Clintonville is one of the most vibrant, active, and dog-friendly neighborhoods in Columbus—yet we have a massive gap in our community infrastructure. We do not have a single legal, dedicated, off-leash dog park.

Right now, local dog owners looking to safely exercise their dogs are forced to drive out of the neighborhood to Hilliard or Downtown, or make use of informal, unregulated spaces around the Whetstone casting pond and the Columbus Park of Roses. This status quo isn't working. It creates accidental conflicts between loose dogs, runners, and families, and it puts stress on our neighborhood's most delicate, protected garden spaces.

We have a solution that works for everyone. We are petitioning the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department and the Clintonville Area Commission to allocate 4 acres of the 15-acre northwest corner (the 'North Fields') of Whetstone Park for a fully fenced, dedicated off-leash dog park.

Our proposal is strategically designed to respect both the neighborhood and the environment: It preserves the athletic fields, is 100% floodway-compliant using high-flow fencing, protects the river with a 120-foot setback, and features separated play zones for large and small breeds. The City of Columbus is currently reviewing the lower North Fields for drainage updates. Now is the perfect time to make our voices heard!