WELCOME TO WATERLOO'S BEST KEPT SECRET!  

Bechtel Park is located in Ward #3, with the entrance to the Park off Bridge St., close to University Ave. E. The park encompasses 109.18 acres, half of which is undeveloped. Four kilometres of trails run through the park, allowing visitors to enjoy the park's wetlands, meadows and hardwood forest.
 
Bechtel Park also includes five outdoor soccer fields (three of which are lighted); hard ball diamond and stadium with dressing rooms, press box, concession and office; four hard surfaced, lighted tennis courts; and Waterloos Leash Free Park. 

The Manulife Financial Soccer & Sports Complex located in the park provides unrestricted indoor floor space of 110 feet by 202 feet and a ceiling height of 36 feet.  The Complex is utilized year round by youth and adult soccer groups. 
 
This facility is used by the community, school board and university for their training and practice needs in baseball, field hockey, lawn bowling, badminton, volleyball, and more.
 

 

Bring your Dog out to the First Leash Free Park in Waterloo.  Located in Bechtel Park (get directions), this five acre park is available to the public during normal park hours from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. 

Rules for you and your dog while enjoying the park.

This park is intended for leash free dog walking. It is not recommended that leashed dogs are walked in this park.  Please remove your dog's leash in the double gated area before entering the park

• No food or toys are permitted into the off-leash area.
• Parents are strongly advised that this is not a suitable environment for small children.
• All participants enter this park with the understanding that they are responsible for their dog(s) actions at all times.
• The City of Waterloo assumes no responsibility for any injuries or damages that might occur during the use of this area.
• All dogs over the age of 7 months must be spayed or neutered.
• No aggressive dogs, bitches in heat, puppies under 4 months of age, or ill dogs are permitted in the park.
• Children under the age of 12 are not permitted in the park without adult supervision.
• Dogs must be under control and in sight of their handler at all times.
• All dog waste must be picked up and properly disposed off.
• Dogs using this area must be properly licensed and have all vaccinations current and up to date.

These rules are set in place to provide users with a safer and more enjoyable leash free park. These rules are not open to discussion or debate and are without prejudice.

Incident Reporting:

If you or your pet are involved in an incident involving another dog and/or the dog's pet owner and you wish to report the incident, 

1. Download and review the Incident Reporting procedure (PDF*),
2. Then download, print and complete the Witness Statement (PDF*)

Return to the City of Waterloo By-Law Enforcement Office at 216 Weber Street North (get directions) in Waterloo.