Background

The Paducah City Commission has challenged the public to raise $20,000 in funds for a dog park.  Once the public meets its goal, the City of Paducah will contribute an equal match for the construction of a dog park in Stuart Nelson Park. The Parks Services Department has reviewed several sites around Paducah and recommends placing the dog park on an approximately 7-acre section at the eastern end of Stuart Nelson Park.  The closest public dog parks are in Murray and Owensboro.  To view the slides from a presentation to the City Commission regarding the proposed dog park, click Dog Park Presentation.

Proposed Amenities and Rules

The dog park will have water, fencing, shelters, gravel parking, and pet waste receptacles.  The park will be partitioned into two sections based upon the weight of a dog with 30 pounds as the dividing weight.  Depending upon the amount of funds raised by supporters, the dog park could have amenities such as specialized water fountains and dog agility obstacles.  

The proposed dog park will have rules including owners will be responsible for their dogs, damage, or injuries and must pick up waste; each dog must have a collar and tags at all times; owners must carry a leash; dogs must not be left unattended; dogs must not be in heat, sick, or aggressive; and no more than three dogs per person. 

Dog Park Fundraising

Currently $18,500 has been raised by the public for the construction of a dog park. 

News Release March 10, 2012 >> 

Here are ways you can help contribute:

Sponsorships:  There are a variety of sponsorship opportunities for individuals or companies to support the dog park.  Sponsorship Opportunities >> 

Plaques:  To help raise money for the park, the Parks Services Department is accepting orders for printed plaques in the shape of a dog bone.  Once the park has been constructed, the plaques will be hung on the fence recognizing your support.  Each plaque costs $40 with the profit (approximately $25 per plaque) going toward the dog park fundraising effort.  Dog Park Plaque Order Form >> 

Monetary Donations:  Donations can be sent to

For more information about the fundraising efforts and how to make a donation, contact the Parks Department at 444-8508.