Douglas County's dwindling dog park drama
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Illustration: Allie Carl/Axios
Dog parks in unincorporated Douglas County have been unusually quiet this year.
Why it matters: Contrary to some assumptions, summertime isn't prime time for dog park problem around here — which is why our review of incidents is so encouraging.
By the numbers: A total of 73 reported incidents were reported at six major dog parks since 2023, according to Douglas County Sheriff's Office data obtained through an open-records request.
- These include animal complaints, animal bites, animal cruelty and assaults.
Yes, but: Just three — all classified as disturbances — were logged through May 12 this year, down significantly from the average of 12 reported incidents per year during that same timeframe from 2023 to 2025.
In 2025, 22 incidents were reported in unincorporated Douglas County, according to the sheriff's data.
- In 2024, there were 21 incidents.
- In 2023, there were 27.
Nearly half of all reported incidents were listed as animal complaints — making that the most common issue.
- About 1 in 5 was an animal bite.
The intrigue: Hound Hill at Highland Heritage Regional Park counted the most reported incidents since 2023. Digger's at Dad Clark Park has the fewest.
- Hound Hill: 25
- Glendale Farm Open Space, Trail and Dog Park: 13
- Rover's Run at Redstone Park: 12
- Fido's Field at Foothills Park: 10
- Devon's Dog Park: 7
- Digger's: 6
And there's good news if you frequent dog parks.
- Two-thirds of incidents from 2023-25 happened between January and April.
- But just 10 — combined — were reported to the sheriff's office between June and August over the past three years.
Devon's, Diggers' and Glendale Farm each logged a disturbance this year — but no bites or animal complaints.
The bottom line: Even if it's a quiet year, pet owners should keep a close eye on their animals and others around them.