Off Leash Areas

Dog parks are a great way for dogs and owners to have fun and make new friends. By following the rules of the park, being considerate of other owners and dogs, and closely supervising your own dog, you will contribute to the safe and inviting atmosphere many parks provide.

The Town has two areas where dogs may walk off of their leashes:

Rugged Fitness Trail

This trail is located along the shoreline north-west of the Salt Docks on Salt Dock Rd.

Yvonne Williams Park Dog Obedience Training Area

This park is located at the corner of William St. and Mill Lake Rd. Within the park there is a fenced area labelled as the "Dog Obedience Training Area". This is where dogs may be let off of their leashes.

COVID-19 Update

(July 16, 2021) - In accordance with the Province of Ontario's Roadmap to Reopen announced on May 20,  certain activities and amenities are permitted to reopen to the public.  As of July 16, 2021, the Province of Ontario has entered Stage 3 of the reopening plan.  For complete restrictions see the Provincial webpage.

The following restrictions are in effect during Stage 3 under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020: 

What's open in the parks:

• Baseball diamonds
• Soccer fields
• Tennis courts and table tennis
• Basketball courts
• Skate park
• Outdoor fitness equipment
• Picnic sites and picnic tables
• Parks are open for the purposes of walking through or using open amenities.
• Playgrounds, play structures and equipment. Users must maintain a physical distance of at least two metres from others (other than a person who is a member of the same household, a member of one other household who lives alone, or a caregiver for any member of either household).
• Off-leash dog park
• Benches
• Washrooms are open with limited capacity

How do we stay safe while using outdoor recreational amenities?

Everyone using these outdoor recreational amenities is required to physically distance from anyone who is not in their household. This means staying 2 meters or 6 feet away from other people. If you arrive at a park that is crowded, you should wait until there is enough space to physically distance or return at another time.

Users of the Town of Parry Sound’s parks system are reminded that these areas are available for use at your own risk and are not regularly sanitized. An inherent risk of exposure to communicable diseases including COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present.

Can we play sports in parks?

Outdoor sports are permitted during Stage 3 under the direction of the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020.

Can I host a fitness class in parks?

Outdoor fitness classes are permitted with restrictions in outdoor spaces. If you are planning on hosting an outdoor fitness class in a public park, please contact the Manager of Parks and Recreation.

Can we host gatherings or events in parks?

Organized gatherings of up to 100 persons outdoors are permitted at this time under the direction of the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020.

If you are interested in hosting an organized event in a park, please contact the Manager of Parks and Recreation.

How are these rules enforced?

Please note that these rules are enforced under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020.  Under O. Reg. 8/21: Enforcement of COVID-19 Measures, any provincial offences officer (including police and by-law enforcement) have the authority to issue warnings, fines, and/or prosecution upon persons found in violation of these rules.

For questions regarding the parks and their use, please contact the Manager of Parks and Recreation.

Rules of the Off Leash Areas

While in these areas owners must follow the posted rules:

1. Each Dog shall be leashed when entering and exiting the recreation area.
2. Each owner assumes all risk when entering into the recreation area.
3. Each owner will be held liable for all actions of their dogs(s).
4. Each owner shall be present, with a leash for each dog, and in view of their dog(s) at all times and the dog(s) shall be under the verbal control of its owner.
5. Each dog shall have a current dog license and said license must be affixed.
6. Each dog must be vaccinated.
7. No owner shall bring to the recreation area an aggressive dog, or a potentially dangerous dog, which has a history of aggressive behaviour towards a domestic pet or person.
8. Every owner shall clean up after his or her dog.

9. A pit bull must be leashed and muzzled at all times in the recreation area.