Many dog owners bring their dogs to Clark Park. If you own a dog, please follow the following rules:

Always keep your dog on a leash.

This is the law of the City of Philadelphia. And it's important to recognize that not everyone is as comfortable with dogs as you are.

Always pick up after your pet.

Not everyone is as comfortable with dog poop either.

Never allow dogs in playgrounds.

Children may not know your dog all that well, and your dog may not be used to children.

Don't let dogs dig holes.

Not only do these create problems for people walking in the park, but the holes are never large enough for trees.

And please be responsible and control your pet at all times.

For just $20, your dog can sponsor refills for the "Mutt Mitts" container in Clark Park. Contact us for details.

Local Dog Parks

Chester Avenue Dog Club operates a fenced dog park at 48th & Chester. All dog owners are welcome to join. Fees are $50 a year, covering maintenance and insurance. Call 215-748-3440 to join.

Why Clark Park Does Not Have a Dog Park

In 2003, in response to concerns raised by parents and dog owners, FoCP President Tony West convened a special Dog Committee to examine issues regarding dogs and children in Clark Park. The Dog Committee evaluated several actions proposed to reduce any dangers or discomforts, including fences, stricter leash-law enforcement, organization of dog owners, and the construction of a dedicated Dog Park. These are summarized in a Status Report of April 2004. The Committee endorsed two recommendations: the construction of a dedicated Dog Park, and stricter leash-law enforcement.

The FoCP and its members needed to have a more detailed understanding of a Dog Park project before making and decisions. Committee members Stephen Fisher and Linda Amsterdam assembled a more detailed proposal for a dog park. This proposal outlined such issues as location, costs, maintenance issues, and the impact a Dog Park might have on the use of Clark Park. Their proposal had an estimated cost of $30,000 and $70,000. The Planning Committee also spoke with representatives from other city Dog Parks, to better understand their successes, failures, and what Clark Park might expect.

On September 22nd, 2004, the FoCP Planning Committee voted 4-2 to not support the construction of a Dog Park. The Planning Committee also voted unanimously to move that Friends of Clark Park advocate the enforcement of leash laws.

On December 13th, 2004, the FoCP Board voted 6-4 (with 1 abstention) to support construction of a dog park along the lines of the proposal submitted. In addition, the Board voted 8-0 (with 3 abstentions) to advocate enforcement of leash laws in the park.

On January 18, 2005, the FoCP Membership was presented with materials regarding the proposal. Our newsletter ran Pro and Con articles, and included many of the details assembled by Stephen and Linda. The FoCP Membership voted to advocate leash enforcement, but voted 87-22 to not recommend that a Dog Park be built.

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