Shirley Macey Park in Gibsons, BC features one of the Sunshine Coast’s only dedicated off‑leash dog parks, situated at the north end of its expansive 14‑hectare recreational area.
🐕 Off‑Leash Dog Area
Size & Layout: The off‑leash dog park comprises roughly four acres (1.6 ha), with a 2.5‑acre grassy field for running, play, and socializing, complemented by forest trails that wind through lightly wooded sections
Amenities for Dogs & Owners: Visitors will find benches, picnic tables, shade from surrounding trees, drinking water, and restroom facilities nearby for convenience during longer visits.
Rules & Safety: Dogs must be over four months old. Owners are required to maintain voice control, pick up waste, let dogs remain off-leash only within the designated zone, and leash their dog when exiting the off-leash area. Dogs must be supervised at all times and should not be left unattended.
Community Spirit: This off‑leash zone was the result of a community push led by BowWow Coast and SCRD, celebrated at the 2016 BarkFest ribbon‑cutting event, which launched the park’s designated dog zone.
🌳 Park-Wide Features
While dog-focused visitors flock to the north end, Shirley Macey Park offers a variety of additional features:
Sports Fields: Two full-size soccer fields lie just south of the dog area. To preserve safety and multi‑use harmony, dogs are not allowed on the sports fields.
Playground & Spray Park: A wheelchair‑accessible playground and seasonal spray park operate during summer months, making the park family- and kid-friendly.
Disc Golf Course: A nine-hole disc golf course, managed by the Sunshine Coast Disc Golf Association, weaves through forested areas and open glades—providing visual interest and added recreation opportunities for dog-walking owners.
Trails & Scenic Spots: Park trails connect to nearby natural features such as Soames Hill lookout, offering light hikes before or after a dog outing.
Community Facilities: The Eric Cardinall Hall, available for rental, is centrally located within the park and can host private events, classes, or community gatherings.
🐾 Dog‑Park Experience
Open Social Zone: The spacious grassy field encourages interactive dog play and owner chat. It provides a sanctuary away from active sports areas and playground zones. As one local dog-lover noted, “It’s our own little zone… we don’t have to worry about soccer players or Frisbee players or little kids on the playground. It’s our place”.
Natural Trail Play: Friends of trails link the open field with wooded patches, ideal for energetic dogs who enjoy weaving between trees or chasing after scents.
Clean and Managed: Staff maintain the off-leash zone with regular upkeep. Signs help direct dog owners and discourage misuse of playgrounds or sports fields. Historical complaints led to added fencing and volunteer monitoring, especially around the playground and garden zones.
Aggressive Dogs Protocol: A “yellow‑ribbon” system is recognized so that dogs with known behavioral triggers can be visibly identified and kept separate, enhancing safety and comfort for all pets and owners.
🌲 Why It Stands Out
Dedicated Space: Unlike parks where dogs navigate shared open areas, Shirley Macey Park delivers a clearly defined off‑leash zone—providing peace of mind for both pet-owners and other park users.
Balanced Experience: The layout offers a blend of open play space, wooded strolls, and structured recreation, giving varied sensory experiences for dogs and multi-generational appeal for families.
Community-Supported: The dog park launch and ongoing maintenance reflect strong local support. The inaugural BarkFest gathered hundreds of dog-lovers for games, treats, and rescue fundraising—cementing the park’s place as a regional pet hub.
✅ Visiting Tips
Bring waste bags and water bottles—even though water is available, it’s best to carry your own backup.
Respect zoned restrictions: stay off the sports fields or playground with your dog—leashed or un‑leashed.
Follow behavioral courtesy: if your dog is shy, reactive, or aggressive, consider visible marking (e.g., yellow ribbon) and leash control where needed.
Enjoy other amenities: extend your visit with a walk up Soames Hill, a game of disc golf, or a family picnic near shaded benches.
In summary, the off‑leash section of Shirley Macey Park is a thoughtfully crafted dog sanctuary offering multiple acres of free‑run space, trails, and social zones. Supported by strong community initiative and complemented by family‑friendly park features, it creates a balanced hub for both dog lovers and general recreation.
