Looking for a place to throw a ball for your dog and let them interact with other dogs? Conceived by a group of community volunteers in 2011, the Independence Dog Park is fast becoming "the" place to go for dog people in Independence. Totaling just over two acres, The park has separated areas for small dogs and big dogs, a pet waste station, shady trees, and a water station for dogs and their owners. The Willamette River is also right next door if your dog likes to go for a swim.Â