Burlington Regional Dog Park information – updated

Mission Statement

Our mission is to support a fenced, off-leash canine recreation area, where well-behaved canine citizens and their handlers can socialize and exercise in a clean, safe environment without endangering or disturbing people, property or wildlife. The friends of the Burlington Regional Dog Park want to develop a beautiful and well-maintained space open to dog lovers and friends who are willing to uphold the park’s regulations. The friends promote education, training and recreational activities that facilitate responsible dog ownership and well-behaved dogs.

The Park

The Burlington Regional Dog Park officially opened Aug. 30 and has been a great asset to Burlington and all of Southeast Iowa and western Illinois since then.

The park currently features 1.4 acres of wide-open space in which dogs can run and play off-leash. The park has a double-gated entry system to ensure the safety of all park users. Park rules are posted at the entrance. They are also available in the brochure holder just inside the gate. Dog park membership forms are also available in the holder.

Park memberships are $10 per year. Tags purchased now are good through the end of 2010. To get a tag, owners must have written proof of rabies vaccination. If they live in the city of Burlington, a city tag is also required. Tags are available at City Hall, Summer Street Animal Clinic, Allgood Animal Hospital, and Horse and Hound Country Store. Forms are also available at www.freeoftheleash.com and then can be mailed to the address listed on the form. All owners must sign a liability waiver. They will also receive a copy of the park rules with their tag.

The park boasts a waste disposal system with waste disposal bags and a garbage can, two other garbage cans within the fence, and two covered bench areas.

More amenities are coming soon.

There are plans to add a donated water fountain, four donated trees, and a small dog area. Those things are scheduled to be completed this fall.

We will also be adding a donation box at the entrance for visitors using the park. There is a $3 daily fee to use the Burlington Regional Dog Park.

In the works for the future are an informational kiosk, more waste disposal systems, moveable agility equipment, and more toys for the dogs to share. Right now, there are community frisbees and tennis balls in the park. We would like to get soft frisbees to replace the hard plastic ones.

Volunteer Opportunities

The committee is always looking for committed volunteers to help at events. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Amber Ver Kuilen at 319-753-8130 or e-mail burlingtondogpark@gmail.com

Donations

The Burlington Regional Dog Park is in need of funds for park amenities, and for upkeep and improvements.

Donations can be sent to: Burlington City Hall, Attn. Amber Ver Kuilen, 400 Washington St., Burlington IA 52601

Newsletter

The Burlington Regional Dog Park puts out a regular newsletter. It contains park updates, pictures and features as well as information on upcoming park events. If you would like to receive the newsletter, please send your name and e-mail address to burlingtondogpark@gmail.com.

About Us

The Burlington Regional Dog Park committee is now in its second incarnation.

The first group of canine advocates did all of the background work and laid the groundwork for the approval of the Burlington Regional Dog Park. The City of Burlington approved a 1.4-acre piece of land in Dankwardt Park for the dog park in 2008.

The new dog park committee — Amber VerKuilen, Nick Bergin, Justin Bushong, Nick Stark and Susan Denk — have taken over the fundraising duties to add amenities to the park.