Dog Parks Have Many Benefits For Humans & Dogs! When our first dog Wolfgang became part of our family he was a little ball of fluff, a six pound puppy that would grow into a very excited 65 pound ball of energy. Just around the corner from us was a six acre dog park and when he reached four months we took him there up to three times a day.
Meet Wolfgang! 
Wolfgang With Friends at Delaware Dog Park 
Many Acres To Run!
An off leash park, Wolfgang was able to run around, get socialized, become obsessed with the “Chuck-It” and we even developed a weekly routine with other people and pups. The dog park was a great way to burn our new dog’s energy, ensure a healthy development and meet members within the community. We take Wolfgang everywhere he is permitted, we’ve traveled with him to Annapolis, Alexandria, The Poconos and he is my little co-pilot on my travels throughout the state of Delaware. There are a handful of established off-leash dog parks in Delaware including Levels Road Dog Park in Middletown, Carousel Equestrian Farm Off Leash Area in Wilmington, Tidbury Dog Park in Dover, Lums Pond Dog Park in Bear, Iron HIll in Newark and Brandywine Park Off Leash Area in Wilmington. The dog owners at these parks will drive thirty minutes to an hour for a good dog park experience or just because they do not have one in their hometown. We stop into the Delaware dog parks with Wolfgang on day trips with hopes to find a dog friendly restaurant along the way.
Wolfgang & Chevy at Cape Henlopen State Park 
Dogs Make Great Co-Pilots!
How Dog Friendly Is Delaware? In my opinion, I’d love for Delaware to be just like Alexandria, Virginia where there are dog bowls and dog menus everywhere you go. We are getting there! Delaware’s dog friendly status has improved in recent years but the Delaware beaches have always been the most dog friendliest. This summer Wolfgang tagged along with us on trips to Milton, Lewes and Rehoboth. We have taken him to the beach, Cape Henlopen State Park, downtown Lewes, Arena’s, Irish Eyes, downtown Milton and even had a few craft beers with food at the Dogfish Head Brewery. I feel that taking him to dog parks and subjecting him to different dog friendly environments has really helped him socialize and grow into a very friendly dog.
Wolfgang At The Dogfish Head Brewery in Milton
Lewes Dog Park – August 2015! Yes! The Lewes Unleashed group has been working hard to bring a dog park to the Delaware Beaches and I was overjoyed to read that a 4.5 acre off leash dog park in Lewes was approved and is set to open in August 2015. Yay! You will be able to take your furry kid on a stroll down 2nd street Lewes, grab a latte at Notting Hill Coffee and swing into the dog park down Pilottown Road or New Road. If you know Lewes – you just have to go towards the wind turbines or the area known as University of Delaware Research Park.
Location of Lewes Dog Park
What will it look like? Lewes Unleashed and Rodney Robinson Landscape Architects have put together this concept that was approved in 2012.
Lewes Unleashed Concept plan by Rodney Robinson Landscape Architects
About Lewes Unleashed – Lewes Dog Park Who is this hardworking group that will bring happiness to many Delaware Beach dogs and their owners? According to their website, Lewes Unleashed is an non-profit organization of residents who see the need for a dog park in Lewes, Delaware. They have collaborated and coordinated activities to educate residents, gain support and work with the City of Lewes to plan, fund and build a park for our dogs. The land will be sub-leased to Lewes Unleashed to oversee the project. The plan is to have 3 fenced areas; a general dog area, a small dog area, and a reserved area that will be used for events such as dog training clinics. There will be wooded trails, play areas, shelters, and benches. Estimated construction costs are $110,000 to clear portions of the land, install vinyl fencing, provide covered areas, benches, and water fountains. Lewes Unleashed Needs Your Help To Complete the Lewes Dog Park! In order to get the Lewes dog park to completion by August 2015, Lewes Unleashed will have to raise $110,000. Every little bit counts and since they have 501c3 status, donations are tax deductible. Please consider a donation to help this project happen for