Rich Ford Dog Park

For dog owners across New Mexico, particularly those in Albuquerque seeking a convenient and dedicated space for their furry friends to stretch their legs, Rich Ford Dog Park offers a unique proposition. This dog park stands out due to its unusual integration with a vehicle dealership and EV charging station, making it a distinctive stop for locals and travelers alike. While its primary purpose is to provide a place for pups to enjoy off-leash freedom, understanding its operational nuances is key to a successful visit.

Rich Ford Dog Park, branded as "Paws & Plugs," aims to provide a practical solution for electric vehicle owners who also happen to be dog parents. The idea is to allow you to "recharge your dog and stretch your legs while you recharge your EV!" This innovative concept aims to cater to the modern needs of New Mexico residents who are increasingly combining pet care with their daily routines and travel. However, recent experiences suggest that visitors should be aware of potential access issues, as the park sometimes appears locked despite advertised 24/7 availability.

Rich Ford Dog Park is located at 8601 Lomas Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112, USA. This address places it within the premises of the Rich Ford dealership, on Lomas Boulevard, a major thoroughfare in Northeast Albuquerque. Its location offers excellent accessibility for residents in the surrounding neighborhoods and is particularly convenient for those driving by or stopping for other services at the dealership.

The park's integration with an EV charging station highlights its appeal to electric vehicle owners, offering a dual-purpose stop. Parking is generally ample, given its dealership location, making it easy to access. However, it is crucial for potential visitors, especially those on road trips or planning their day around a dog park visit, to note the recent feedback regarding the park's accessibility. Several reviews indicate that despite being advertised as "open 24/7" on some platforms, the gates have been found locked at various times, including before 4 p.m. This inconsistency is important for New Mexico locals to be aware of when planning a visit. It's recommended to call ahead or have a backup dog park in mind if relying on this location.

Rich Ford Dog Park, as part of the "Paws & Plugs" concept, aims to provide basic amenities for dogs and their owners:

• Off-leash area: The fundamental service is a designated, fenced space where dogs can be exercised off-leash. While specific details on size or separate areas are limited, the intent is to offer a safe zone for canine play.
• Shelter area: The facility includes a "nice dog park shelter type area" where owners can "get out of the sun and sit down." This is a valuable amenity in sunny New Mexico, offering comfort during your dog's playtime.
• Proximity to EV charging stations: For electric vehicle owners, the primary added service is the immediate availability of EV charging stations (CCS COMBO and J1772 connectors), allowing you to charge your vehicle while your dog plays.
• Access to dealership amenities: While waiting, visitors can potentially "enjoy breakfast or lunch at our Mustang Cafe while you're waiting just to the west of the chargers at Rich Ford." This adds a convenience factor for owners.

Rich Ford Dog Park offers a few distinctive features, though recent user experiences highlight critical points to consider:

• Unique "Paws & Plugs" concept: The most prominent feature is its innovative combination of a dog park with EV charging stations, aiming for a convenient stop for modern travelers and locals.
• Sheltered seating area: A "nice dog park shelter type area" provides much-needed shade and seating, which is highly valuable in Albuquerque's climate, allowing owners to comfortably supervise their pets.
• On-site dining potential: The proximity to the "Mustang Cafe" offers a unique amenity for visitors to grab a bite while their dogs are exercising or their car is charging.
• Convenient location on Lomas Blvd: Its placement on a main arterial road makes it easily accessible for quick stops.
• Reported issues with accessibility: A significant point for prospective visitors is the recurring feedback about the gates being locked, despite the advertised 24/7 access. Users have reported frustration, stating they "went out of our way to come here on our roadtrip" only to find it inaccessible. This is a critical factor for planning a visit.
• Concerns about conditions: One review describes the park as "disgusting worn out broken non-secure inappropriate," mentioning "Cactus there's Vermin all over the place there's splintered wood even the construction or the caution tape is so worn out... we even saw a rattlesnake in here." This suggests significant concerns about the safety and maintenance of the actual dog play area.

Given that Rich Ford Dog Park is primarily an amenity provided by a private business (Rich Ford Dealership) rather than a municipal park, any "promotions or special offers" would likely be tied to the dealership itself or the EV charging services, rather than the dog park directly.

Potential "offers" could include:

• Discounts on EV charging for patrons using the dog park.
• Special deals at the Mustang Cafe for dog park visitors.
• Dealership promotions that might coincide with a visit to the dog park area.

However, based on the provided reviews, the primary focus for visitors seems to be the operational status of the dog park itself. We recommend that New Mexico residents interested in using this facility check directly with Rich Ford regarding the current accessibility and any specific promotions. It's advisable to call ahead to confirm the park's open status before making a special trip.

For inquiries regarding Rich Ford Dog Park, particularly concerning its hours of operation and accessibility, it is best to contact Rich Ford directly, as the park is part of their property.

Address: 8601 Lomas Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112, USA

Phone: While a specific phone number for the dog park itself is not listed, you can likely reach the main Rich Ford dealership for inquiries.

Rich Ford Main Sales/General Inquiries: (800) 950-6529 (This number is publicly available for Rich Ford.)

It is highly recommended to call this number to verify the dog park's accessibility and current operating hours before planning your visit, especially given the inconsistent reports.

Rich Ford Dog Park presents a unique concept for dog owners in Albuquerque and the wider New Mexico region, combining canine recreation with modern conveniences. However, its suitability for locals comes with important caveats that prospective visitors should consider.

The park's most significant appeal is its innovative "Paws & Plugs" concept, offering a practical solution for EV owners who wish to exercise their dogs while their vehicles charge. The presence of a sheltered seating area is also a valuable amenity, providing respite from the New Mexico sun. Its location on a major thoroughfare makes it highly accessible for quick stops during daily errands or road trips.

However, recent user experiences reveal significant challenges that impact its suitability. The inconsistent accessibility, with reports of gates being locked despite advertised 24/7 operation, is a major frustration for locals and travelers alike who go "out of their way to come here." Furthermore, concerns raised about the safety and maintenance of the dog park area itself, including mentions of "cactus," "vermin," "splintered wood," and even a "rattlesnake," are serious issues that could compromise the well-being of pets and their owners.

While the idea behind Rich Ford Dog Park is commendable, the current discrepancies in accessibility and reported conditions mean that locals should approach this park with caution and a clear understanding of these potential issues. It's advisable to confirm its open status before visiting and to prioritize the safety of your pet. For a guaranteed and consistently well-maintained off-leash experience in Albuquerque, New Mexico residents might consider exploring other established dog parks in the city while hoping for future improvements to Rich Ford Dog Park.