Mitchell Dog Park is a fenced off-leash area inside the 11-acre Mitchell Park in Tempe. Dogs of different sizes share one grassy enclosure with mature shade trees, seating and lighting. The neighborhood location makes it useful for everyday play, but handlers should choose quieter times if their dog is uncomfortable in a mixed group.
Plan your visit
- Address: South Mitchell Drive and West 9th Street, Tempe, AZ 85281.
- Hours: Open daily from 6 a.m. to midnight, local Arizona time.
- Maintenance: Closed Wednesdays from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Play area: One shared fenced enclosure; there is no separate small-dog section.
- Water: Visitors report a dog-height fountain, but availability can vary. Bring backup water and a bowl.
Find the dog park entrance
Use directions to the dog-park coordinates near Mitchell Drive and 9th Street. The enclosure sits within the larger neighborhood park near other recreation facilities. Follow onsite signs, keep your dog leashed across the parent park and close the staging gate before removing the leash.
What to expect
The shared enclosure has grass, trees, benches and picnic tables. Lighting supports evening visits, though shade changes with the time of day. Because all dogs use the same play space, watch greetings closely and leave if the group’s energy does not suit your dog.
The surrounding Mitchell Park has a playground, skate park, athletic fields, courts, ramadas and picnic facilities. These are outside the off-leash boundary, so dogs must stay leashed beyond the dog-park fence.
Rules and safety
Tempe requires dogs to be leashed during entry and exit, licensed, vaccinated and wearing a current license. Handlers must remain inside, maintain voice control and may bring no more than three dogs. Remove a dog at the first sign of aggression.
Clean up waste, repair digging damage and do not bring food into the dog run. Female dogs in heat are not allowed. Children under 12 require adult supervision and should not run or chase dogs. Review the complete Tempe dog park rules and the official Mitchell Park page.
What parkgoers say
Parkgoers often appreciate the grass, mature trees, benches and convenient neighborhood setting. Some visitors describe a relaxed community atmosphere and reliable space for fetch or social play. Others note that water access and waste cleanup can vary and that a shared enclosure requires attentive supervision.
These are individual experiences rather than guarantees of current conditions. Compare recent Mitchell Dog Park visitor comments with current Tempe information before deciding when to visit.
Official updates and nearby options
Check the city facility page for maintenance changes or temporary closures. Posted signs at the entrance take priority. During hot weather, visit during cooler hours and check the grass and paved approach before allowing your dog to run.
For another option, browse our Tempe dog park directory and compare access, hours and enclosure layouts.