Delaware beach residents and visitors. Also – please share to spread the word because everyone will be able to use this public dog park on a visit to Lewes, Delaware – resident or not! You can donate online via the Lewes Unleashed Lewes Dog Park Go Fund Me page: http://bit.ly/LewesUnleashed Lewes Dog Park Donations can be mailed to: Lewes Unleashed Lewes Dog Park PO Box 406 Lewes, DE 19958 Connect with Lewes Unleashed by visiting their website and connecting with Lewes Unleashed on Facebook. Thank you for reading this post! I’m very excited to take Wolfgang to the Lewes dog park on my visits to Lewes, Delaware. The plans for the Lewes dog park by Lewes Unleashed and Rodney Robinson Landscape Architects look like a well thought out plan that includes trails, wooded areas and separate areas for big dogs and little dogs! My travels with Wolfgang across Delaware have made me realize the need for a dog park in Lewes and I hope this post helps spread the word! The trails look awesome and I know Wolfgang will love them! If you are looking for more information on the Lewes Dog Park and dog friendly places in Delaware, here are a few links and resources to help your search: – Cape May – Lewes Ferry Is Pet Friendly! Any pet that can travel with you in the car can travel on the ferry. – Southern Delaware Is Pet Friendly via Southern Delaware Tourism Lazy L Bed and Breakfast Resort in Lewes, Delaware If you are visiting the Delaware Beaches with your pup there are a handful of places that accommodate dogs but the Lazy L Bed and Breakfast Resort is the the friendliest! The Lazy L is located on 8 private and secluded acres just outside the town of Lewes, Delaware. Situated on the edge of a tidal creek vibrant with birds and wildlife, this bed and breakfast has a 1 acre fenced in for off leash play. Baltimore Sun Jill Rosen recommends the Lazy L at Willow Creek Bed & Breakfast: “Owners Debbie Estes and Joanne Cassidy, who have three dogs of their own — Lewie, Kelley and Rosey — know exactly what a vacationing dog owner needs: water bowls, lots of extra towels, flashlights for nighttime dog walks and blankets to spread over the bed so the little — or not-so-little — guy can sleep with you.” – The Inns and Outs of Weekending With Rover via The Washington Post – Beach Places That Welcome Your Dog via Baltimore Sun Article by Jill Rosen – Delaware Beaches Pet-Friendly Destinations via Delaware Tourism Website – Lewes council approves dog park sublease via Delmarva Now by Rachael Pacella October 2014 – Lewes Dog Park Gets A Green Light, via Cape Gazette by Henry J. Evans, Jr. March 2012 – Why Rehoboth Is A Dog-Friendly Vacation Destination via Huffington Post by Linda Lombardi – Wilmington Ranks No. 3 in the Country for Dog-Friendly Cities via Delaware Today by Joanne Cannon, March 2013 – Pet Friendly Accommodations: Rehoboth.com Dog Friendly Events: Delaware SPCA Bark on the Boards Dog Walk, Rehoboth Beach Sea Witch Festival, Rehoboth Beach – October 23rd – 25th, 2015 Festival takes place in Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach with Costume Parade, Dog Parade, Trick or Treating, Fun and Silly Games & Activities, Live Bandstand Entertainment, Lantern Tours, 5K Race and much more! Greyhounds Reach the Beach: October, Dewey Beach For more than 12 years thousands of greyhounds and their owners have gathered to participate in this event held annually on Columbus Day weekend. There are a variety of activities, contests, educational and rescue programs, and plenty of doggy and human shopping available. Delaware Humane Society’s Muttini Mixer – Saturday March 14, 2015 DHA’s Muttini Mixer is a dog-friendly cocktail party fundraiser held each spring. This fun event is great opportunity for guests and their dogs to mix and mingle with other DHA supporters and animal lovers while enjoying heavy hors d’oeuvres, open bar, silent auction items, music, and more. Dressy attire is encouraged for dogs and their people. Springtime for Greyhounds: April in Dewey Beach Dog Friendly Happy Hours hosted by Delaware Humane Society Meet and mingle with other animal lovers who support Delaware Humane Association at Playtime at the Beach, a series of “doggy happy hours” hosted by local restaurants and bars in Rehoboth Beach from May through October each year. 
