FAQ'S CONCERNING
THE CAPE MAY COUNTY DOG PARK
LOCATED IN OCEAN CITY, NJ
Q - What is the official name of the Park?
A - The Cape May County Dog Park located in Ocean City, NJ
Q - Where is the Park located in the City?
A - The Park is located at 45th Street & Haven Avenue. When heading southbound on West Avenue, make a right hand turn onto 45th Street and precede approximately ¼ of a block until you see the Dog Park sign on your right. The Park's parking lot will be located on your right hand side. Handicap parking is available. Signs have been placed on West Avenue in both directions denoting the location of the Park.
Q - Is the Dog Park open and who can utilize the facility?
A - Yes, the Park officially opened in October '06. Access cards ("Paw-Passes") are currently available to any individual who submits the following:
- A completed "Paw-Pass" Application Form
- Proof of a municipal dog license. Please note that the license does not have to be issued from the City of Ocean City, but from the location of the dog's main year round residence.
- Proof of up to date immunizations (Rabies)
- Signed Release of Liability & Waiver Form
- Receipt of one (1) of the following fees:
- Cape May County Residents - $30.00
- Non-Cape May County Residents - $40.00
- Short Term Users (Weekly) - $10.00 (Note: this pass is intended for those individuals that wish to utilize the Park for a one week or limited duration only)
Q - What are the hours of operation of the Park?
A - Currently, the Park is open from 8 AM - Dusk, seven (7) days a week, weather and conditions permitting. On occasion the Park may be closed for short durations for maintenance related issues.
Q - Who is currently processing the applications for the access cards ("Paw-Pass") application forms?
A - At this point all inquiry calls should be directed to the City Hall Receptionist who is located in City Hall at 861 Asbury Avenue, Main Entranceway, Telephone # (609) 399.6112, between the hours of 9:00 AM & 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday.
Additionally, the Ocean City Dog Park Association has a website @ www.oceancitydogpark.org where updates and photos of the Park can be found. The site also contains information for those individuals that wish to become volunteers in their organization. Further, information on the Park can be obtained from the City's website @ www.ocnj.us.
Q - How is the Park structured and setup for use?
A - As designed by the County Engineer, the Park is broken down into three (3) distinctly separate fenced in areas. They are as follows:
- Large Dog Area (Dogs over >25lbs.)
- Small Dog Area (Dogs under <25lbs.)
- Dog Run Area (All dogs)
Additionally, there are three (3) separate entrance/exit areas. This provides a safe area for you to remove or put on your leash before entering or leaving the Park.
When registering your dog, it will be determined based on the information provided which areas your dog will have access to in the Park. Each access card ("Paw-Pass") will be programmed to only allow access to those designated areas. Through the use of this software feature we are hopeful that we can help minimize potential problems and misuse of the Park.
Q - What facilities are available at the Park for both the owners and the dogs?
A - As described above there are three (3) separate fenced in areas for the dogs to run off leash. Additionally, the following facilities are currently available:
- A shared pavilion with a picnic table in each area
- Water fountains for both the dogs and owners
- "Pooper-Scooper" dispensers and disposable bags
- Trash containers
- Sitting benches
- Handicap parking area
- Designated off-street parking lot
Q - Are there any future plans to add plantings or interactive items to the Park?.
A - Yes, currently a large planter and irrigation being installed in the Large Dog area. A tree and plants will follow in the Spring. Further there are plans to add additional plantings and more interactive items to the facility. Through the receipt of both Park user fees, fundraisers and donations, it is the Association’s plan to add to the facility in the coming year. At this point, we have been provided an excellent base from the County to build on, and will be working to further improve the Park as time goes on. If you wish to make a donation to this endeavor, please go to the Association’s website @ www.oceancitydogpark.org for further information and details.
Q - Are the "Paw-Passes" transferable between different dog owners?
A - No, passes are not transferable between owners! As you are aware, each dog must be registered and each owner is required to complete the “Paw-Pass Application Form” and to sign the “Acceptance of Risk & Release of Liability Waiver Form”. Additionally, by signing the Release & Risk of Liability Waiver form, each applicant is assuming the risk and liability for the dogs that they have registered. By allowing other dogs to enter the Park with your pass, you have now assumed full liability for those dogs and have breached our contractual agreement for use of the Park. Further, we have tried diligently to ensure that every dog utilizing the Park has been properly vaccinated and has passed an initial screening process. Your failure to adhere to these basic rules could jeopardize your ability to utilize the Park in the future, as well as the Park itself.
Q – What can I do if my pass is stolen or lost?
A – If your pass is stolen or lost, please report the incident to the City Hall Receptionist as soon as possible. Upon notification, the City will disable the pass from further use. Further, you can apply for a replacement pass for a nominal fee of $5.00.
Q - Are there any plans to improve the ground cover in the Park?
A - Yes, currently the City is testing a sand mix that has been applied over the pea gravel in the Dog Run. It is our hope that the sand will compact with the gravel to form a more solid base that is easier for both the dogs and their owners to walk on. If the test area is successful, it is the City’s plan over the coming year to prepare the other areas of the facility in a similar fashion. Hopefully, this measure will resolve this issue. Over that past year we have received the most number of inquiries about this subject.
Q - Are “Paw Pass” card holders permitted to bring friends with them to the Park?
A - Yes, you are permitted to bring friends with you to the Park. With that said, we do caution that you are responsible for them and their actions while in the Park. Further, they are not permitted to bring their dog with them when visiting.
(Revised: 1/12/12)