Central Dog Park

Central Dog Park

Woof woof! For our two-legged friends, that translates to, “Welcome!” Central Dog Park in Carmel is our first park just for four-legged friends. This park features areas for small and large dogs, green space to play, benches, shelters, dog waste stations, and a lock-and-key entry system.

The small shelter within the dog park provides a shaded, central gathering place for two-legged visitors. Other amenities within the Central Park North Campus include an open meadow, picnic shelter, and restroom facility. The Monon Greenway, Interurban Trail, and all trails within Central Park are easily accessible via short connecting trails.

The Central Dog Park currently has 800 four-legged members. Membership is currently full, but interested applicants are welcome to apply for the waitlist.

Membership

Dog Park registrations occur twice per year. Once in the Spring and once in the Fall. Openings for new members are determined by available spots left by canceled memberships within that period. Please add yourself to the waitlist by filling out our Waitlist Application Form if you are interested in joining our park in the future

Membership to the Central Dog Park is $12/month. At the time of initial registration, a $60 application fee is required to cover DNA testing through PooPrints™. The purpose of DNA testing is to eliminate a known problem from occurring so dogs, humans, and the environment are all protected. Click here to read more on how DNA testing can mitigate un-scooped dog waste and improve cleanliness and sanitation inside the park.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are there set hours and time changes?

A: We wanted to maximize the amount of time the park would be open during all seasons without having to take daylight savings into account. In 2019 we finished the last phase of lighting installation. To properly maintain the space, we have set aside designated hours for our maintenance team to clean up and evaluate the park’s use. Click here for hours of operation and rules.

Q: Did you gather input as far as what should be included in the park?

A: Yes. In 2012, we conducted a feasibility study that contained maintenance standards, rules of use, and user fees. In April of 2015, we met with an Advisory Committee and went through the Operations Plan, which included our findings and recommendations for membership rates, the selection process, features/amenities to include, dog DNA, et cetera.

Q: How large is the dog park?

A: Central Dog Park is approximately 3 acres and fully enclosed by a 4-foot high fence.

Q: What are the features and amenities?

A: During the initial phase of the dog park we focused on basic elements needed to operate and keep pet owners comfortable. The plans were kept simple so they would allow for growth based on users’ feedback and wear and tear of the park. A double-gated entrance ensures dogs cannot easily escape as visitors come and go. Designated areas are provided for small and other dogs. Existing trees were preserved and incorporated into one side of the other dog area. A small shelter within the dog park provides a shaded, central gathering place for the two-legged visitors. Drinking fountains for dogs and humans are also available. The dog park is irrigated to help better maintain the grass within the fence.

Other amenities within the Central Park North Campus include a new open meadow, picnic shelter, and restroom facilities all conveniently located by the dog park. The Monon Greenway, Interurban Trail, and all of the trails within Central Park are easily accessible via short trails connecting into the existing 116th Street perimeter trail.

We plan to regularly survey our members to receive feedback regarding operations, as well as amenities offered. Potential amenities for future phases could include shade structure benches or a dog wash station. Ultimately, it is for our members to decide what they would like to see in years to come.

Q: How many dogs can I have as members?

A: There is a limit of 3 dogs per household. Each dog will need to be listed on the registration form.

Q: Can anyone enter the dog park at any time?

A: No. The dog park has a lock and key entry system, which means each member will be assigned a key fob that will grant them access through the gates. Gates will be locked down during maintenance and company event times.

Q: What are the rules and regulations?

A: Rules and regulations of the Central Dog Park can be found online by clicking here. Please note that these are for the dog park specifically. All other park rules apply. Park rules are listed at the bottom of this page.

Q: Why did you decide to do DNA testing for the dogs?

A: As a department, we want to make sure we provide the cleanest parks, greenways, and facilities we can for the community. Dog feces is extremely harmful to the environment, and according to a NY Times post, 40% of Americans do not pick up after their dogs, and of those individuals, 44% indicated they would not pick up even if asked. Dog feces carry dangerous pathogens. With the Central Dog Park lying in a watershed, these pathogens would pollute our freshwater supply. Did you know dog waste is the No. 3 cause of water pollution? The goal of DNA testing is to eliminate a known problem from occurring so that the dogs, humans, and environment are all protected. Click here to read more on how DNA testing can mitigate un-scooped dog waste and improve cleanliness and sanitation inside the park.

Q: Are you accepting sponsorships?

A: Yes! For more information, email kberger@carmelclayparks.com or call 317-573-4017.

Features

• Large dog area
• Small dog area
• Restrooms
• Shelter
• Seasonal Drinking Fountain

Questions?

Anne Marie Bessler
Recreation & Facilities Admin Assistant
abessler@carmelclayparks.com
317-573-5235

Resources

 

Waitlist Request

Incident Report

CENTRAL DOG PARK MAP

Rules + Hours