Downtown Dog Park Public Meeting

In case you weren't able to attend the public meeting, click here to view the presentation.

Dog Park Survey

Our first dog park has been open for six months. Take this quick survey and give us your feedback.
 

What is a Dog Park?

Off-leash dog parks are designated areas that provide a community setting for people to gather, socialize, and observe the interaction of groups of dogs satisfying their cravings for canine play, companionship and exercise.
 

Ewing Dog Park

Address: 4660 Indianola Avenue

Ewing Dog Park Features Open year round, daily, 6:00 a.m. to sunset.  8.5 acre of fenced area for all dogs. One acre of fenced area for dogs 20 lbs or less. Sloped terrain with mature tree and a mix of tall and short grass. Shaded open air shelter.
 

Dog Owners Must have a Permit to Enter

Permit Fees

•  2012 annual dog park permit fees are $20.00. 2012 dog park permits will be valid January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2012.

Requirements to Purchase a Permit

• Current dog license from the City of Des Moines or their home jurisdiction
• Current dog rabies vaccination certification
• Dog must be no less than four months old
• Permits and tags pertain to specific dogs, not the dog park and therefore cannot be transferred to other dogs or dog owners.

Download the appropriate application to apply for a Dog Park Permit

Where to Purchase Permits

• Permits are required to use the dog park and are sold at the City Clerk's office in Des Moines City Hall located at 400 Robert D Ray Drive, Des Moines, IA 50309; Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm.
• Dogs owners will have the opportunity to purchase 2012 dog park permits along with annual dog license in November when applications will be mailed to current dog license holders.
• For questions regarding dog park permits please call (515) 283-4209 ext. #3 between 8am-5pm or listen to pre-recorded information at 515- 237-1DOG(1364).

Dog Park Facility Rules

All City of Des Moines park rules apply, in addition to the following:

• Annual permit is required to be worn by dog owners or handlers and visible at all times while inside the facility
• Vicious dogs must remain on a leash in the dog park as per ordinance 18-55 (a) (6)
• Handlers must pick-up and dispose of their dog’s waste
• Dog handlers must be no less than 16 years of age
• Children under the age of 10 are not allowed within the facility and those ages 10 to 15 must be accompanied by a person age 18 or older
• Handlers are allowed to supervise a maximum of two dogs
• Dogs weighing more than 20 pounds are not allowed in the small dog area of the facility
• Dogs weighing less than 20 pounds are allowed in all areas of the facility
• Pinch, choke, and spike collars must be removed prior to entering the facility
• Female dogs in heat are not allowed in the facility
• Dogs must be kept on a leash until entering and upon exiting the facility
• Handlers should be in the actual physical presence of dogs at all times
• Use of the facility is at the owner’s/handler's own risk
• Owners are responsible and liable for any damage caused by their dogs while visiting the facility
• Human food is not allowed in the facility

Note: Any dog exhibiting aggressive or unruly behavior in any City of Des Moines dog park facility, as determined by the City of Des Moines, will have its permit revoked without refund