A lake in Audubon Park. PHOTO: Kelly B. Jason
*See end of article for list of criteria used.
Audubon Park scores high on all of the criteria. Because there’s so much shade, it’s always a few degrees cooler and breezier than it is on the street. There’s usually ample parking near the clubhouse or on side streets that abut the park. Drinking fountains for people and dogs are located on either side of the park: near the St Charles and Magazine Street entrances. The latter fountain often has a water hose connected to it as well, which is great if you or your pooch get muddy. Both fountains have shower sprays that work, too.
Anyone who’s been caught empty-handed by their dog’s unexpected bathroom break will appreciate the stocked poop-bag dispensers on either side of the park near the Hurst trail entrances. Since trash bins are located every few feet, you never have to lug your clean-up bags around for long.
Audubon Park. PHOTO: Kelly B. Jason
The length of the paved loop is 1.8 miles but can be varied without retracing your steps. If you want a shorter loop, cut through Hurst Trail. If you want a longer jaunt, travel along the outside dirt path or sidewalks. Or, extend your walk across Magazine Street past the horse stables or behind the zoo to Riverview Park. There are plenty of field areas, if your furry friend likes games of fetch or Frisbee.
Although it’s not a huge park, Audubon is always different. At times, it’s so quiet that it feels like a walk in the countryside. It changes delightfully with the seasons and times of day. Baby ducks may be following their mothers, squirrels may be burying nuts, and the flora is changed and maintained often by the Audubon Nature Institute. Dogs must be nature lovers, too, for they seem to find it all as fascinating as we do.
*Based on the following criteria:
a) Availability of parking, shade, drinking water, and restrooms
b) Ease and convenience of poop clean-up
c) Exercise factor (safety, space for running, swimming, fetch, etc.)
d) Beauty and diversity of setting
Note: Leash laws apply to all spots on the list.
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