At the corner of Campbell Street and Vale Park Road in Valparaiso, you might hear a bark or two. Across the street from Valparaiso High School, you might see some paws trotting around. Right next to Silver Lake, you will find yourself at the ValPAWraiso Dog Park, a place for dogs around the city to play outdoors.
“It is really centrally located inside of Valparaiso," said Valpo Parks Superintendent of Facilities Dan McGuire. "It's near residential areas, so it’s easy for people to get to. The pathway system along Campbell Street leads into the property so members can walk their dog there."
Its location, among other factors, makes this green space a dream for pooches of all sizes to have fun year-round. McGuire said the dog park was built to accommodate all of its visitors, including shaded areas for dogs and owners to relax and a leash holder for owners to use when they first arrive. The new addition of restrooms, water fountains, and even a paw wash are wagging tails.
“When it gets kind of wet and kind of muddy, you’ll be able to wash off your dog's paws before getting into the car, which is a feature that we think highlights the park,” he said.
Advanced technology is also being used to make visits to the park easy for members. Aside from a key card, members can open the park gate with the tap of a button on their smartphone.
“You don’t have to remember the key, or maybe your wife or child has it from the last time they brought the card, so we are getting people set up on their phones to unlock the gate,” McGuire said.
ValPAWraiso Dog Park provides a foundation for a dog-loving community that McGuire says is his favorite part of the facility.
“It’s a very social group when you come. A lot of people like to talk and socialize, as well as their dogs. We think it’s a fun atmosphere. People really seem to enjoy it,” he said.
Even outside of the park, members are connected via a Facebook group where they interact.
“New friendships are developing, dogs are getting along, members are sharing tips on pet care...it’s neat to show and share in that group,” he said.
Kathleen Robinson, a member of the park, shared her appreciation for the dog park in a town like Valparaiso.
“It’s been executed well and is always maintained,” she said. “It has been a joy to see my pup run free and play with other pups. Since we live in an apartment, my pup, Tuesday, does not have a yard to run in. Thank you for this great area where he can expend all of that pent-up energy.”
Another member, Sara Monsivais-Dooley, also raved about the park after her dog, Rey, had a tough move to Valparaiso.
“We moved to Valparaiso in September 2020 and finally were able to get into ValPAWraiso Dog Park. Going back to dog parks helped her get back to her normal routine," she said. "We’ve met a lot of great people and pups. I love watching her run off the leash; she is able to socialize, and we can get some fresh air."
For those who are interested in becoming a member of the park, McGuire said to call into the park office to fill out forms in person or via email or to go through the website to fill out everything online. Dogs do have to have an up-to-date vaccination record with files that will need to be seen by the office in person or electronically. Fees depend on residency in the area.
For more information, visit https://www.valpoparks.org/558/ValPAWraiso-Dog-Park.
