Dog walking in Painesville

Central Painesville

In the heart of Painesville is Veterans Park, a beautifully kept park that is popular for lunchtime picnics and many larger community events. The lovely gardens are centered around a large gazebo where you can take a seat for a spell. Bring your pet for a little on-lead walk along the paved paths as you explore the town center and perhaps indulge in a little window shopping. For a pet-friendly place to eat, head to Sidewalk Café where you can take a seat at one of their outdoor tables with your pooch by your side. This casual eatery serves a variety of classic café-style fare, such as burgers, sandwiches, steaks and salads.

River Landing Condominiums

The Grand River Conservation Area in Painesville is a 16-acre natural river floodplain that was once home to two condominium complexes until a flood in 2006 devastatingly wiped them out. The area has since been restored and is used as a recreation and conservation area, with a network of short trails totaling nearly a mile. These pet-friendly trails take you through the wetlands and along the river, offering scenic views and a pleasant, easy walk. You will need to keep your four-legged friend leashed here, and bring clean-up bags and water. It is also wise to pack bug spray in the warmer weather.

East Downtown Painesville

East of Painesville’s town center is a pet-friendly green space known as Beaty Landing, with over 3,300 feet of Grand River frontage to explore! This 93-acre wooded park includes many trails through the woodlands, plus a mile-long looped trail with a scenic overlook, so bring your smartphone or camera for some spectacular shots! While pets are permitted to enjoy the park with you, they do need to stay leashed while you are out walking. If you have a water-loving pup, bring down a kayak or canoe for a paddle along the water together, or even try your luck fishing. Amenities at Beaty Landing include restrooms, a picnic area, shelter and electricity.

Huntington

Rotary Park in the northwest of Painesville is a 4.5-acre community park where you can bring your pooch for a walk and a play on the wide open grassed area. Formerly called North Park, the area was renamed in 1996 after the local Rotary Club donated significant time and money to revamp the grounds. Well-behaved pups can go off the lead for a little romp, but ensure they will return to you on command and have the lead handy. There aren’t any amenities here at this stage, so bring everything you need – waste disposal bags, water and a doggie drinking bowl, snacks and your pet’s favorite toys.

North Concord

Just south of Painesville in Concord is the Helen Hazen Wyman Park, with 58-acres of beautiful parkland to spend a day. Evidence of past industry can still be seen laying around as you explore the grounds, such as large foundation stones from an old sawmill and leather tannery. Take a walk down to Big Creek and follow it as it flows through the park to Grand River, before taking a rest at the well-equipped picnic area. There is a playground here, as well as a ball field for the kids, and those keen on the water might like to take pup for a paddle in a canoe or kayak.