villages of bear creek park

I first discovered this park just after I moved here, and I go there frequently. I enjoy the nature trail, which goes through the wooded area along the creek. It connects with other parks in town, so you can go for as long or short a distance as you like and visit several parks in the process. There are signs identifying some of the tree species, and I’ve enjoyed watching the seasons change as I walk the trail at different times of year. I also make frequent use of the off-leash area for dogs in the park. It covers three acres, and is divided into separate areas for large and small dogs. It is landscaped with trees and large rocks, though the trees still have some growing to do before they’ll provide any shade. Since I’ve started going there, the city has added solar powered lights in the dog park, so it’s not totally dark there after work in the winter. The one downside to this dog park is that people often don’t observe the posted rule about not bringing children under ten into the off-leash area. Most of the children are well-behaved, but some parents don’t watch their children and even allow them to chase and harass the dogs. This isn’t safe for either the kids or the dogs. I’m not sure what could be done about enforcing the rule, though. The park also has playgrounds, picnic tables, athletic fields and an amphitheater. I see it as a park that would be of the most use to locals, though travelers with dogs who are staying nearby would find this is a good place to let their dogs get some exercise.