Willow Creek’s dog pond returns for another season of puppy paddling

Willow Creek dog pond. Photo: Basin Recreation

PARK CITY, Utah — Just in time for Memorial Day weekend, the popular dog swimming pond at Willow Creek Park officially reopened for the summer season on Saturday.

Managed by Basin Recreation, the seasonal pond gives dogs a chance to cool off during the warmer months and includes a floating dock designed for “adventurous dogs who enjoy jumping into the water,” according to Basin Recreation.

The pond sits next to Willow Creek’s well-used off-leash dog park, which features fully fenced grassy and soft-surface play areas along with an agility course.

Visitors can also access nearby on-leash trails, including both paved and soft-surface paths throughout the park.

Last year, the pond was closed for a time to as a mother mallard raised her chicks in the waters.

While recreating at the pond, or any off-leash area, Aaron Williams, Chief Ranger at Basin Recreation, reminded dog owners last year, “Even within an off-leash area, you have to have verbal control over your dog, regardless of the distractions or circumstances. That means that if your dog starts chasing wildlife, you have to have the ability to call them off verbally.”

The pond and dog park are free and open to the public.