Hondo Dog Park

For dog owners in Hillsboro, Oregon, and the wider surrounding region, the quest for an exceptional off-leash environment where their furry companions can truly thrive often leads to one name: Hondo Dog Park. Renowned for its thoughtful design and meticulous maintenance, Hondo Dog Park offers an experience that many local users have enthusiastically likened to "Disneyland for your dog." This dedicated space is more than just a fenced-in field; it's a dynamic and engaging environment tailored to meet the diverse needs of canines, from the most energetic zoomie-lovers to those seeking a quieter, more structured play experience.

This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Hondo Dog Park, delving into its unique features, accessibility, and the comprehensive services it provides to the Hillsboro community. Our goal is to offer a factual and friendly perspective on this cherished local asset, helping you understand why it continues to be a top choice for dog owners in Oregon.

Hondo Dog Park is conveniently situated at 4499 NE Century Blvd, Hillsboro, OR 97124, USA. Its location in the northeast section of Hillsboro, adjacent to Hillsboro Stadium, makes it a prominent and relatively easy-to-find destination for local residents. The park's proximity to major roads ensures good vehicular access from various parts of Hillsboro and nearby communities.

When planning a visit, especially on weekends or sunny days, it's worth noting the parking situation. The park has approximately 25-ish dedicated parking spots. While this might be sufficient on a quiet weekday morning, as observed by some visitors, it can quickly fill up during peak times. However, the City of Hillsboro has anticipated this, and there are clear signs directing visitors to overflow parking areas when the main lot is full. Specifically, overflow parking is often available at Gate A near Ron Tonkin Stadium, which is adjacent to the dog park. This thoughtful provision helps mitigate potential parking frustrations during busy periods.

The park itself is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring wheelchair-accessible gravel paths, ensuring that owners with mobility challenges can still enjoy the park alongside their pets. Double-gated entrances provide an added layer of safety, preventing accidental escapes.

Hondo Dog Park prides itself on offering a range of services and facilities that enhance the experience for both dogs and their owners:

• Multiple Fenced Play Areas: The park is thoughtfully divided into three distinct fenced sections to cater to different dog types and play styles. These include a large main area for mixed-size dogs, a dedicated section for small and timid dogs (which, as of Spring 2025, is limited to dogs 30 pounds and under), and an all-weather "Winter Area" primarily gravel-based.
• Seasonal Grass Field: The expansive grassy field, often referred to as the "Main & Mixed Dog Area" and "Small Dog Area," provides ample space for energetic dogs to run freely. It's an excellent feature for dogs that need significant room to play. It's important to note that these grass areas are open seasonally, typically from late spring through early autumn, and are closed during colder, wetter months (usually starting October 1) to protect the grass and soil integrity. A green flag on-site indicates when these grass areas are open during the winter on rare occasions when weather permits.
• All-Weather Gravel Area: The "Winter Area" is a year-round, all-weather gravel section that remains open even when the grass fields are closed due to wet conditions. This ensures that dogs always have a place to play off-leash, regardless of the season. This area is also lit after dark until closing.
• Obstacle Course / Agility Area: Within the fenced gravel area, there's a dedicated obstacle course for dogs. This feature provides an engaging and stimulating challenge for dogs, allowing them to practice agility skills and burn energy in a structured way.
• Dog Drinking Water Stations: Strategically placed drinking water stations designed for canine use are available throughout the park, ensuring dogs can stay hydrated during their playtime. Note that water may be turned off seasonally in the grass areas to prevent frozen pipes, so bringing your own water is advisable during colder months.
• Dog Waste Bag Dispensers: Numerous "poop bag stations" are conveniently located throughout the park, encouraging responsible pet ownership and contributing to the park's cleanliness.
• Benches and Shade Structures: The park provides benches for owners to rest and observe their dogs. There's also a shade structure, offering some relief from the sun for both dogs and their human companions.

