Dog parks

You know, I have never heard of a dog park that requires leashed dogs.  The whole purpose of a dog park is to allow the dogs to run freely and play.  Our dog park does require that the leash remain on in the parking lot and until we get into the first gate.  Then, we close the gate, remove the leash and open the second gate to let the dogs in.
 
Joyce

This dog park is also part of a beach and playground. They require that the leash stays on. The other dog park does not but, I am not sure if she is socialized enough for that yet.

Some dog parks are great, some are terrible and, at worst, dangerous places. In my experience, the best dog parks have a fairly stable, self-policing population.

In your case, perhaps it would be a good idea to start visiting public spaces where people bring leashed dogs at low-traffic hours, then build up from there. Perhaps you can make a playdate with someone you meet to slowly introduce the idea of off-leash socialization. In my opinion, the benefits of safe, positive off-leash experiences in a dog park are worth the effort. Or take an obedience class to get your dog used to being around other dogs while also getting some good training. Some classes include off-leash socialization and some training centres have off-leash areas that you can bring your dog to at certain hours; you can ask them for advice about how to introduce your dog to this experience.

I don't think dogs should ever socialize on leash. At best you have two dogs sniffing or playing and getting in a big tangle, at worst you have leash aggression and fighting. I think the purpose of leash-only "dog parks" is simply a space where you're allowed to bring your dog, not necessarily a space for them to interact. That would be a good place to socialize your dog in the sense of getting used to being around other dogs without needing to interact with them... you could even practice training exercises so he can learn to focus on you amid distractions.
 
As for off leash dog parks... it depends on the dog. My dog is about 19 months old and I've finally decided that he doesn't do great in a situation where he has to meet and interact with a lot of strange dogs. He gets edgy, keyed up, and too reactive. I only bring him to less populated off leash spaces where people are there to walk or play with their own dogs and not to have a doggie social hour. I feel the "pack" dynamics of a mixed, off leash group where there is a constant flow of newcomers can just be a little too hairy at times, and it's not just my dog... I've seen fights, bullying, whole packs chasing one puppy, all sorts of not-so-nice things. At the same time I'm sure some dogs love such social hours and do well in them... only you can make the call for your dog. 

I think there's a semantics issue here.
 
Colloquially, a "dog park" is sort of by definition a place where dogs are allowed off-leash. A public park that allows dogs to walk with owners on leash is just a public park that allows dogs.
 
Here, all the public parks allow dogs if they are on a leash. So we call a park a "dog park" if dogs are allowed off-leash.

I think there's a semantics issue here.

Colloquially, a "dog park" is sort of by definition a place where dogs are allowed off-leash. A public park that allows dogs to walk with owners on leash is just a public park that allows dogs.

Here, all the public parks allow dogs if they are on a leash. So we call a park a "dog park" if dogs are allowed off-leash.

 
The two has been calling it a dog park so, I didnt know what else to call it. I think it might be fun to try her at the "on leash place" first and see how she is. If we have problems then I know not to bring her to an off leash place. I have never been to a dog park before but, the idea sounded fun to me. I can see people's points about fighting and things like that though. I guess I will have to see how she does at the on leash place and take it from there.

Some dog parks are great, some are terrible and, at worst, dangerous places. In my experience, the best dog parks have a fairly stable, self-policing population.

 
I agree completely with the above.  Also it is a good idea to go to the dog park a time or two to judge the "culture" of the park.  See how the dogs are playing, get a feel for the most crowded times, and talk to some of the regulars.  If you don't like what you see, don't take your dog there.

I definately agree.  Don't be afraid to pack up your dog and leave if you feel funny about the way other dogs are acting.

My experience has been that "unfixed dogs" create a problem.  We go to the park in the early am.  There are the same owners and therefore the same "pack" of dogs.  They do create a pack.  When an "unfixed" dog creates comes fights occur.  Even if that dog does not initiate a fight, the other dogs get defensive.  If I were you I'd go to the park at the time you plan to go.  Meet the dog owners and get a feel for them.  My early group people are great.  At later times I never know how the dogs or their owners feel about their dog's behavior.  Some are great and others are unresponsible.  Anyway I wish you good luck as my dog is never happier than when she is playing and running at the dog park.  Makes me happy too.

I don't know that I would start out with the leashed park... dogs socializing on -leash can be troublesome. Often their behavior is much more relaxed off-leash.
 
I would go at a really off-peak time when there are few dogs at the off-leash park. See how Bailey does, and go from there.