintenance, so bring backup water and a portable bowl during warm conditions. Do not bring food, treats, or toys into the enclosure.

The City lists natural shade, benches, and a wood-chip surface. Wood chips can shift, conceal holes, and become wet or muddy after rain. Wear appropriate shoes, check conditions before releasing your dog, stop digging and fill holes, and bring towels or paw-cleaning supplies.

Dogs must be healthy and fully vaccinated. Puppies under four months, females in season, and aggressive or uncontrollable dogs are prohibited. A handler may supervise no more than three dogs and remains responsible for each dog.

No. Raleigh prohibits food, treats, toys, and outside furniture because they can trigger guarding and conflict. Remove choke, prong, pinch, and spike collars; collect waste; stop digging and fill holes; and supervise actively rather than relying on the fence.

Children under 12 must be closely supervised. They should not run, carry food or toys, approach unfamiliar dogs, or crowd the gates. Oakwood Dog Park is an off-leash animal space, not a playground, and the park page does not list a separate playground at this site.

Remove dogs before conflict escalates. Call Animal Control at 919-831-6311 for an aggressive or uncontrollable dog; after a bite, seek care, identify the dog and owner, and call 911 for serious injury. Report damaged gates, fencing, water, waste, or surfaces to Raleigh Parks maintenance at 919-996-4115.

Oakwood Park has a 60-75-person shelter directly beside the dog park, two softball fields, and an outdoor basketball court. It is near Saint Augustine's University, Oakwood Cemetery, and Historic Oakwood. Dogs must stay leashed outside the enclosures and off athletic fields and courts.