FAQ

1. What is a dog park?
2. Where is the dog park? What hours is it open?
3. Who can use the College Park Dog Park? Is it open to the public?
4. Why do dogs have to be registered? Why is there a fee?
5. Is water available in the dog park?
6. What about small dogs? Is there a separate area for them?
7. How do I request a plaque on the memorial board?
8. How can my business sponsor the dog park?
9. Why does my dog(s) have to be spayed/neutered to join?

If your questions isn't answered here, please email the webmaster at webmaster@cpdogpark.org.

1. What is a dog park?

   A dog park is a designated fenced area where dogs can play and exercise off-leash. Dog parks help dogs exercise and socialize, making them better-behaved and quieter pets. Dog parks are also a great place to find other owners to talk to for advice or just plain fun! (See videos of dogs playing in a dog park.)

2. Where is the dog park? What hours is it open?

   The dog park is in Acredale Park, near the University of Maryland College Park campus. (See exact location.) It is open the same hours as other community parks, from dawn until dusk.

3. Who can use the College Park Dog Park? Is it open to the public?

   The College Park Dog Park is open to all residents of Prince George's and Montgomery Counties. However, you must register each dog you wish to bring to the dog park, and you must renew your registration every year. The fee to register is $30 a year for the first dog, $10 for other dogs in the same household. (This works out to less than four dollars each month– cheaper than a chew toy, and a lot more fun!) (Download registration form, DOC format, 33K)

4. Why do dogs have to be registered? Why is there a fee?

   Dogs have to be registered for everybody's safety, so we can make sure that only licensed, vaccinated dogs are using the park.

   The fee is necessary to cover the expenses of running the park. Your registration fees go directly to maintenance, groundskeeping, cleanup, and park improvements. The College Park Dog Park Association is in the process of filing for non-profit status.

5. Is water available in the dog park?

   There is a doggie water fountain in Acredale Park near the parking for the dog park. However, the fountain is shut off during the fall and winter. In general, it's a good idea to bring water and a bowl for your own dog.

6. What about small dogs? Is there a separate area for them?

   We are looking at creating a smaller area fenced off in the back corner of the dog park proper. Small dog owners will be welcome to use this area for their dogs.  (November 2004:  We are also trying out special small dog hours from ten AM to noon on Sundays.)
   

7. How do I request a plaque on the memorial board?

   Print and fill out the Memorial Board Plate Request Form, and mail it to us with your one-time fee of $50. If you have any questions, please contact our memorial coordinator at memorial@cpdogpark.org for more information.

8. How can my business sponsor the dog park?
   
   We would be delighted to discuss a sponsorship arrangement with you. Please contact our Sponsor Coordinator at sponsor@cpdogpark.org.

9. Why does my dog(s) have to be spayed/neutered to join as of July 1, 2011
   
   Though it is not always an issue, dogs with their reproductive organs can become more aggressive and initiate fights with other dogs due to their sex-hormones. Like most communities, College Park struggles with dog over-population and we encourage all members to be responsible and have their dog spayed or neutered,