Sam Johnson Reserve Dog Off Leash Area on Bolingbroke Avenue in Renown Park is an unfenced 24/7 off-leash reserve for adult dogs aged 13 months and older, with a red paved loop path, agility elements including a concrete pipe tunnel, water, bins, shelter, and a shaded sandy rest area under mature eucalypts. The adjacent Sam Johnson Reserve Puppy Park is a separate fully fenced enclosure for dogs under 12 months, making this a combined location that covers both ends of the age range.
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Sam Johnson Reserve Dog Off Leash Area: At a Glance
- 🐾 The Vibe: A well-equipped open reserve with a proper loop path, agility elements, and sandy rest spots under big gums. Relaxed and sociable, with a separate fenced Puppy Park next door for the younger crowd.
- 🐕 Best For: Adult dogs 13 months and older with reliable recall who enjoy a combination of a proper walk around a loop path and some agility play. Not the right spot for dogs still working on coming back when called near roads.
- Off-Leash Hours: Open 24 hours, 7 days a week.
- Fencing: Completely unfenced. The adult off-leash area has no physical containment. Reliable recall near suburban streets is essential.
- Age Rule: This unfenced area is for dogs 13 months and older only. Dogs under 12 months belong in the adjacent fenced Puppy Park.
- ♿ Accessibility: The reserve is wheelchair accessible.
- 🅿️ Parking: Unrestricted street parking on Bolingbroke Avenue and surrounding streets.
Dog Park Features & Amenities
For the Dogs
- Red Paved Loop Path: A red paved circuit runs through the reserve giving both dogs and owners a clear route to walk rather than just standing in the middle of an open field. Dogs can move at their own pace alongside or off the path while owners do laps, which makes for a more engaging visit than a standard oval.
- Agility Elements: A concrete pipe tunnel and scattered agility obstacles are positioned through the reserve. They’re not a full agility course but they add enough variety to keep a curious dog engaged between social interactions.
- Sandy Rest Area Under Eucalypts: A shaded sandy mulch zone under the mature gums gives dogs somewhere cool and comfortable to rest. The photos show dogs genuinely using this area to lie down mid-visit rather than just passing through it.
- 13 Months and Older Only: The unfenced adult area has an age minimum of 13 months. If your dog is younger than that, the adjacent fenced Puppy Park is where they should be.
- Completely Unfenced: The reserve borders suburban streets with no physical barrier. Only appropriate for dogs with solid, tested recall near road traffic.
- Drinking Water: A water tap is on-site within the reserve for dogs to drink.
- Poop Bags: Bins are on-site for waste disposal. Bring your own bags just in case dispensers are low.
For the Humans
- Shelter and Seating: A shelter building and seating are available within the reserve for a comfortable rest during longer visits.
- Mature Eucalyptus Canopy: Large established gums shade the sandy rest areas and parts of the loop path, which makes midday visits considerably more comfortable than a fully exposed oval would be.
- Adjacent Fenced Puppy Park: The fully fenced Sam Johnson Reserve Puppy Park sits immediately next door and is the right option for dogs under 12 months or anyone who wants containment. It is a separate enclosure with its own entry.
- Public Toilets: Automated toilets are in the wider reserve near the Puppy Park. Confirm availability when you arrive.
- No Night Lighting Confirmed: Daytime visits are the practical default despite the 24/7 access.
Insider Tip: The reserve borders suburban streets with no fence between the off-leash area and the road, so only unclip if your dog reliably comes back when called near traffic and distractions. If you have a puppy under 12 months or a dog whose recall is still in progress, use the fenced Puppy Park next door rather than the open reserve. The sandy rest area under the gums is worth heading to once your dog has had a run — dogs clearly enjoy settling there between sessions.
The Final Verdict
Sam Johnson Reserve Dog Off Leash Area is a well-set-up unfenced reserve in Renown Park with a loop path, agility elements, a shaded sandy rest area, water, bins, and shelter — more infrastructure than most unfenced off-leash reserves in the City of Charles Sturt. The age restriction to 13 months and older and the unfenced layout near roads are the two things to have squared away before your first visit. With the fenced Puppy Park immediately next door, Sam Johnson Reserve covers both age groups in a single stop.
For more official information, visit the City of Charles Sturt website.
Sam Johnson Reserve Dog Off Leash Area: FAQ
Q: What age can dogs use the Sam Johnson Reserve Dog Off Leash Area?
A: Dogs aged 13 months and older can use the open unfenced reserve off-leash. Dogs under 12 months should use the adjacent fenced Puppy Park instead.
Q: Is the Sam Johnson Reserve Dog Off Leash Area fenced?
A: No, the adult off-leash area is completely unfenced and borders suburban streets. Only suitable for dogs with reliable recall.
Q: Is there water at Sam Johnson Reserve Dog Off Leash Area?
A: Yes, a water tap is on-site within the reserve for dogs to drink.
