Lyon Oaks Dog Park

For dog owners across Southeast Michigan, the quest for the perfect place where their canine companions can truly stretch their legs, socialize, and enjoy the great outdoors often leads to Oakland County's impressive park system. Among its jewels for four-legged friends is the Lyon Oaks Dog Park, a standout facility in Wixom, MI, renowned for its generous size and thoughtful design. This park isn't just a fenced-in area; it's a vibrant community space where dogs can revel in off-leash freedom and owners can connect with fellow pet enthusiasts.

Lyon Oaks Dog Park is a testament to Oakland County's commitment to providing high-quality recreational opportunities for all its residents, including those with wagging tails. Spanning a vast 13 acres, this park offers ample room for dogs of all sizes to run, play, and explore. It's a favorite among locals, consistently praised for its well-maintained grounds and the clear separation of play areas, ensuring a comfortable and safe experience for every visitor.

The park's integration within the larger Lyon Oaks County Park adds to its appeal. While the dog park is a dedicated off-leash zone, the surrounding county park offers additional amenities and natural beauty for those who wish to extend their visit. This makes Lyon Oaks Dog Park an ideal destination for a comprehensive outdoor adventure with your beloved pet, whether you're looking for an energetic play session or a peaceful stroll.

Lyon Oaks Dog Park is conveniently located at 52221 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, MI 48393, USA. This address places it squarely within the beautiful Lyon Oaks County Park, making it easily accessible for residents across Oakland County and surrounding areas in Michigan. The park's location off Pontiac Trail ensures straightforward navigation and access for visitors driving to the facility.

Accessibility is a key consideration at Lyon Oaks Dog Park. The park features an accessible design with dedicated parking nearby. While one customer noted the "type of dirt in the parking lot" can lead to dirty footprints, indicating a rustic or natural surface, the overall access to the dog park itself is well-regarded. The entrance to both the small and large dog areas is through a common gate, streamlining entry and exit.

As part of the Oakland County Parks system, entry requirements are in place, but with significant benefits for local residents. Since the approval of the 2024 millage request, Oakland County residents can enjoy free entry to Oakland County day-use parks, including dog parks like Lyon Oaks, without a charge. Non-Oakland County residents are asked to pay a daily entry fee of $12 or can purchase a $50 annual pass. Current military, veterans, and individuals with disabilities receive free park entry regardless of residency. This policy makes the park highly accessible and cost-effective for those living in Oakland County, encouraging frequent visits.

Park hours are generally from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset, or as posted at the park, allowing for ample time to enjoy the facility.

Lyon Oaks Dog Park is equipped with several services and amenities designed to enhance the experience for both dogs and their owners:

• Dedicated Off-Leash Areas: The park's primary service is providing extensive, fully fenced-in off-leash areas where dogs can run, play, and interact freely and safely.
• Separated Play Zones: Lyon Oaks Dog Park thoughtfully includes two distinct fenced enclosures: one specifically for smaller dogs and another for larger dogs. This separation ensures that dogs of all sizes can play comfortably and safely within their appropriate peer groups.
• Benches and Seating: Throughout the park, benches and picnic tables are available, offering comfortable spots for owners to relax and observe their dogs at play.
• Shelter: The park features a shelter, providing a covered area for protection from the elements, which can be particularly useful on sunny or rainy days.
• Field Training Area: For those interested in more structured activities, a dedicated field training area is available within the park.
• Water Access: Public information indicates that water access is available, which is crucial for keeping dogs hydrated, especially during warmer months.
• Dog Waste Stations: To maintain the park's cleanliness, dog waste stations equipped with bags are provided throughout the enclosures, encouraging responsible pet ownership.

