Ellsworth Park and Dog Park

For dog owners in Maryland, especially those living or working in the bustling heart of Silver Spring, finding a dedicated space for their furry companions to stretch their legs and socialize is incredibly valuable. The Ellsworth Park and Dog Park offers a unique urban oasis, providing a much-needed off-leash environment right in the vibrant downtown area. This park has become a beloved spot for many local pups and their human counterparts, offering a convenient escape for play and connection.

While some existing reviews might note its age, it’s important for Maryland residents to be aware that the Ellsworth Urban Dog Park is currently undergoing significant renovations designed to enhance its facilities and improve the overall experience. Despite temporary closures for these upgrades, its long-standing popularity and the loyalty of its community speak volumes about its value as a central gathering place for the canine residents of Silver Spring. It aims to be a continuously improving destination where dogs can truly be dogs, making friends and burning off energy.

Ellsworth Park and Dog Park is centrally located at 621 Ellsworth Dr, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA. This prime address places it directly within downtown Silver Spring, making it exceptionally convenient for urban dwellers and those working in the area. Its proximity to shops, restaurants, and public transportation makes it easily integrated into a daily routine.

Accessibility to the park is a major highlight. Being in downtown Silver Spring, it's highly walkable for many residents. For those arriving by car, there is typically plenty of parking available in nearby garages and street parking options, though downtown parking always requires some navigation. The park is also very well-served by public transportation, including multiple Metrobus routes and the Silver Spring Metro station (Red Line), which is within easy walking distance. The dog park is fully accessible from the sidewalk along Colesville Road, through a secure, double-gated entry system. This ease of access makes it a top choice for busy Maryland dog owners. Please note that the large and small dog park areas were closed starting February 3, 2025, through August 2025 for construction. Visitors should check the Montgomery Parks website for the most current information on reopening and temporary changes in access during this renovation period. Standard operating hours are sunrise to sunset.

Ellsworth Park and Dog Park offers several essential services designed to facilitate a comfortable and safe environment for dogs and their owners.

• Dedicated Off-Leash Play Areas: The park features two separate, fully enclosed exercise areas. There's a designated small dog area, typically for dogs under 20 pounds (approximately 2,800 square feet), and a large dog area for dogs over 20 pounds (approximately 17,000 square feet). This separation ensures safety and appropriate play for all sizes.

• Year-Round Water Access: A significant highlight is the availability of water fountains and bowls for dogs, with reports indicating that the water often runs all year long. This is a crucial amenity for keeping pups hydrated in all seasons, a feature not always found at other parks.

• Waste Bag Dispensers and Trash Receptacles: To maintain cleanliness, the park provides waste bag dispensers and trash cans, encouraging responsible pet ownership and a tidy environment.

• Benches and Seating: Plenty of benches are available throughout the park, offering comfortable spots for owners to relax, observe their dogs, and socialize with other community members.

• Double-Gated Entry System: For enhanced security and to prevent accidental escapes, the park utilizes a secure, double-gated entry system.

• Free Entry: As a public park operated by Montgomery Parks, there is no fee to use Ellsworth Park and Dog Park, making it an accessible option for all Maryland dog owners.

• Dog Toy Friendly: Users report that bringing toys is welcome, allowing for interactive play between dogs and owners, and among the dogs themselves.

Ellsworth Park and Dog Park, despite undergoing renovations, boasts several features that contribute to its appeal and utility for Maryland dog owners.

• Central Downtown Location: Its most prominent highlight is its unparalleled location in the heart of downtown Silver Spring, providing an urban oasis that's easily reachable for many. This is a significant advantage for those without easy access to larger, more suburban dog parks.

• Vibrant Social Scene: The park is frequently full of other dogs, fostering a lively and playful atmosphere. This constant presence of canine companions makes it an excellent spot for dog socialization, with owners generally doing a good job of supervising their pets.

• Dedicated Small Dog Area: The separate area for smaller dogs is a crucial feature, ensuring that smaller breeds or more timid pups can play safely without feeling overwhelmed by larger, more boisterous canines.

• Shade Structure: Each enclosure includes a shared shade structure, providing a welcome respite from the sun for both dogs and their owners, especially on hot Maryland days.

• Variety of Surface Materials: The park incorporates a variety of surfacing materials, which can include natural ground, artificial turf play mounds, and possibly other textures, offering diverse sensory experiences for dogs.

• Community and Friendly Owners: Despite occasional issues that can arise in any dog park, the overall sentiment from visitors is that the park attracts a fun, friendly group of people and their dogs, fostering a welcoming community.

• Renovation Project (Current Highlight): While a temporary inconvenience, the ongoing renovation project (February to August 2025) is a significant highlight. It signals a commitment from Montgomery Parks to improve the facility, including building a retaining wall, improving walkways, and enhancing entrances, which will ultimately result in an even better park for the community.

As a public park managed by Montgomery Parks, Ellsworth Park and Dog Park does not typically offer commercial promotions or special offers in the traditional sense. Its primary "offer" is the free and accessible environment it provides for dog socialization and exercise.

However, the current major "special offer" for the community is the significant investment in its renovation. The closure from February to August 2025, though temporary, is a direct investment in the park's future quality, promising improved facilities for all users upon reopening. Montgomery Parks periodically hosts community events or initiatives, and local dog groups might organize meet-ups at various parks. Maryland residents are encouraged to check the Montgomery Parks official website for updates on the renovation, reopening dates, and any future community-led events that might take place at the park.

For direct inquiries or additional information regarding Ellsworth Park and Dog Park, please use the following contact details:

Address: 621 Ellsworth Dr, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA

Phone: (301) 495-2595 (This number connects to Montgomery Parks, the managing authority for Ellsworth Park and its dog park. They are the best resource for information regarding park hours, rules, current renovation updates, and any other relevant inquiries.)

For Maryland locals, particularly those living in or commuting to downtown Silver Spring, Ellsworth Park and Dog Park is an exceptionally suitable and valuable amenity. Its unparalleled location makes it the only dog park within easy walking distance for many urban residents, a huge convenience for daily exercise and socialization. While some historical reviews noted it feeling "a bit old," the current major renovation project through August 2025 demonstrates a strong commitment to modernizing and improving the park, promising an even better experience for dogs and their owners upon reopening.

The core strengths of this park – including separate areas for small and large dogs, consistently running water year-round, and ample seating – cater directly to the practical needs of pet parents. The fact that it's frequently bustling with other playful dogs fosters a vibrant social scene, which is invaluable for canine development and owner interaction. The overwhelming sentiment from regular visitors is one of satisfaction, appreciating the space for its convenience and the generally responsible dog-owning community it attracts. For Maryland dog owners prioritizing location, continuous improvement, and a lively social environment for their pups, Ellsworth Park and Dog Park stands as a vital and eagerly anticipated resource in the heart of Silver Spring.