November 5, 2024 - Every dog has its day, and soon, every dog in Ann Arbor will have a convenient spot to play as well. City of Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation is piloting a new temporary dog park at Veterans Memorial Park, 2150 Jackson Ave.! The fenced, off-leash play area will be located at ballfield No. 4, on the north/Dexter Avenue side of Vets Park, and is set to open at 8 a.m. Friday, Nov. 15. Dog park hours are dawn to dusk (or 6 a.m.–10 p.m.).
Dogs must be registered with a current dog license, and a dog park permit is required. Access to the temporary dog park at Vets Park is already included for community members with a current, active City of Ann Arbor dog park permit (PDF). Those who need to apply for a dog park permit can do so in person at the Ann Arbor City Clerk's Office, second floor of Larcom City Hall, 301 E. Huron St. (though it is recommend to not purchase in person on Election Day due to high traffic volumes); by printing and mailing in the registration form (PDF); or applying online at stream.a2gov.org. Please note, the city clerk's office is closed for one day, Wednesday, Nov. 6, and also closed for the Veterans Day holiday, Monday, Nov. 11.
Resident requests for a designated dog play area on the northwest side of the city prompted Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation to find space for this dog park pilot. During the pilot, which is set to stay open until April 2025, the city will work with residents and dog park users to evaluate this location as a potential long-term community feature, adding to the existing city dog parks, at Broadway, Olson and Swift Run.
"Amenities like pickleball courts, expanding hours of operations to keep the outdoor pool at Fuller Park open past Labor Day, and testing out a dog park here on the city's northwest side," said Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation Manager Josh Landefeld, “these are just some of the examples of how we're always listening to residents and looking for ways to stay current with recreation trends, to expand opportunities for enjoying the parks and to make meaningful and valued investments in our park system." Funds from the current Park Maintenance and Capital Improvements Millage are being used to transition the ballfield with an access gate/area and additional fencing to ensure a safe environment. The city will also look to use amenities from other parks and facilities that are not used in the off season.
“Dog parks provide opportunities for socializing and exercise, not just for dogs, but their owners, too," Landefeld added. “This is another way we can appeal to community members and keep our 163 parks vibrant spaces for all."
Find complete information at www.a2gov.org/dogparks, and follow updates for this pilot project on NextDoor (for city residents) and parks Facebook, Instagram and X.
Ann Arbor voters will find the 2025–2044 Park Maintenance and Capital Improvements Millage renewal proposal on the Nov. 5 General Election ballot. If passed, the renewed millage would continue funding park system enhancements, repairs and restoration for the next 20 years. The millage renewal proposal remains for 1.10 mills and does not pose an increase; the rate would remain the same as the millage that is expiring this year. Visit parks online for answers to frequently asked questions, to watch video vignettes about park updates and amenities, to learn about projects and activities funded through the current and past millages and much more.
# # # # #