Lyon Oaks Dog Park is distinguished by several key features that make it a premier destination for dog owners in Michigan:

• Expansive Size: Boasting a 13-acre fenced enclosure, Lyon Oaks offers a vast amount of space for dogs to run freely, chase balls, and engage in vigorous exercise, a significant highlight for active breeds.
• Dual Dog Parks: The clear separation into a smaller dog park and a larger dog park, accessible via a common gate, is a major advantage. This design caters to the specific needs of different dog sizes and temperaments, enhancing safety and enjoyment for all visitors.
• Well-Maintained Grounds: Customer reviews frequently commend the park's upkeep, noting that it "seems well maintained," which speaks to the efforts of Oakland County Parks in keeping the facility clean and safe.
• Shaded Areas: The presence of shaded spots allows both dogs and their owners to find respite from the sun, making visits more comfortable, especially during hot Michigan summers.
• Part of Lyon Oaks County Park: Being integrated into the larger Lyon Oaks County Park means visitors can enjoy additional amenities beyond the dog park itself, such as walking trails, creating a more comprehensive outdoor experience. The park is part of a 1,041-acre landscape, protecting 800 acres of environmentally fragile wetlands.
• Community Atmosphere: The park is known for attracting a friendly group of people and dogs, fostering a positive environment for socialization for both pets and their human companions.

As part of the Oakland County Parks system, Lyon Oaks Dog Park offers significant value and "promotions" primarily through its park entry fee structure.

• Free Entry for Oakland County Residents: This is the most substantial "special offer" for locals. As of the approved 2024 millage request, Oakland County residents no longer have to pay a daily entry fee or purchase an annual pass for day-use parks, including the dog parks. This provides unlimited, free access for residents to Lyon Oaks Dog Park and other Oakland County Parks facilities. This waiving of fees is a direct result of voter support for increased funding for Oakland County Parks, making thousands of acres of parkland accessible at no cost for residents.
• Affordable Non-Resident Access: For visitors residing outside Oakland County, a daily entry fee of $12 or an annual pass for $50 is required. While not free, these fees are reasonable for maintaining such a large and well-equipped facility.
• Veterans, Military, and Individuals with Disabilities: These groups receive free park entry regardless of their residency, further enhancing accessibility.
• Seasonal Free Admission: Historically, Oakland County Parks has offered free admission during winter months or on specific "Free Parks Entry Days" (e.g., Veterans Day, New Year's Eve). While the new resident policy makes this less relevant for Oakland County residents, non-residents may still benefit from these occasional waivers.

It's important to note that while park entry is often free for Oakland County residents, "pay to play" attractions such as golf courses, waterparks, and campgrounds within the broader Oakland County Parks system still incur separate fees.

For inquiries regarding Lyon Oaks Dog Park or the broader Lyon Oaks County Park, you can reach out to Oakland County Parks directly:

Address: Wixom, MI 48393, USA (specifically, 52221 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, MI 48393)

Phone: (248) 858-0906

Operating Hours: The dog park is generally open 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset, or as posted at the park. It is advised to check the Oakland County Parks official website for the most current information regarding hours, rules, and any temporary closures or special events.

For detailed information on park passes, rules, or amenities, the Oakland County Parks website is the best resource. You can also call the provided phone number during business hours for assistance.

For Michigan residents, particularly those residing in Oakland County, Lyon Oaks Dog Park is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended destination for their canine companions. Its very existence, and especially its fee structure, clearly demonstrates its design with local users in mind. The recent change offering free entry for Oakland County residents is a game-changer, making this extensive and well-equipped facility an unparalleled value for frequent visits. This accessibility encourages regular exercise and socialization for dogs, which is crucial for their physical and mental well-being.

The park's thoughtful division into separate areas for small and large dogs directly addresses a common concern among dog owners, ensuring that pets of all sizes can play safely and comfortably. This feature, combined with the generous 13-acre expanse, provides ample room for energetic dogs to truly stretch their legs without feeling confined. As one review noted, "Very nice park, and nice big dog park. Seems well maintained." This sentiment underscores the quality and care put into the facility, ensuring a pleasant experience for both dogs and their human companions.

While the parking lot's "dirty footprints" might be a minor inconvenience, it's a small trade-off for the vast open spaces and well-maintained enclosures. The availability of amenities like benches, shelter, and water access further enhances the comfort for locals spending quality time with their pets. Lyon Oaks Dog Park fosters a positive community environment, allowing owners to connect and share their passion for dogs. For Oakland County locals, Lyon Oaks Dog Park is more than just a place for dogs to run; it's a vital part of the community fabric that supports responsible pet ownership and provides an outstanding recreational outlet in the heart of Michigan.