[do] Chapin Park is Going to the Dogs
Winter always seems to drag on. That first dip in temperature always takes the wind out of my sails. And the stir-craziness that days upon days of cold, gray weather turns me into a pasty white Hulk. I know I’m not the only one, too. By January, that 90-pound mess that I call Yellow Dog starts giving me a dejected look like, “Is it going to be like this forever?”
Now that spring has arrived, Wichitans of the two- and four-legged variety alike are ready to soak up the sunshine – and shed those winter pounds. What better way to shake off your hibernation stupor than to take your canine friend to Chapin Park for some much-needed recreation?
Chapin Park at 2400 E. MacArthur Road, is 190 acres of walking and biking trails, a model airplane flying range and Wichita’s first dog park. Although it has only been open since late last year, the city already has two more municipal dog parks in the works – in Meridian Park and near the Kansas Humane Society.
The dog park is divided into two fenced sections, an acre-and-a-half plot for dogs less than 25 lbs. and seven acres for large dogs. On either side, dogs get a chance to have some off-leash fun – to run, play fetch or just play with each other. Shade structures and drinking fountains help ensure the safety of your pets during those – har har – Dog Days of Summer.
Before you head out to Chapin Park, there are a few things you need to remember:
- Check out the dog park rules on the city’s website.
- Stock up on antibacterial gel and baby wipes, because you’re going to get slobbered on – by your dog or others’ dogs.
- Prepare for lots of sun by bringing a water dish for your dog, and sunscreen and water for you.
- All that running and jumping makes some dogs have to poop – and poop they do – so bring bags to clean up after your dog.
- Speaking of poop, wear appropriate shoes (not flip-flops). Should you happen to step on a stinky landmine, you’ll be thanking me instead of vomiting all the way back to your car.
- Be prepared to make lots of new friends – some human and some canine.
If you’ve been to the dog park at Chapin Park, we’d love to hear what you think of it.
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Love the park – and our dog loves it more. Expect your dog to be a bit shy at first since the park is something she/he has never experienced before. Free at last! Able to sniff copious butts without any recourse. Free to roam without a leash. Get to play with (mostly) well behaved dogs.
FYI – don’t take your dog if they don’t behave well with others – or – if she might be going into heat (we Wichitian’s do have our standards after all).
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