Dog Walkers in University Hill

University Hill is a small neighborhood located in Columbia, South Carolina. This neighborhood is predominantly composed of a small section of the University of South Carolina’s campus. The campus section is composed of some academic and administrative buildings, a residence hall, and a few houses that have been converted into office spaces. Beyond the campus, there are a few businesses, restaurants, a hotel, and a few standalone, single-family homes, many of which are occupied by UofSC students. 

The greater Columbia community is a diverse and growing city. Home to the state legislature, Columbia has several history and art museums, a thriving college sports culture, a popular, weekly farmers market, and a growing food scene. Columbia is also known for always having a festival or special events happening in town. Local museums are always hosting special events, festivals include those dedicated to ocra, shrimp, and grits, indie films, and St. Patrick’s Day, and there is an annual food and wine festival! 

University Hill may not be the greatest neighborhood to include on your pup’s daily walks, just because you may be missing out on some great features that surrounding areas offers. 

On the positive side, the University Hill neighborhood does have well-maintained sidewalks, so you and your pup will not have to share the roadways with any oncoming traffic or cyclists. However, this neighborhood is definitely lacking in trees and grassy patches, so it may be difficult for you to find a place for a quick pup pit-stop. This also may mean that it will be difficult to find shade during sunny days or that the sidewalks may be a little warm, so be sure to take care of your pup’s sensitive paw pads during those summer months! 

The boundaries of University Hill include Gervais Street to the north, Gregg Street and Laurens Street to the east, Blossom Street to the south, and Pickens Street and Bull Street to the west. 

Unfortunately, there are no public parks located in the University Hill neighborhood. However, there are a few within walking distance of this more urban neighborhood. 

The largest, nearby public park is Maxcy Gregg Park which sits immediately south of University Hill’s southern border. This public park is home to a community pool, a community center, paved walking trails, and the RA Bloch Cancer Survivors Garden and Labyrinth. Other nearby greenways include Five Points Fountain, Gibbs Greene, Martin Luther King Jr. Park, Boyd Plaza, Hollywood Park, and Emily Douglas Park. The nearest dog park is located in Emily Douglas Park, roughly two miles from University Hill. This park is a small, fenced-in area where local pups can socialize and exercise. 

There is an additional dog park located near the local Humane Society which is a few miles south of the downtown area. This park has separate areas for large and small breeds, places for owners to sit and rest, and waste receptacles.