Q. Where is the park located?
A. It's at the intersection of Lyon NE and Benjamin NE.
Q. How much does it cost?
A. It's free.
Q. How do I make a donation?
A. Write your check or money order to:
City of Grand Rapids
Parks and Recreation Department
201 Market Ave SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Memo: Dog Park Fund
If you're making your donation to honor a favorite pet, attach a note with the pet's name.
Q. How can I volunteer to help raise money and/or provide park-related services?
A. Contact Laurel Pruski via email at lpruski@comcast.net. Laurel is heading up the committee for volunteers and she’ll be happy to tap into your strength and availability.
Q. OK, enough already about money, fundraising and administration. I'm just a dog and I want to know what it will be like for me. Let's hear about it.
A. The park area is beautifully shaded and impressively large. Plenty of room to romp, chase balls and wrestle with friends.
Q. What are the hours?
A. The park operates on the same basis as most Grand Rapids parks: sunup to sunset. The park is not presently lighted. So come winter, lighting is one of the amenities that we hope may be in place. It depends on funding.
Q. I get tired after running and wrestling. Will there be water?
A. There is no water at the park yet -- due to the cost. Please bring your own water. (But hopefully next summer there will be a hose. Nothing fancy, mind you.)
Q. How about somewhere to sit for the person I own?
A. There are picnic tables within the off-leash area.
Q. I'm a perfect dog, but what if some other dogs get out of hand?
A. The park will be self-policed by the people who accompany the dogs. It's worked just fine in other off-leash parks throughout the country.
Q. Who cleans up "messes?"
A. Each dog owner should bring plastic bags and is responsible for immediate cleanup. The City will provide waste receptacles.
Q. Is there nearby parking?
A. Yes, that was one of the criteria for site selection. There's room for over 25 cars within the park property as well as plenty of street parking.
Q. Are there rules?
A. Yes, and we need your help enforcing these rules. We need you to say something to the dog's owner if you see the rules being violated. This is a public park.
Official Off-Leash Area Rules
1. Always clean up after your dog.
2. Dogs must be current on all shots and display proper tags including current identification information, license and rabies.
3. Supervise your dog closely; never leave your dog unattended. Dogs must be under your voice control at all times.
4. No dogs younger than four months allowed because of inoculation requirements.
5. No more than two dogs per owner.
6. All dogs must be spayed or neutered.
7. If your dog becomes unruly or plays too rough, please leash him/her and leave immediately.
8. Fill in any hole your dog digs.
9. No smoking or food in the off-leash area.
10. For safety reasons, please remove pinch and spike collars before entering.
11. No children under 10-years-old allowed inside off-leash area. Please supervise children closely at all times.
Owners are liable for any damage or injury inflicted by their dogs.
Q. You've answered a lot of questions, but if I want to know more who can I ask?
A. Send an email to info@grdogpark.com and we'll get back to you with a response.