We are petitioning the city to provide a safe option to exercise its over 15,500 registered dogs. We would like a public, fenced, dog-only splashpad or water park with shade to be installed. The city provided a no pets allowed children’s splash pad at Long Leaf Pine Park, but has yet to provide a safe option for dog play and socialization in the extremely high temperatures. 

This area consistently reaches temperatures of over 85° - the max safe temperature in which dogs can exercise outdoors seven months of the year. In these months, the beaches close to dogs or are restricted to certain hours with leash requirements. This is an enormous problem for pet owners in the area who have no option to safely exercise their dogs for half of the year. A splashpad or water park dedicated for dogs would provide a way for them to socialize and exercise while staying safe and cool.  

Increasingly, more cities throughout the country and world are providing public splashpads/spray parks for their dog residents. The residents of New Hanover County would like to be included in this public service. 

Many studies prove that access to dog friendly areas, fenced yards, and spaces to safely exercise dogs are one of the top factors considered when moving to a new home. A dog splash pad will greatly enrich the community and it’s over 15,500 registered dogs, and growing.