Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- When did the park open?
- Where is the park located?
- Is it a public park?
- Are there rules for dog park users?
- What are the park hours?
- Where do I park?
- What kinds of things can we do at the dog park?
- Is there a Small Dog Area?
- Will anyone be checking dog licenses?
- What about bringing my puppy to the dog park?
- What if I observe someone not following the rules?
- How do I know if my dog will behave at the dog park if it's his first time?
- How about pond safety?
Click on the question to link to the answer below.
The Howard & Erna Soldan Park's grand opening was on September 17, 2007. The park has been made possible largely through a generous donation from Howard Soldan II, Soldan's Feeds & Pet Supplies.
The Soldan Dog Park is located just north of Hawk Island County Park. The dog park's main entrance is through Hawk Island County Park, 1601 East Cavanaugh Rd. (between Pennsylvania and Aurelius), Lansing. You may also access the park from its west entrance off the River Trail in Scott Woods.
Yes, the park is FREE (owned by the City of Lansing and operated by Ingham County Parks Dept.). Membership fees and donations to Friends of Greater Lansing Dog Parks support park maintenance and development of dog parks.
Are there rules for dog park users?
Yes, standard dog park rules apply and include things such as dogs must be under the control of owners at all times, dogs must be licensed and wear a license in the park, owners must pick up after their dogs, no dogs in heat allowed in the park, no more than 2 dogs per adult, children under 16 yrs. must be accompanied by an adult, and use of the dog park is at your own risk. For a complete set of rules, click here. You are responsible for all information.
The Soldan Dog Park is open year-round and operates on the same hours as Hawk Island. Open at 7 a.m. or 8 a.m. (depending on the season) and close ½ hour after sunset.
Drive to the very north end of Hawk Island, and then walk a short distance (with your dog(s) on-leash) past the Hawk Island Maintenance Bldg. to the main entrance of the Soldan Dog Park. There are signs posted in Hawk Island to direct you to the dog park and to parking for the dog park. There is a $2 per day fee for Ingham County residents and $4 per day fee for all others to park in Hawk Island on weekends--during the summer months only (Memorial Day to Labor Day). Annual parking passes are available for $20 per year for Ingham residents and $40 per year for all others.
What kinds of things can we do at the dog park?
The Soldan Dog Park is made up of more than 17 previously-undeveloped acres on the east side of Scott Woods. It is a diverse natural area with trails, a large pond, and an expansive open field at the north end of the acreage. It is a beautiful natural setting with plenty of room for your dog to roam off-leash-with you close by, of course! There is a pet/human drinking fountain with water for you and your dog and plenty of poop bags so that you can pick up after your dog.
There is a special area enclosed in the SE corner of the park by the main entrance just for small dogs (dogs 25 lbs or less).
Will anyone be checking dog licenses?
Ingham County Animal Control officers will be at the park periodically to spot-check dog licenses. In addition, park security staff or volunteer Dog Park Ambassadors may ask to see your dog's current license.
What about bringing my puppy to the dog park?
Owners should keep puppies under the age of four months at home. They are not fully immunized yet, so are at a higher risk for contracting diseases. This is one of the reasons that our dog park rules require dogs to be licensed in order to use the park. Apart from the fact that licensing your dog is required by law, the licensing process requires proof of rabies immunization-a key requirement. In addition, puppies are very vulnerable to being traumatized by the inappropriate behavior of another dog. Having a bad experience at the dog park early in the life of a puppy can affect the dog for the rest of his life. Give him time to grow up a little before joining in the fun at the park.
What if I observe someone not following the rules?
The park will be self-monitored by the people who accompany the dogs. It's worked just fine in other off-leash parks throughout the country. The success of the dog park will ultimately depend on how well all of us as dog park users follow the rules and say something to others when we see the rules not being observed. The Friends of Greater Lansing Dog Parks will also have our volunteer Dog Park Ambassadors on-site periodically to answer questions and help people understand and follow the rules. There will be an Incident Reporting system in place to report any concerns regarding the dog park.
How do I know if my dog will behave at the dog park if it's his first time?
Check out our website at www.lansingunleashed.com for tips on 'Getting Ready for the Dog Park'.
The pond and its perimeter are currently undeveloped although future enhancements to the park could include developing a sandy beach area and dock for water dogs. The pond water has been tested for e-coli, the same testing that is done for human beaches. For further information, contact the Ingham County Health Dept. Signs are posted, and the pond is NOT for human swimming or wading since no lifeguard is present. There are plans to install temporary snow fencing in the winter to restrict access to the pond once ice forms. As with the dog park overall, use of the pond by your dog is strictly at your own risk.