Markham Off-Leash Dog Area

4.5 ! I know my dog would rate it 5 stars. It’s a great place for your dog to socialize w/​other doggies. Honestly, I had no idea this place existed until a lady at a scrapbooking crop told me about it. I had to check it out since I pass by so often !
During the day, it seems to be less busy as I was told by a dog walker who was there with 7 or so beautiful dogs. It seems, the place is busier in the evening & weekends (naturally). Apparently the rougher dogs come in the evening. So those w/​smaller breeds (& small children) should probably have a watchful eye.
There are at least two gates when you enter. Make sure you close it in case a little furry friend runs out. The area is quite large. It’s not covered w/​grass but with wood chips, which is understandable to help with maintenance costs. There was a section for agility, large spacious area for running around. Even a shaded area w/​picnic tables for us dog owners. I saw a mailbox w/​membership information but when I opened the mailbox, it was only full of empty envelopes. It’s maintained well & has lots of water for your furry friends & even poop bags in case you forgot yours.
Can’t wait to bring my dog here again! Hailey says 5 stars! So happy there’s another off leash area!

The Miller Ave park is a Town of Markham official dogs off-​leash area located at the northwest corner of Miller Avenue and Rodick Road. It is maintained and run by what seems to be a very keen group of volunteers. It looks like the volunteer-​run website is currently under construction but you can get the dry-​kibbly info from the town’s website.
We (meaning me, husband and both dogs) discovered this park last year online and it is one of our favourite suburban dog parks. It’s a great way to turn what could be a boring errand (like returning the wrong hard drive enclosure on the last possible day to Tiger Direct — did you know that SATA is not the same as ATA? I do now) into a fun family outing with the dogs. As an added bonus I discovered on my most recent trip this week that the wonderful dumplings of Ding Tai Fung are literally around the corner! Thank you Unilocal iPhone app.
There is a voluntary yearly membership fee of $ 20 which helps the committee with keeping up the great amenities including covered picnic tables for humans and agility equipment for the dogs (aka stuff for them to climb on). The signs say you need to bring in your own water but I noticed this time there is now a tap which is not turned on yet. There is ample parking and the fenced in-​out area is nice and big.
I’ve only ever been there three times, but next time I go I will pay the fee. Even if we go just twice a year it’s a small price for a great way to exhaust my dogs and make them happy.