Mother Nature Shuts Down Great Falls Dog Park Temporarily

The open winter that Mother Nature handed us in 2025/2026 was one of the mildest that we have experienced in recent years in Montana.  And I will be honest; it didn't hurt my feelings (or back) one little bit not to have to shovel as much snow this year.

via GIPHY

However, it did have a negative effect on the popular Pacific Steel Dog Park in Great Falls.  Which means your fur buddy and you will need to find a new place to exercise over the next few weeks.

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Mother Nature Shuts Down Great Falls Dog Park Temporarily

The Great Falls Park and Recreation Department has announced that the favorite park for dog owners saw extra use through the open winter months.  Because of that, "the turf experienced higher-than-normal wear and tear, soil compaction, and root stress that ordinarily would not occur during winter" according to Park and Rec.

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The department stated that with the extra use, the grass has entered spring in a weakened state, and without a break, "these current use conditions can lead to long-term turf damage, bare patches, and erosion that become increasingly expensive and time consuming to repair."

Pacific Steel Dog Park to Close in May for Approximately 4 Weeks

In making the social media announcement, the Great Falls Park and Recreation Department said the closure will begin May 18, 2026, with June 15, 2026, as the currently scheduled date for reopening.

During the month's long closure, park staff will "perform important maintenance, including irrigation adjustments, turf repair, and application of treatments that require the space to be free of pets and people."  For more information on the park, visit the city website here.