Hondo Dog Park's reputation as a top-tier dog park in Oregon stems from several key features and thoughtful highlights:

• Exceptional Cleanliness and Maintenance: Consistently praised in reviews, the park is known for being "so clean, thoughtfully laid out, thoroughly maintained." This dedication to upkeep creates a pleasant and inviting atmosphere for all visitors.
• Diverse Play Environments: The park truly offers "something for all sizes and personalities" of dogs. The distinction between the large mixed-dog grass area, the smaller dog section, and the year-round gravel area ensures that every dog, from a tiny chihuahua to a boisterous golden retriever, has a suitable and safe place to play.
• Engaging Agility Course: The dedicated obstacle course in the gravel area is a significant highlight, providing not just exercise but also mental stimulation for dogs. It adds an extra layer of fun and training opportunity that isn't always present in other dog parks.
• Minimally Affected by Rain: A practical advantage for Oregon's frequently rainy climate, the gravel "Winter Area" "floods very little when it rains." This means dogs can still get their energy out even during wet weather, making it a reliable option year-round.
• Hondo Memorial Hydrant: The park is named in honor of Hondo, a Hillsboro Police Department K-9 unit dog killed in the line of duty in 1997. A fire hydrant painted like an American flag, situated atop a base and fenced off, serves as a touching memorial to this heroic dog. A plaque dedicated to Hondo is also at the park's entrance.
• Thoughtful Layout: The park's design is described as "thoughtfully laid out," indicating that the different areas flow well and cater to various needs efficiently. The gravel trail looping around the main area for all dogs also provides a clear path for walking.

As a public city park operated by Hillsboro Parks & Recreation Department, Hondo Dog Park does not typically offer commercial "promotions" or "special offers" for daily admission, as it is free to use for all residents and visitors.

However, the Hillsboro Parks & Recreation Department, along with local dog advocacy groups like the Hillsboro Dog Association, may periodically host community events, educational programs, or volunteer days at Hondo Dog Park or other parks in the area. These events are not promotions but rather opportunities for engagement, dog socialization under supervision, and community involvement in park maintenance. Information about such events would usually be advertised through the City of Hillsboro Parks & Recreation official website, social media channels, or local community calendars. We recommend checking these resources for any upcoming activities that might enhance your visit to Hondo Dog Park.

For direct inquiries regarding Hondo Dog Park, its operating status, or any concerns, you can contact the Hillsboro Parks & Recreation Department.

Address: 4499 NE Century Blvd, Hillsboro, OR 97124, USA

Phone: (503) 681-6120

This phone number connects you to the Hillsboro Parks & Recreation Department, which manages Hondo Dog Park. Their website also provides comprehensive information, including park rules, seasonal closures, and updates on facility status.

Hondo Dog Park is exceptionally well-suited for locals in Hillsboro, Oregon, and surrounding communities for several compelling reasons. Its thoughtful design, comprehensive amenities, and commitment to maintenance make it a standout destination for dog owners seeking a high-quality off-leash experience.

Firstly, the park’s multi-section layout addresses the diverse needs of the canine population. The presence of a dedicated small and timid dog area ensures a safe and comfortable environment for smaller breeds or shy pups, while the expansive main field caters to larger, more energetic dogs. The year-round availability of the gravel "Winter Area" is a significant advantage in Oregon's climate, meaning that even during the wettest months, locals have a reliable, mud-free space for their dogs to exercise. This consistency is invaluable for maintaining a dog's physical and mental well-being throughout the year.

Secondly, the inclusion of an agility course adds a unique dimension to the park. For owners interested in training or providing extra mental stimulation for their dogs, this feature elevates Hondo beyond a simple playfield. It encourages active engagement between pets and their owners, fostering stronger bonds and more well-behaved companions.

The consistent praise for the park's cleanliness and maintenance by local users underscores the dedication of Hillsboro Parks & Recreation. A clean and well-kept park encourages responsible pet ownership and ensures a pleasant experience for everyone. The presence of ample waste bag stations and water fountains further enhances convenience for visitors.

Lastly, Hondo Dog Park’s status as a public, free-to-use facility makes it an accessible and affordable option for all local dog owners. It serves as a vital community hub where dogs can socialize, exercise, and burn off energy, contributing to their overall health and happiness. For Hillsboro residents, Hondo Dog Park isn't just a place to let dogs off-leash; it's a meticulously cared-for haven that truly lives up to its reputation as "Disneyland for your dog," making it an ideal choice for regular visits.