City of Middleton - Dog Exercise Area

Middleton Dog Exercise Area

The Dog Exercise Area is open year round from 8am to 10 pm daily.

Small Dog Area Expansion Project at Metropolitan Community Park

The City of Middleton Would Like Your Input

After several public requests at City Council in response to the 2008 fatal dog attack, the City of Middleton is investigating the option for a small dog area within the Metropolitan Community Dog Park. The City of Middleton has explored options to expand the existing dog park, however the Metropolitan Refuse District Board has not agreed to a dog park expansion. Therefore, the option for developing a small dog area must be contained within the confines of the existing dog park at Metropolitan Community Park.

The City posted three options on our website, of which Option 1 received the majority of the vote (54%). Option 1 includes a single gated entrance directly from the existing parking lot, two single gated entrances within the dog park, 3.4 acres of area within a 4’ 2” weave no climb goat fence, and a single loop trail within the small dog park area.

To ensure that the existing dog park users have a continuous trail loop, any new small dog area expansion would also include developing a new trail segment adjacent to the existing small dog area (see Option 1).

The City would like your comments on Option 1. Do you think the small dog park area is a good idea? Do you have any suggestions to make it more accessible? Please complete the below online survey and offer your suggestions regarding Option 1 for a small dog area within Metropolitan Community Dog Park. Please do not use this survey to address maintenance concerns or suggestions. If you have concerns about maintenance or construction, please call Penni Klein, City of Middleton Public Lands Manager at (608) 827-1044.

Please submit your comments by April 1, 2010.

Take the Survey

City Ordinance

The City of Middleton ordinances do not allow pets in any city park, it is our hope that pet owners will use this facility on the permit basis provided. Public Lands staff will have the ability to enforce the annual and daily permit system at the pet area.

General Information

This 20 acre dog exercise area was open to the public on August 11, 2001. This is part of the 146 acre Metropolitan Refuse District (MRD) property that is co-owned by the City of Middleton, Village of Shorewood Hills, and the Village of Waunakee. The off-leash dog exercise area is fenced, provides a 20 car parking lot, picnic tables, self-registration station, dog waste disposal bags and containers, and mowed trails. The Middleton Dog Exercise Area was designed to compliment the Dane County and City of Madison dog parks and this area will have the same designated use and regulations as those areas. Dog owners with a County-issued permit may use Middleton's dog exercise area without paying an additional fee.

Permits

All permits are valid at all Dane County Parks and City of Madison Dog Exercise Areas. Permits are available at the Middleton City Hall, 7426 Hubbard Avenue, or by self-registration on site. Permits are valid from January - December annually. Proof of dog licenses may be purchased at Middleton City Hall. For pricing information please go the City Hall Clerk's Licenses Page.

Directions

The site is located north of Middleton on the left side of CTH Q, just south of the CTH K intersection.

Rules

	Dogs must be restrained on a leash at all times except in designated dog exercise areas.
	Dogs must be under the control of the owner at all times.
	Do not allow your dog to interfere with other park visitors or disturb wildlife.
	Wildlife is plentiful and your dog does risk encountering a wild animal.
	State law requires all dogs to be vaccinated against rabies.
	Your dog must be licensed and should wear an identification tag.
	Dog waste on trails and in the dog exercise area is offensive and can spread disease to other dogs and humans. Please clean up after your dog and use the waste system provided.
	The City of Middleton is designating this area as an off-leash dog exercise area because of strong demand and to meet the recreational needs of pet owners.

A Safety Message

	Many plants, fungi, and water resources my be poisonous to your dog.
	Vegetation may have burrs or seeds that could get tangled in your dog's coat, or lodged in your dog's ears or eyes
	Wild animals, particularly skunks, raccoons, or badgers could be dangerous to your dog.
	"Batchers", or dog thieves have been known to take unleashed dogs when they are out of the owners sight. Please stay in visual contact with your dog.
	Dogs can easily become lost in large areas, especially in the winter when their sense of smell is less keen because of the cold and snow.
	Do not confine your dog in a vehicle in extreme hot or cold weather.
	Additional information is available from the Public Lands Department at (608) 827-1044.