Mattie J.T. Stepanek Dog Park is the fenced off-leash area inside Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park at 1800 Piccard Drive in Rockville. The City of Rockville provides separate areas for small and large dogs, a shaded shelter in each section, dog drinking fountains, waste stations, picnic tables, benches and nearby parking.
Plan your visit
- Address: 1800 Piccard Drive, Rockville, MD 20850.
- Hours: Sunrise to sunset. The city’s current dog park rules also describe the operating window as dawn to dusk.
- Play areas: Use the section that matches your dog’s size. Large dogs are not allowed in the small-dog section.
- Shade and seating: Each dog area has a shaded shelter, and the city lists picnic tables and benches for handlers.
- Water and cleanup: Dog drinking fountains and waste stations are provided. Bring backup water and bags in case a station is temporarily unavailable.
- Access requirement: Dogs must be currently vaccinated and licensed with Rockville, and the Rockville license tag must be displayed.
Find the dog park entrance
Enter Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park from Piccard Drive and use the parking area serving the park. Follow the on-site signs toward the fenced dog park, which is also identified by the City as the Dog Park at Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park. Keep your dog leashed throughout the surrounding community park and while entering or leaving the enclosure.
Open the City of Rockville directions to the dog park.
Separate play areas, shade and water
The small- and large-dog sections each include a shaded shelter, giving handlers a covered place to pause while dogs play. The official park page also confirms dog drinking fountains, waste stations, picnic tables and benches. Water service can be interrupted or winterized, so carry a bowl and backup water when conditions are hot.
What park goers say
Park goers often praise the roomy fenced areas, the separate sections for different dog sizes, available water and the covered seating. Recent visitor comments also describe a clean, welcoming park with friendly handlers and plenty of room for dogs to run and socialize.
Some visitors mention mud after wet weather and occasional concerns about dogs whose play becomes too rough. Check the group at the gate, supervise continuously and leave if your dog appears overwhelmed. Visiting at a quieter time can help shy or inexperienced dogs settle in.
Rules before you enter
Rockville limits each handler to two dogs and requires handlers to be at least 16. Children under 13 must be accompanied and supervised by an adult. Remain inside the dog park while your dog is there, keep a leash available and clean up waste immediately.
Dogs must be leashed when entering and leaving and may be off leash only inside the designated dog park. Puppies under four months, dogs in heat, sick dogs, dangerous dogs, food and treats are prohibited. Read the posted rules before entering and remove your dog if play becomes unsafe.
Before you go
Check the official Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park page for current conditions and the City of Rockville dog park rules for licensing, access and conduct requirements. For additional visitor context, compare the current park-goer review summary with the official information.
Last researched September 1, 2026. Hours, water service, amenities and temporary closures can change.