Indianola
Off-Leash Dog Playground
at Downey Park
One mile south of the Warren County Fairgrounds,
at South
K Street & West 17th Avenue
See
Map
The Playground is Open!!
The grand opening festivities on
June 14 included a leash-cutting ceremony, dogs bobbing for hot dogs, a
dog kissing booth, and an obedience demonstration from the 4H dog
project!
PLAYGROUND
FEATURES
-
Fenced land for both small and large
dogs
-
Watering stations
-
Waste receptacles
-
Bag dispensers for clean up
-
Shelter and picnic tables
The purpose of the playground is to
provide space where dogs can exercise and socialize with other dogs.
It offers a great opportunity for dogs to run, play and interact with
other dogs...to just be dogs!
Well-exercised dogs make better pets.
Dogs live longer, healthier lives when they are exercised.
Socialized dogs are better neighbors and 4 legged citizens. Dog
owners can socialize with other dog lovers as well.
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ANNUAL PERMIT OR DAILY
PASSES
are required to use the dog playground. Annual
permits are available at the Indianola Parks and Recreation office.
Proof of current rabies and distemper/parvo vaccinations is
required. Bring vaccine paperwork with you to sign up.
Annual Fee
$ 20
Annual Fee if dog is spayed/neutered
$ 15
Day Passes available at the playground for $ 3
PERMIT TAG MUST
BE VISIBLE ON YOUR PET
WHILE AT THE PARK.
Click here for Annual Pass Application packet.
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THINGS TO CONSIDER:
-
Has your dog been around other dogs
much? If not, it may be best to bring him/her during a slow time
at first. Socialization is a process. Toys are allowed, but
expect to share. If you believe your dog will guard its favorite
toy from other dogs, best to leave it at home.
-
To use the playground, you must follow all
Indianola Off-Leash Playground Rules.
These rules are enforceable by police
officers, animal control officers, or any other city code enforcer.
Persons may be cited or ejected for failure to follow park rules.
AGGRESSIVE DOGS MAY NOT ENTER THE
DOG PLAYGROUND.
-
Remove dogs at the first sign of aggression.
Aggression should be thought of as intent to do harm.
-
"His bark is worse than his bite". This is literal
for most dogs. Few dogs want to fight and will put on displays to
make other dogs back down. As long as this is effective and ends
conflict without injury, it should not be considered aggressive.
-
If your dog is involved in an unpleasant experience,
please remove your dog from the park for the day. Dog play can be
rough play. Dogs can chase, nip, wrestle and bark without being
aggressive.
-
The best communication comes between dogs. Part of
the important socialization dogs get from interacting with other dogs is
learning to express their desires appropriately. Watch
interactions carefully; intervene if one dog appears to be in distress.
-
Use of the dog playground is at the owner/handler's own
risk. Permit/pass holders and their guests agree to hold the City
of Indianola harmless for any injury or damages to person or property by
use of the dog playground.
WOOF
COMMITTEE
Wonderfully
Organized Ongoing
Fun
The Indianola off-leash
dog playground is funded, constructed, maintained and monitored by a
group of dog-loving volunteers, the WOOF Committee, who
collaborate with the Indianola Parks & Recreation Department.
The committee continues to meet and work to make other additions to the
dog playground. Phase II will include play
equipment for dogs such as tunnels, jumps, walking beams, etc.
New members always welcome. Meetings are held in the evenings at
the Indianola Activity Center, 2204 W. 2nd Avenue.
To find out more, visit
www.thewoofden.org or contact Dan Reinke at 515-480-9746.
