Canine Recreation

Dog Park Registration

Revised June 5, 2023

All dogs must be registered with DPR annually. To ensure that we provide a healthy environment for all participants, we have adopted the vaccination requirements recommended by the American Animal Hospital Association. All dogs are required to have the following vaccinations before being issued a Dog Park tag:

• Rabies (1 or 3 year)
• Distemper / Parvo (1 or 3 year)
• Bordetella (1 year)
• Negative Fecal Exam Results (1 year)

We also accept titer results in lieu of vaccinations except for rabies (state law). Vaccinations must be current and not due to expire within 30 days.

When these requirements are met, a DPR dog park tag can be assigned. All dogs must wear their current dog park tag while playing in the park.

Online Registration 

Register and pay online.

• To enroll in Dog Park Registration, choose your name from the "Participant List". To register more than one dog, enter the number of dogs in the box below "How many participants?" 
• To take advantage of the multi-dog discount, enter one of the following coupon codes: 2dogs, 3dogs

In-Person Registration 
Registration is available in-person at the Durham Parks and Recreation Administration Office, 400 Cleveland Street, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Need assistance with online registration? Email us at dogpark.durham@durhamnc.gov or call 919-560-4355 during normal business hours.

Dog Park Rules

• Dogs using the park must be registered with Durham Parks and Recreation, and meet all Dog Park requirements; entry into the park is only allowed for dogs with a Dog Park tag. 
• Dogs shall have on a collar with current Dog Park Tag and updated rabies information at all time while in the park; no prong, spiked or electric collars allowed.
• Dogs are not allowed into the park if they are younger than 3 months, in heat, sick, or routinely aggressive. 
• Dogs must be under the control of their owners at all times. Any dog behaving aggressively must be immediately controlled or removed from the park. Owners are responsible for any damage or injury caused by their dogs while in the park.
• Owners are required to clean up after their dogs, inside and outside the fenced area.
• No other animals are allowed inside the dog park fenced area.
• No more than 3 dogs per person at any one time.
• It is not recommended for children enter the park. Children under the age of 12 may not enter the park unless under the supervision of an adult.
• Spectators should remain outside the fenced dog park area.
•  No large dogs in the small dog area; no small dogs in the large dog area. 
• Food and alcoholic beverages are not allowed within the fenced dog park area except for events approved through a dog park permit. 
• Smoking including e-cigarettes is not allowed on any City park property.
•  Dog food in bowls or long-lasting chews are not allowed in the dog park area. Dog treats within the fenced dog park area should be given with caution, as some dogs may be food aggressive. 
• Dog Toys, including but not limited to tennis balls, ropes or Frisbees, are highly discouraged. Any toys brought into the dog park must be taken out of the dog park upon your departure. Any toys left in the dog park is subject to disposal. 
• Owners must repair holes or disturbed areas created by their dogs.
• Dog bites must be reported; owners should exchange contact information and call the Durham County Animal Control (919-560-0900) and DPR (919-560-4355).
• Dog Park users must immediately leave the fenced dog park area when requested to do so by Durham Parks and Recreation Staff or law enforcement personnel.
• Professional dog trainers may not use the park to conduct their business. 
• Bicycles, rollerblades, skates, skateboards, and strollers are prohibited within the fenced dog park area.
• All Durham County and North Carolina ordinances apply within the Dog Park.

For information, email the Durham Dog Parks at dogpark.durham@durhamnc.gov or call 919-560-4355, ext. 27212.

Dog Park Project Updates

Over the past several years, we have been working to provide better opportunities to our canine residents to Play More! Here are some updates on dog park projects.

Northgate Dog Park

The condition of Northgate Dog Park has deteriorated due to its location in a flood plain, high use, and poor drainage. After researching options to address these issues, it was determined that an alternative dog park in Northern Durham be developed at Rock Quarry Park. Once the dog park at Rock Quarry Park opens, Northgate Dog Park will be converted into a play meadow (open recreational space).

Rock Quarry Dog Park

Construction has begun on a new dog park at Rock Quarry Park, 701 Stadium Drive, and will serve as the replacement for the Northgate Dog Park. The dog park is located along the Rock Quarry Spur Trail in the large wooded area along the east side of the trail. The Rock Quarry Spur Trail runs from the parking lot at Edison Johnson Recreation and Aquatic Centers to the parking lot on the north side of the park for the tennis courts. Grand Opening Celebration will be on June 29, 2023 from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. Come Join Canine Recreation is an evening of games, vendors, and giveaways!

Piney Wood Dog Park

Piney Wood Dog Park Program space will be closed until August 1, 2023 for the reseeding of grass. 

Dog Park Monthly Maintenance Schedule

The dog parks will be closed from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the following days for routine maintenance. 

Downtown Dog Park | 2nd Tuesday of every month

Petsafe Dog Park at Duke Park | 1st Monday of every month

Piney Wood Dog Park | 1st Wednesday of every month

Rock Quarry Dog Park | 3rd Monday of every month

Contact

For dog park questions email Durham Dog Parks at dogpark.durham@durhamnc.gov or call 919-560-4355, ext. 27212. If you are visiting a dog park and have safety concerns, please report them by calling 911.