Memorial Park: Houston’s Inner Loop Oasis
Memorial Park is known to all Houstonians. Runners love the loop, families enjoy all the picnic areas, and mountain bikers have trails that will fulfill their need for adrenaline. There are numerous soccer and baseball fields, as well as one of Houston’s nicest public golf courses. The tennis courts are also booked from open to close. With all of this activity, can dog lovers and their four-legged children enjoy the park, too? Absolutely!
When I was puppy mom to only Oliver, we often walked the loop that runner’s frequent. The path is just shy of 5k, at 2.88 miles, and it is busy all day. The path is sand and crushed granite, which is great on dog paws. Just be sure to check between your dog’s toes for any tiny rocks later. With just one dog, the loop is great. Two dogs are okay if they walk nicely at your side. Any more than that, and it would be best to walk in other parts of the 600 acre park. Memorial Park runners are notorious for being so focused that any walker, especially one with a dog enjoying all the smells, is very annoying. Be prepared for bad looks, or maybe worse. This is definitely not the spot for walking on a loose leash. Of course, if you run with your dog this is a great place for you.
There are dog fountains attached to the people fountains every so often along the trail, and there are bowls placed by courteous citizens near the workout station in front of the tennis courts.
Now that I am blessed with four amazing pups, we never set foot on the official loop trail. Today, we visited Memorial Park, and we parked between the baseball fields and tennis courts. We walked across the street from the loop trail, heading towards Woodway/Picnic Ln. The path is wider, winds, and runs along the woods. There is also plenty of grass on one side to walk in if you feel like avoiding the path.
The grassy area is often full of lounging readers and frisbee games on sunny days. My pups and I use it for training purposes. Every 5-10 minutes, or whenever another dog is close by, we walk about fifteen feet into the grass and work on some “Watch” and “Sit” cues. Mixing training and a walk is a great way to break up the walk and make training more exciting.
Oliver and Buckley waiting for their reward for a perfect response to my "Watch!" command in Memorial Park today.
Our favorite spot is the Houston Arboretum, and that wonderful nature trail will get its own post. We go there on each of the dogs’ birthdays, and as often as we can otherwise.
Memorial Park is a must for any active person, dog lover, or family. No matter what you want to do, there is a spot for you. My pups always have a great time on our adventures in this well-cared for park.
For more information on Memorial Park, please visit the city’s website at: http://www.houstontx.gov/abouthouston/exploringmemorial.html
Happy walking!
the4leggedhoustonian 