After pandemic delay, Mansfield opens first dog park in historic downtown area

Few things bring a dog and its master together like an open area in which to run and play.

Mans Best Field has just that. The new 7-acre dog park has plenty of hills, trees, rocks and natural play space designed to capture every dog’s heart.

The park sits on the homestead of city co-founder Ralph Man in Historic Downtown Mansfield at 610 W. Broad St. It has four fenced-in paddocks for off-leash play on a wooded lot that offers natural shade and play space for dogs big and small.

Large dogs are defined as 40 pounds or over and may not enter the small dog area. Small dogs can enter the large dog space at their own risk, but it is not recommended.

“It’s got a ton of great shade and everyone is very excited to have it finally open,” said Ann Beck, Mansfield Parks and Recreation Marketing and Communications Manager.

The park was originally scheduled to open in March, but was delayed to June 10 due to COVID-19 shutdowns.

“This is the first dog park (in Mansfield) and people have been very eager to get their paws on the ground,” Beck said with a laugh.

The park is open to residents and non-residents, but all dogs must be current on vaccinations and registered with the City of Mansfield.

Paddocks will rotate small/large, and occasionally one or more will be closed to help the grass grow and other maintenance needs. Visitors are urged to pay close attention to signs with each visit.

No toys, treats or food of any kind (human or dog) is allowed within the off-leash areas to prevent fights or aggression.

All dogs must remain on a physical, hand-held (not electronic) leash from the parking lot to the paddock, no exceptions. This will be strictly enforced.

The park is open for all access to ages 16 and over. Ages 6-12 can be in the off-leash area with an adult.

Park hours are 5 a.m.-9 p.m. March through October and 5 a.m.-6 p.m. November through February. It is closed every Tuesday for maintenance. To see if it is open in cases of inclement weather, etc., call 817-PAT-DOGS (728-3647).

Overflow parking for the park is at the downtown public parking lot, West Broad Street and Walnut Street.