Willowdale Off Leash Dog Area

We went to this dog park for the first time on Sunday evening with our 3 month-​old pup. When we take her on walks, she gets scared of people and dogs (a little less so for people), so we thought this would be a good opportunity for her to socialize her with dogs and people alike.
There are a number of entrances with double gates on each one, so that a dog doesn’t escape while another enters or exits. By the time we got there, there were already several dogs. There is an area for small dogs, and another for large dogs. When our pup entered, this dog kept charging at her and started ‘fighting’ her. My sister told me that’s just how dogs play but it was definitely not for the faint of heart. It looked so fierce — but then other dogs were doing the same thing in pairs.
There were a few chairs where you can put your things on, and a plastic bowl for if your dog gets thirsty. Not sure how clean those are, so it’s better to come light and with your own water bottle and something for them drink out of (e.g. plastic cup). There’s a lot of running around so they get thirst quite easily. There’s also a garbage can nearby if your dog decides to poop.
After her trip to the park, she seems less afraid of meeting dogs on walks. The people who come there seem to be friendly and being able to see other cute dogs is good too.

The off leash dog area is just adjacent of the Bayview Arena. Around the hydro field. Ample parking unless there is a hockey game going on. My dogs Hailey & Argo love it here & come here almost everyday! I have never seen so many dogs at one place… all having so much fun. What a sight!
There are two gates before entering, please make sure they are closed at all times. The only thing to be careful is… there is no special area for smaller dogs. I do see the smaller dogs playing with larger breeds though.
Before this off leash area was available, a lot of residents in the area used to bring the dogs there but further down the hill to play. It’s so nice to have an enclosed safe (& large) area now. Love this!
Time to come: I think around 6pm onwards (weekdays) are the best time to come ! There are definitely more furry friends on the weekends though.