I haven't read all of the post so I apologize if someone has said these things already.

Personally I avoid the dog park at all costs. You have no idea if the dogs there are healthy. You said it-the people there (majority of the time) don't give a crap what there dog is doing or where it is. You have no idea what ill-mannered dogs are teaching your dogs. If there's a bad experience for your dog it could cause them to associate (all) other dogs with bad things.

I agree dogs need to be socialize, and it's kind of fun to be in an area that big and allow your dog to just run. No leash...nothing. But there are other ways to exercise your dog and there are other ways to socialize your dog.

I vote against the dog park.