The city of Ann Arbor is piloting a “Field of Dreams” pop-up dog park at Veteran’s Memorial Park (field #4), providing locals and their dogs an off-leash space for socialization and play.
Opened November 15, 2024, the pop-up will remain until April 20. The park welcomes visitors daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., with field lights shining after dark. Veteran’s Park is located at 2150 Jackson Avenue near the intersection of Maple and Jackson.
The city said that a permit must be obtained in order for dogs to participate in the pop-up dog park. The dog’s current license must be displayed, and all owners must clean up after their dogs. Dogs, however, are allowed to be off their leashes inside the fence.
The overall feedback from those interviewed has been overwhelmingly positive, with some caveats.
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“I think it’s amazing,” Jennifer Barton said. “Very helpful with my Border Collie. I wish everyone would clean up after their dog, though.”
One of the most positive aspects of the “Field of Dreams” is to create a space where dogs can randomly interact. It also offers an opportunity for owners to mingle.
“I think it’s a great option for people to socialize their dogs,” Yooyung I said. “We have a rescue, and he is curious and friendly but scared, so he sniffs outside the fence, meets dogs and give him the option to go inside, but he hasn’t made it past the internal gate. Work-in-progress.”
We have been to the pop-up numerous times, and the vast majority of the time, the dogs are enjoying themselves and getting along well. But there are always exceptions.
The area features about 1.4 acres of space with small dogs and larger dogs integrated together.
“Putting in my two cents that I think every article about dog parks should mention the downsides,” Britt Tennyson said. “Untrained dogs and owners can put others at risk.”
“My issue has been around handicap access…” said Johanna Mabry. “…I need closer parking. The mud from the baseball diamond is horrific, and I don’t think we can go back until there’s some plan for blocking off the baseball diamond surface. Love the lights for evening options and has great potential for this side of town.”
Field number 4 is the closest field to any of the parking lots. After April 20, the City will evaluate whether to make the pop-up permanent or explore other options.
Donna Marie Iadipaolo is a writer, journalist, and State of Michigan certified teacher, since 1990. She has written for national publications like The Village Voice, Ear Magazine of New Music, Insurance & Technology, and TheStreet.
She is now writing locally for many publications, including Current Magazine, Ann Arbor Family, and the Ann Arbor Independent. Her undergraduate degree is from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where she graduated with an honors bachelor’s degree and three teacher certificate majors: mathematics, social sciences, English. She also earned three graduate degrees in Master of Science, Master of Arts, and Education Specialist Degree.
