Parks and Trails

Dog park rules 

To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all park users, both two and four legged, please follow the rules of use.

• Dog park is for dogs, their owners and handlers and those accompanying them
• Do not treat the park as a children's playground
• Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times and kept under strict supervision
• Do not allow children to run in the area and chase after dogs
• Leash your dog when entering and exiting the park
• Do not both gates at the same time and please carry the leashes within the park
• Limit of 3 dogs per handler
• A handler aged 12 or older must be present and in control of their dogs at all times
• Dogs should be spayed or neutered. No female dogs in heat allowed
• Ensure that your dog(s) is vaccinated and in good health before using the dog park
• Dogs must be licensed and have a visible dog tag at all times
• Puppies must have their 12 week shots. Puppies should be four months old before coming to the dog park
• Dogs must be under control and in sight of their handler at all times
• Be ready to take control of any situation, you are responsible for your dog's behaviour
• Owners and handlers must pick up after their pets per the municipal by-law
• Fill in any holes your dog digs or make appropriate repairs to disturbed area
• No toys, no human or dog food, or treats, no alcohol
• No smoking (methane gas may be present)
• Aggressive dogs are not permitted in the off leash area. Persistent aggressive action by dogs or people will not be tolerated; both the handler and the dog will be asked to leave
• Violators may have their park privileges suspended
• All dog owners and park users assume all risk related to park use
• Dog owners are subject to Ontario's Dog Owner's Liability Act
• Respect the rights of others
• Be safe and have fun!

Pavilions

You can find pavilions at many of our parks, including the following:

Southampton

• Pavilion at Fairy Lake
• Jubilee Park pavilion beside the Rotary Accessible Playground and Bruce Power Sensory Gardens
• Long Dock Beach pavilion on Lake Huron

Port Elgin

• North Shore pavilion in North Shore Park
• Emmett McGrath pavilion and shade shelters on Port Elgin Beach

Year-round garbage bins

Many garbage bins are removed from parks and trails during winter months due to snow and lack of access for maintenance. The following locations are maintained year-round. Visit our parks and facilities listing for more information about our outdoor spaces.

Public washrooms

The Town maintains public washrooms year-round and seasonally and provides additional portable washrooms throughout the community seasonally mid May to mid September. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic some portable washrooms are available during the winter months in the following locations:

• Gerry's Fast Food parking lot (Island and Front St, Southampton)
• Nodwell Park
• Port Elgin Main Beach (by the harbour office)
• Saugeen Rail Trail Memorial Gardens (Peel St and Larid Lane, Southampton)

Public washroom listing