Frenchs Forest Showground Dog Park on Glen Street in Frenchs Forest is a 24 Hours, 7 Days off-leash park featuring two fully fenced grass enclosures. The main paddock gives high-energy dogs room for flat-out ball sprints. A separate fenced pen gives smaller or shy dogs their own protected space. Mature eucalypts line the boundary for shade, and a council water station on a concrete pad keeps dogs hydrated.
Frenchs Forest Showground: At a Glance
- The Vibe: The park has an energetic and social pack dynamic. Larger dogs chase tennis balls across the main lawn, and smaller dogs mingle in their own fenced pen. The high-traffic ground around the gate and water pad gets dusty in dry weather.
- Best For: High-energy dogs that need a secure perimeter for long ball runs, and owners of small dogs who want a dedicated pen away from larger packs.
- Off-Leash Hours: 24 Hours, 7 Days.
- Fencing: Fully Fenced. Black chain-link mesh fencing with a wooden top rail encloses both the main paddock and the separate small-dog area. Both enclosures have gated entries.
- Parking: Dedicated free council car park off Glen Street right beside the dog enclosures. Spots are plentiful on weekdays, but sports matches at Lionel Watts can fill bays on winter weekends.
Dog Park Features & Amenities
For the Dogs
- Two Fenced Enclosures: The park provides two distinct off-leash zones. The main field gives bigger dogs room to stretch out at full speed, and the separate small-dog area lets timid or compact dogs play without being bowled over by larger breeds.
- Drinking Water: A council water station and communal dog bowl sit on a concrete slab near the gate. The surrounding dirt gets worn and dusty during dry spells, so bring a towel for dirty paws.
- Open Grass Running Space: The main enclosure has a broad, flat turf lawn that is ideal for long-range ball throws. Mature gum trees along the fence line provide shade patches on warm afternoons.
- Poo Bags and Bins: Council waste bins are located near the entry gates. Bring your own poo bags from home, as dispensers are not consistently stocked.
For the Humans
- Nearby Cafes: Behind the Beans at the Glen Street Theatre complex sits directly across the road with shaded outdoor seating and dog water bowls. Three Beans at Glenrose Village Shopping Centre also offers outdoor tables for a coffee with your dog on a leash.
- Public Toilets: Council public toilets and picnic tables sit within the wider showground precinct near the car park.
- On-Site Parking: A large sealed car park sits off Glen Street right beside the entry gates. Parking is free with no hourly meter charges.
- No Lighting: The dog enclosures have no floodlights. Plan your visit for daylight hours.
Insider Tip: Ground around the entry gates and water station gets churned into powdery dust during dry spells, which turns to mud after rain. Keep an old towel in the car to wipe paws before the drive home. If you visit on a Saturday morning during junior winter sport, park closer to Glen Street to avoid the sports traffic around Lionel Watts.
The Final Verdict
Frenchs Forest Showground Dog Park is one of the most practical fenced off-leash areas in the Northern Beaches. Having separate enclosures for large and small dogs solves pack friction, and the wide grass fields provide plenty of room for long ball throws. High-traffic dirt patches near the gate can leave dogs dusty, but the secure double-gated fences, ample free parking and nearby Glen Street cafes make it a reliable local choice.
For more official information, visit the Northern Beaches Council website.
Frenchs Forest Showground: FAQ
Q: Is the dog park at Frenchs Forest Showground fenced?
A: Yes. Frenchs Forest Showground features two fully fenced off-leash enclosures: a large main area for all dogs and a separate fenced area for small or shy dogs.
Q: Are there dog swimming ponds at Frenchs Forest Showground?
A: No. There are no swimming ponds or water bodies at Frenchs Forest Showground. A fresh drinking water tap and dog bowl are provided on a concrete pad near the main gate.
Q: Is parking free at Frenchs Forest Showground?
A: Yes. Free parking is available in the dedicated on-site car park off Glen Street.
