Pat Merritt Dog Park

The Pat Merritt Dog Park is located in the town of Riverside, California. There are vehicle parking spaces available on the adjacent street. This dog park is a long, rectangular stretch of ground which has been designated by the local authorities as an area specifically for exercising dogs off their leash. 

There are six individual double gated staging areas at various points around the perimeter fence. Owners must keep their pets leashed until inside the staging area to prevent any accidents as there are busy roads nearby. The Pat Merritt Dog Park is surfaced with natural grass and has been fully enclosed with high metal railings. There are a few trees inside the off-leash areas but they don't offer much shade. 

There has been a large section cordoned off for smaller breeds of dogs which measure no taller than eighteen inches. Both off-leash areas are very spacious so owners should keep their dogs in visual contact at all times and ensure they have them under good voice control before using the facility. Dog-friendly water fountains have been installed in both sections and there are also some benches and picnic tables for owners to use.

All dogs using the facility must be over four months of age, have their vaccinations and license current, and be wearing the appropriate tags on their collars, including a rabies tag. It is not permitted for owners to exercise more than two dogs at any one time. Children between 12 and 18 years of age must be accompanied by a responsible adult to exercise a dog in the off-leash area. It is not allowed for dogs to bark incessantly. If they do, they should be calmed or removed from the park.

This is a clean, well maintained dog park and the local authorities request all pet owners to assist in keeping it that way. There are poop bag dispensers on site. Pet owners are obliged to clean up all faecal matter produced by their dog and deposit in the containers provided.