Elkhart's first dog park set to open

ELKHART, Ind. - After more than a year, Elkhart’s first dog park is ready for use. A ribbon cutting will take place at High Dive Park at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. The Dr. Frank Booth Bark Park will officially open Thursday.

The park will be dedicated to Dr. Frank Booth during the ribbon cutting. Booth is a longtime veterinarian in the area.

Plans for the park started last year after people in the community requested it.

Feedback about the park came from town hall meetings and the Vibrant Communities Initiative.

Mayor Tim Neese says comments from residents and animal professionals were considered through the process.

“This feedback has allowed us to develop a park that will be safe and professionally managed. I am pleased that the city’s first dog park will soon be open to the public and appreciate everyone who gave of their time, money and expertise,” said Neese.

The park is split into two enclosures, one for large dogs and one for small dogs.

Dog park memberships can be purchased starting Wednesday.

Since the park will only be open for part of the year, membership fees have been reduced to $12 for 2017.

Starting in 2018 annual membership will cost $25 plus an $18 licensing fee.

Dogs must be licensed by the city to use the park. 

The license enters your dog’s information into a database designed to find and return lost pets.

Nonresidents can still use the park by buying a three-day visitor pass for $5 or an annual pass for $35.

Written proof of vaccinations must be presented to buy these passes.

With membership comes year-round access to the park, a monthly newsletter, and access to four seminars a year on topics like obedience and care for your canine.

All the money from membership fees will go towards the park’s upkeep.