South Side Riverfront Dog Park

The South Side Dog Park is in the Southside Riverfront Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It is a fully fenced-in zone which has been classified by the local Pittsburgh authorities as an OLEA or off-leash exercise area for dogs. This dog park is comprised of two lengthy rectangular sections, one for large dogs and one for small breeds. They are both accessed by secure staging areas.

The off-leash exercising area for large dogs partially borders the river, but there is no access to the water for dogs to be able to swim. This part of the dog park is surfaced with dirt, patches of rough grass and small stones. The stony ground can cause damage to soft paw pads if a dog is running or chasing a ball. 

This small dog off-leash area has a surface covering of natural grass. There are trees in some places around the borders which offer minimal shade on sunny days. Park benches have been situated beneath the trees for owners to sit on. The dog park is otherwise very open to the weather. After heavy rainfall, the off-leash areas can become flooded and also very muddy.

The Pittsburgh off-leash exercise area regulations state all dogs must stay on their leashes until inside the staging areas. No handler can take more than three dogs inside the dog park at any one time. As well as being correctly licensed and vaccinated, dogs must be spayed or neutered before using the facility. 

Consumption of food or liquid products of any kind is not allowed in the off-leash areas. Water fountains, poop bag dispensers, and dumpster have all been installed. Pet owners wishing to use the dog park should be aware that children below the age of eight years are not allowed in the off-leash areas. 

A responsible adult must accompany children between the ages of nine and fifteen in the off-leash dog park and ensure they are closely supervised. Anyone exercising a dog in the off-leash dog park must be sixteen years old or over.