Kane Memorial Dog Park

For dog owners in Vancouver, Washington, finding the perfect spot for their furry friends to stretch their legs and socialize is a key part of daily life. While Clark County boasts several excellent off-leash areas, Kane Memorial Dog Park offers a unique and often more tranquil experience. Nestled within the larger Hockinson Meadows Community Park, this dog park is a favorite for those seeking a less crowded environment with a mix of open space and natural, shaded trails.

This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Kane Memorial Dog Park, highlighting its unique characteristics, accessibility, and the services it offers to the local dog-owning community. While some practical considerations exist, its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere make it a cherished destination for many. Our goal is to offer a factual and friendly perspective on this valued local asset, helping you decide if it's the ideal spot for your pup's next adventure.

Kane Memorial Dog Park is located at 10910 NE 172nd Ave, Vancouver, WA 98682, USA. It is situated within the expansive Hockinson Meadows Community Park, a 240-acre regional park in Clark County, developed as part of the Greater Clark Parks District program. This location means that while the dog park itself is a dedicated off-leash area, it is part of a larger recreational complex that includes sports fields, picnic shelters, and other amenities.

Access to Kane Memorial Dog Park can be a bit "off the beaten path," as noted by some users. Visitors often "slip in through the children's playground at Hockinson Meadows Community Park to find it." This implies a walk from the main parking areas of Hockinson Meadows to reach the specific dog park enclosure. Reviews confirm it's "a bit of a walk from the parking lot to the dog park – but a very pretty walk," suggesting a pleasant approach through the broader park environment.

Parking is available within Hockinson Meadows Community Park. While reviews don't specify the exact number of spots, as part of a large community park with sports fields, it likely has ample parking. However, during peak times, especially when events are held at the ball fields, parking might be more competitive. Dogs must be leashed while in the parking lot and in all other parts of Hockinson Meadows Community Park outside the designated off-leash area. The dog park itself is fully fenced with two double-gated entrances, ensuring a secure environment once inside.

Kane Memorial Dog Park provides essential services to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for dogs and their owners:

• Fully Fenced Off-Leash Area: The park offers a secure, 2.5-acre fully fenced area where dogs can run, play, and socialize without a leash. This is the primary service, providing peace of mind for owners.
• Open and Forested Sections: The off-leash area features a mix of "wide-open" spaces and "forested portions," offering diverse environments for dogs to explore. This allows for both energetic play and stimulating sniffing adventures.
• Dirt Trail: A "⅕ mile dirt trail" winds through the dog park, providing a clear path for owners to walk while their dogs play. This trail system adds a dynamic element to the park, encouraging movement and exploration.
• Dog Waste Bags: The park is well-stocked with "plenty of poop bags everywhere," promoting responsible pet waste disposal and contributing to the park's cleanliness.
• Benches: Benches are available within the dog park area, providing places for owners to rest and observe their dogs.

A crucial point regarding services, and a common piece of feedback from users, is the lack of a dedicated water fountain inside the fenced dog park area. While there is a water fountain near the children's playground in Hockinson Meadows Community Park (near the parking lot), it is outside the off-leash dog park. This means dog owners must plan to bring their own water for their pets, especially if their dogs are very active or during warmer weather, to prevent overheating. Restrooms are also located near the main park facilities but not directly within the dog park enclosure.

Kane Memorial Dog Park stands out with several key features that make it a cherished spot for many local dog owners:

