Prairie View County Park

This is a wonderful park with a very reasonable annual fee of only $25 allowing you access to both Prairie View and River Oaks Park. While I haven't had time to experience other parts of the park beside the dogs park, when driving past the main area it looks very well kept up and nice. Although there is a fee to enter the park, it's barely anything, especially considering the nice dog parks offered at these locations. For a whole year it costs only $25 which is a steal for what you get and if you're visiting it's only $5 for the whole day, you can leave and come back. Prairie View dog park is very nice and offers four sections, more than River Oaks dog park offers. There is an East and West section, a small >25 lb. dog section for little dogs and a wooded area of three acres. Upon my first visit there the East section was open as they rotate between East and West so that one area can grow while the other is used. Sort of like pasture rotations. The East section, just like the West is very well maintained, has water fountains to fill your water bowl, many benches scattered about, and a poop station. When I went to take a walk in the wooded area it was very nice, the only downside is it was so small, aside from that it's very pretty out there. The small dog area is nice looking, I don't have any use for it though since I don't own any small dogs. Overall, Prairie View dog park is super nice and I'd highly recommend it to anyone with a dog-friendly dog. I feel safe there and there are so many nice dog owners you can meet. Tips: *bring a water bowl as none are provided, simply the water [expect to share it also] *while you can bring a tennis ball and Chuck It, it's not really advised since some dogs may not do well with sharing [note: this is a totally "free access" dog park in the idea that there is no evaluation that deems dogs okay or not okay for a dog park, enter at your own risk] *make sure your dog is totally okay with dogs as rough can get play and if a dog isn't that good with dogs it could turn into a fight *only have your dog in a flat, anything else isn't allowed and for good reason [you may bring you dog in a prong, chain, or head collar, however, it must be taken off once in the dog park]. many people ignore this rule, but seriously, follow it, it's in place for the dog's safety. *come in the morning for cooler weather and fewer dogs if you like that *evenings will have more people but not nearly as many as on the weekend *weekends are busiest, Saturday especially, so if your dog doesn't like huge crowds I'd avoid then *bring you camera if you have one as there are many great photo opportunities
8 years ago (10-07-2017)

I fell in love with this AMAZING Kalamazoo County Park on my first visit. From trails, playgrounds, picnic & grilling areas to the four, well manicured dog parks and restroom facilities, I LOVE IT ALL! The beach area is perfect if you're looking for a nice inland lake without the congestion of Lake Michigan.
8 years ago (02-10-2017)

Off leash dog parks. One for little dogs, 2 for big ones. Both the big ones aren't generally open at the same time, but one can easily handle a number of dogs. They also have a small wooded area with trails for off leash. There's a beach (no dogs), other walking trails (on leash), and boat launch. Nice place. $5 per car per day, or $25 season pass for access to all Kalamazoo county parks.
8 years ago (07-09-2017)

Priceless! Two all-dog parks, one 3 acre wooded dog park and one small dog park. The locals at the dog park are friendly and informative and all the dogs have a great time! This is a dog park where you monitor your pup :) not to be confused with doggy day care. There's a small swimming area and some walking trails in woods and prairie.
8 years ago (04-09-2017)

One of my favorite places in the area. Lots of trails, various landscape, beautiful sunset over the lake. Small beach is nice and never overcrowded. Water is very clean.
8 years ago (13-08-2017)