When the first dog park opened in Piedmont Park in the summer of 2002, it immediately became so popular that it seemed certain that more dog parks would soon open in other localities. People were coming from the surrounding counties to bring their dogs to the park since it was the only one around. The park was a success, got good publicity, and should have been the first of many. It hasn’t happened yet, but it is gaining momentum.

Four more dog parks have opened recently, and more are in the planning stages or under construction. Of the four new parks, one is in Gwinnett County, two are in Dekalb, and the fourth is in Peachtree City. Dog parks have been growing in popularity for about 15 years and have been opened in cities and towns across the country. Sometimes a part of an existing park, and other times standing alone in a separate area, a dog park is a safe, enclosed area where people can take their dogs and allow them to run and play off-leash. It is a place where dogs can socialize with new people and other dogs, where you can play Frisbee or throw a tennis ball for your dog to chase. It is a place where people who like dogs can come to socialize with other dog owners and their dogs and let the dogs get the exercise that they need. It is also a place where people who like dogs but cannot have one, for whatever reason, can come to enjoy the company of dogs and their owners. The Atlanta area dog parks that are open so far include:

PIEDMONT PARK DOG PARK Located near the bridge at the Park Place entrance, the dog park is tucked into a corner of the park where those who do not like dogs will not be bothered. It is also adjacent to the area where that hideous parking deck will be built. The dog park is two acres in size with a separate fenced small dog area for little guys who would rather not be stepped on by the big guys. There is plenty of open space to play ball or Frisbee with your dog. Trees have been planted but they are years away from providing any shade. Benches have been placed around the park and water is available for the dogs.

MASON MILL PARK 1340 McConnell St, Decatur. A small but convenient park located off Clairmont Road near North Druid Hills Road, it quickly became popular with people who live in the area as well as many who come from a distance. Dekalb County’s first dog park has a wood chip base, a water supply and some benches for people to sit on, and that’s about it, but the dogs like it just fine and the people seem happy.

BROOK RUN PARK 4770 N. Peachtree Rd, Dunwoody. Brook Run is the newest dog park in the area, having just opened in mid- January. It is a different kind of dog park, in that it is totally wooded; 2 1/2 acres of tall trees with paths running through it. There is no room to throw a tennis ball here, but the dogs don't seem to mind. They have a good time running through the woods, smelling new smells and peeing on every tree. This park came into existence quickly thanks to the help of Vernon Jones, the Dekalb County chief executive and a dog lover himself. He brings his dog Henry to the park. Brook Run Park is the former Brook Run mental health facility that was closed by the state some years back. The dog park is at the very back of the park. You enter from North Peachtree and keep going until you see the end of the road. Turn right into the parking area. The dog park is behind the building. There is no water source within the park, but there is a stream just outside one of the gates where you can take the dog on a leash for a drink, or you may prefer to bring a bottle of water and a dish.

GWINNETT COUNTY: RONALD REAGAN DOG PARK 2777 5 Forks Trickum Rd, Lawrenceville. Gwinnett County's first dog park is a two-acre area at the back of the main park. There are three separate fenced sections—one each for large and small dogs, and a long, narrow run between the other two where you can play fetch with a dog alone so other dogs can't interfere. Both sections have a water source and a variety of agility props have been set up in both.

PEACHTREE CITY DOG PARK This new dog park is located on McIntosh Trail in the heart of Peachtree City. It is two acres in size, with about 1 3/4 acres for dogs over 30 pounds, and the remainder set aside for small and senior dogs. The ground has a wood chip base, and there are trees and a gazebo for shade. There is no water source yet, and it is recommended that you bring water with you. A map and directions can be found at www.ptcdogpark.com. More dog parks are in the plans around the metro area. Wills Park in Alpharetta is planning to add an offleash area late this year or early next year, Gwinnett County has more of them planned, and even Cobb County, which has resisted the idea for years, is rumored to be considering a site for a dog park.