Salem's Minto-Brown Island Park voted one of America's best dog parks
The dog park at Salem's Minto-Brown Island Park was voted the nation's third-best dog park in USA Today's 10Best contest.
Two other Oregon dog parks — Albany Dog Park and Independence Dog Park — also made the top 10 list.
Oregon had the most winners on the list and was the only state to earn more than one spot.
Minto's off-leash dog area has 30 acres where dogs can run, roam and play. Drinking fountains, shaded benches and portable toilets are available at the park. It is one of the most popular destinations for dog owners in the city.
“One of the reasons I am proud to serve the City of Salem is its impressive network of parks and outdoor activities for all our residents. Minto-Brown Island Park is an amazing asset with fishing access, trails, play structures and incredible views," Mayor Chris Hoy said.
The Salem park proved to be popular in the polls and consistently ranked second place throughout the contest. It was ultimately beaten by first-place winner Fiesta Island in San Diego and Newtown Dream Dog Park in Johns Creek, Georgia.
The contest was part of USA TODAY 10Best, which provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do and restaurants for top destinations in the United States and around the world.
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts, and editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers were able to vote once per day.
Minto-Brown Island Park winds over 1,200 acres along the Willamette River in south Salem.
Not only is it the biggest park in the city, it also is larger than Central Park. A popular spot for families, dog walkers, runners, walkers and birdwatchers, the park is a wildlife sanctuary for blue herons, osprey, squirrels, rabbits, deer, beavers and eagles. It is surrounded by more than 29 miles of trails in nine distinct loops.
City Councilor Vanessa Nordyke, whose ward includes the park, said she grew up walking her dog through its trails.
"This park is truly one of a kind, and is used daily by children and families across our city," she said. "Kudos to all of our city staff and park volunteers for making Minto-Brown Island Park the crown jewel of Salem."
The dog park's parking lot recently reopened after a bond-funded paving project.
"I love taking the opportunity to walk and relax in this beautiful space," Hoy said. "I also love how Salem recognizes that we are committed to providing access to all of our residents — elders, youth and our furry friends. I am proud that this park has received this well-deserved recognition.”
Albany Dog Park won eighth place in the contest. The 2.3-acres of fenced open space at the north end of Timber Linn Park includes separate areas for small and large dogs, drinking stations, ample shade and a nearby lake.
Independence Dog Park won 10th place. The 2-acre park near the Willamette River and downtown Independence also includes fenced, separate areas for small and large dogs, water stations and shady trees.
For questions, comments and news tips, email reporter Whitney Woodworth at [email protected] call 503-910-6616 or follow on X at @wmwoodworth
This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Minto-Brown Island Park places in USA Today's 10Best dog park contest