• Tranquil and Less Crowded: A significant highlight is that the park is "not crowded at all" and has a "quiet and low key" atmosphere. This is a major draw for dogs who might be overwhelmed by large groups, or for owners who prefer a more peaceful environment for their outing.
• Mix of Open and Shaded Areas: The park offers a "wide-open" space combined with "plenty of foliage in the forested portions" and "ample shaded areas." This provides a varied landscape for dogs to explore and offers relief from the sun on warmer days. The shade is particularly appreciated during hot summer days.
• Scenic Walk to the Park: The "very pretty walk" from the parking lot to the dog park itself adds to the overall experience, allowing for a pleasant stroll through Hockinson Meadows Community Park before entering the off-leash area.
• Dedicated to a K-9 Hero: The park is named in honor of Kane, a former Clark County Sheriff Office canine who was killed in the line of duty in April 2011. This memorial aspect adds a layer of significance and community pride to the park.
• Rustic Charm: Described as a "somewhat rustic space," the park offers a natural, less manicured environment, appealing to those who enjoy a more organic setting for their dog's playtime. The "dirt trail" further enhances this rustic feel.
• Good for Energetic Dogs: Despite its smaller size compared to some other Clark County dog parks, the combination of open space and trails is "amazing for our warmer summer days," and dogs "will love sniffing every leaf and branch it finds," ensuring plenty of stimulation and exercise.

While the lack of water inside the dog park is a noted limitation, the overall peacefulness, natural setting, and well-maintained features make Kane Memorial Dog Park a unique and desirable option for many Vancouver dog owners.

As a public park managed by Clark County and often supported by organizations like DOGPAW (Dog Owners Group for Park Access in Washington), Kane Memorial Dog Park does not typically offer commercial "promotions" or "special offers" for daily use. Access to the park is free for all visitors and their dogs.

However, Clark County Parks and Recreation, along with DOGPAW, may periodically host community events, volunteer work parties, or fundraisers that benefit the maintenance and improvement of dog parks across the county, including Kane Memorial Dog Park. These events are not promotions but rather opportunities for community engagement and support. Information on such initiatives would typically be found through the official Clark County website, the DOGPAW website (dogpawoffleashparks.org), or local community calendars. Becoming a member of DOGPAW is one way local dog owners can support the ongoing maintenance of these parks through a voluntary $25 annual membership, which helps cover costs for amenities like poop bags and fencing. While not a "special offer," it is a way to contribute to and benefit from the park's continued existence.

For specific inquiries regarding Kane Memorial Dog Park, including maintenance, rules, or general park information, you can contact Clark County Parks and Recreation.

Address: 10910 NE 172nd Ave, Vancouver, WA 98682, USA

Phone: (360) 397-2285 (This number connects to Clark County Public Works, which oversees county parks.)

For general animal issues or to report off-leash or aggressive dogs in county parks, you can call Clark County Animal Control at 564-397-2488 during business hours (8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday-Friday, excluding holidays), or 311 for issues outside of business hours. The official Clark County website (clark.wa.gov) also provides comprehensive information on all county parks, including specific rules for dog parks and any relevant updates or alerts.

Kane Memorial Dog Park is a particularly suitable destination for locals in Vancouver, Washington, especially for those seeking a specific type of off-leash experience for their canine companions. Its unique blend of features caters to distinct needs within the dog-owning community.

Firstly, its most compelling draw for locals is its generally peaceful and "not crowded at all" atmosphere. In a growing metropolitan area, finding a tranquil space where dogs can truly relax and play without being overwhelmed by excessive numbers of other dogs and people is invaluable. This makes it an ideal choice for dogs who are timid, reactive, or simply prefer a quieter environment, allowing for more focused play and socialization on their own terms. It's also perfect for owners who appreciate a calm outing.

Secondly, the park's natural setting, with its "forested portions," "ample shaded areas," and a "⅕ mile dirt trail," offers a more engaging and stimulating environment than a simple open field. Dogs thrive on varied terrain and new scents, and this park provides ample opportunities for both. The shade is a significant benefit during warmer Pacific Northwest days, protecting both pets and owners from excessive heat. The "pretty walk" from the parking lot also adds a pleasant start and end to each visit, contributing to the overall enjoyment.

While the absence of water inside the fenced area requires owners to come prepared, this minor inconvenience is often outweighed by the park's overall tranquility and natural beauty. It fosters a sense of community among those who value a less bustling dog park experience. For Vancouver locals looking for a secure, well-maintained, and peaceful off-leash area that offers both open space and shaded trails, Kane Memorial Dog Park stands out as an excellent and highly recommended option for their furry family members. Its dedication to a K-9 hero also adds a meaningful touch, making it more than just a park, but a place of remembrance and community pride.