Canine Leash-Free-Park, Found Parking On Industrial Parkway To Access The Arboretum

I always walk to and enter the Arboretum from the Industrial Parkway and St. John’s Sideroad intersection. It cannot be missed. It has wooden pergola on the East side of St. John’s sideroad built by the Home Depot in Aurora. Beside there is a nice flower garden patch and further the trail information booth as shown below.


It never occurred to me that the parking for the Canine Leash-Free-Park on Industrial Parkway is also parking to access the Arboretum. This is a good news in fact, because I can drive to the parking lot, and actually enjoy longer time on the trail as opposed to be walking along the St. John’s sideroad during high traffic hours – just too much road noise, and pollution. Never mind the accident that occurred few weeks ago on St. John’s sideroad. You just always have to look over your shoulder even on the sidewalk.


The other day I visited the Arboretum from the Industrial Parkway and used the parking lot for the first time. While there I took some pictures of the dog park and the dogs.

I have seen this park regularly from the other side of the trail, but I didn’t know that it was actually that big. I think this is great thing for the dogs, they need to have some freedom too. The parking is big enough to accommodate both dog owners cars and anyone who wants to access the Arboretum.


Sometimes we don’t realize but we do have many great things here in Aurora. I was surprised to see all the recycling boxes and compost green containers on the site for the dog park users. Obviously there must be a regular garbage and compost pick up.


In lieu for that great land to use and service, Town of Aurora has a big sign asking users to adhere to Rules and Code of Conduct. I re-wrote the rules here, as I found it rather interesting. The list has 15 items. Well thought out and carefully written list. I couldn’t resist to add some of my thoughts too.

Rules and Code of Conduct

1. Dogs are allowed off their leash only within the fenced compound.
‘Yes, yes good point, just wished that in the land somewhere far far away from the dog park still in Aurora dog owners did not follow the same rule.‘

2. All dogs must be licensed and have up-to-date dog tags.
‘In fact every dog I saw up close had dog tag. Up-to-date tag, I cannot comment.‘

3. All dogs must have up-to-date vaccinations.
‘Yes, not sure if there are any means to verify it.‘

4. You must pick up and properly dispose of your dog’s waste.
‘There is a fundamental flaw with this item – there are still some that do not adhere to it. The parking lot in front of the wooden guard is full of it. I had to do my wild dance again to walk off the crap of my shoes.‘


5. Dogs are not to be left unattended. It is recommended that dogs remain within sight and voice control at all times.
‘At the gate I saw four unattended dogs, beautiful dogs. However, they were within my sight and voice control, hopefully that counts.‘



6. It is recommended that you only take into the park the number of dogs you can control.
‘I must say, dog walkers like this park a lot. I hope they are dog walkers?‘

7. Aggressive dogs must be muzzled or removed from the park immediately.
‘Not sure if one dog wrestling another dog can be called an aggressive activity in the park.‘

8. Female dogs in heat are not allowed in the park.
‘No comment, it was cold day that day. Not sure what that means either.‘

9. Sick dogs are requsted no to use the park.
‘And if they do, that is torture.’

10. It is recommended that all dogs using the park be spayed and neutered.
‘Good idea.‘

11. It is recommended that dogs do not wear spiked or chain collars in the park.
‘Better idea.‘

12. Parents are stronly advised that this is not a suitable environment for children under the age of 12.
‘We stayed outside the dog park.‘

13. No vehicles are allowed in the park.
‘Not sure how one with a vehicle would get in.‘

14. Professional dog trainers are prohibited from using this facility to conduct their business.
‘How can you tell?‘


15. Always respect other users of the park.
‘Yes, yes, yes …‘