Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the dog park?
The gated area is located off 8725 Fall Creek Road on the state park's north side. It cannot be reached from the main Fort Harrison State Park entrance. The Dog Park is on the north side of Fall Creek and does not affect other visitor activities inside the main park.
How big is the dog park and what amenities are available?
The dog park has three separate fenced play areas. None have dog size restrictions. There is a portable restroom for humans located in the parking lot.
Platoon Run play area is the closest play area to Fall Creek Road. With about 3.6 acres, it has a few large shade trees and woods at the west end. It has a water station, benches and a waste station. There is a shelter and a fireplace that is used by dog owners when visiting with their pet(s). Several pieces of agility equipment will be added in 2017.
Herrin Hill play area is about 1.3 acres and is in the middle of the dog park. It is mostly open grass with some shade. Herrin Hill also has a water station, benches and waste stations.
Brigade Landing play area is about 5 acres and includes a pond, a dog beach and a rugged, wooded "adventure" area for exploration. It is open from April 1 - Oct. 31, beginning in 2017. The pond and beach in Brigade Landing are ONLY FOR DOGS; not for fishing or human swimming.
What areas of the dog park are now open?
Herrin Hill, the smallest of the three areas, opened on Labor Day weekend, 2013. Platoon Run opened in October 2013 with an official dedication. Brigade Landing will open on April 1, 2017 andis open annually from April 1-Oct. 31 for anyone who purchases a dog park pass and requests access to this adventure area. The pond and beach are ONLY FOR DOGS; not for fishing or human swimming.
What is the cost and how does access work?
Dog Park annual passes are $75 per dog. They are valid Jan. 1 – Dec. 31. There is no discount for multiple dogs. Each owner/family will be provided with one access pass per dog for entrance through the Dog Park’s main gate to the open play areas. These include Herrin Hill and Platoon Run, and Brigade Landing from April 1 – Oct. 31 beginning in 2017. Replacement passes are $15. Areas may be closed for temporarily to address maintenance. Closures will be limited. A Dog Park pass or access card does provide admission through Fort Harrison State Park’s main gate for other activities. A daily admission fee or annual entrance pass is required for entrance into the main area of Fort Harrison State Park.
Is there a way for me to "try out" the dog park to see how my dog does in the play areas?
You can purchase a $15 pass that is good for seven days from the day of purchase. You must complete the application, provide vaccination records, and sign the waiver of liability.
Where can I purchase my tag/pass?
Tags and the access pass can be purchased at the park office at 5753 Glenn Road (enter at E..59th Street and N. Post Road), Indianapolis, IN 46216, from 8:30 a.m.- 4 p.m. Monday-Friday. Please contact the park office at (317) 591-0904 with questions. You must provide copies of current veterinary vaccination records for rabies, parvovirus, distemper and bordetella and complete and sign the dog park annual membership application and liability waiver. Membership applications are also available in hard copy at the park office.
How many passes are you selling?
We are not limiting memberships at this time. This may change if the need arises. We monitor dog park usage and member interactions on an ongoing basis.
What are the dog park rules?
Dog park rules and etiquette are posted at the entrance to each play area, and copies are available with the membership application. When you sign, you agree to abide by the rules.
How did you select the play area names?
We held a contest to name the three play areas. All of the names have ties with the state park’s history. "Platoon and "Brigade" are terms related to the size of military units, and Fort Harrison State Park was part of a military base for nearly 100 years. The Herrin’s were one of the earliest settlers of the area that is now the state park.
The dog park has been dedicated in honor of the Indiana Conservation Officer K-9 Teams who serve and protect Indiana’s citizens and natural resources. Memorial benches have been placed in the dog park to honor the first two Indiana K-9 officers, Judge and Journey, and their respective handlers Colonel Scotty Wilson and Officer Jeff Milner.
Is a dog park compatible with the mission of Indiana State Parks?
Providing outdoor recreation opportunities and managing and conserving our natural and cultural resources are at the heart of our mission. A dog park is not something we are likely to develop at other state parks, but the urban nature of Fort Harrison and the isolation of this piece of land from the rest of the park made it an ideal location. We see many walking their dogs on trails in the park, and know that dog parks are popular and successful in urban park systems elsewhere. New activity in this area may also help limit vandalism and unauthorized access.
How will wildlife that may use the area be impacted?
Evaluating the impact on wildlife is part of thereview process for any proposed development. There are no identified threatened or endangered species in the area. Removal of shrubs and small trees will impact the amount of cover for some species, but a significant amount will remain. Some rabbits, squirrels and other small mammals may be affected. Dog owners should maintain close watch to limit this impact. As usage grows, wildlife will adapt and use areas outside the fence. We will develop interpretive signage to help park users understand the wildlife and plants in the area.
How can we share our comments and questions?
We look forward to hearing from dog owners about features, amenities and rules. Let us know what concerns or other questions you have. You can share your comments and questions at the park office, join the Fort Harrison State Park Dog Park Facebook group or email them to our north regional manager Carl Lindell or to parklakeinfo@dnr.IN.gov.
