Ocean City Dog Park Remains a Strong Local Draw

Five years after it first opened in May 2007, the at 45th Street and Haven Avenue continues to grow as a canine Shangri-La.

“By spring, we hope to have a new sand refill project for the entire park," says John Szramiak, president of the park. "Water fountains are being replaced, and we’re getting tunnels. Future projects that we are considering are an electronic sign board for information purposes, and a shallow pond that drains water to cool dogs off in the summertime. Play equipment is on the way.”

The park offers a clean space for dogs to run with their friends and play on various equipment.

But there are rules. Dogs must be registered and immunized. Leashes can come off only in the “Unleashed Area.”  Owners, 18 or older, must accompany pets, clean up after them, and fill in any holes dogs might dig. Visit the dog park website for list of all rules and regulations.

Szramiak is a great proponent and voice for the organization. He upholds the mission statement of the park:

“To create a fenced-in, off-leash dog park where well behaved canine citizens can exercise in a clean, safe environment without endangering or annoying people, property or local wildlife. To develop a beautiful and well-maintained space open to dog lovers and friends who are willing to uphold the park's rules and regulations.”

Dog park hours are from dawn to dusk, seven days a week. Park visitors must have a Paw Pass, available at City Hall. Paw passes are non-transferable.

There are three sections in the dog park: for large dogs 25 pounds or more, for small dogs less than 25 pounds and a dog run area for all dogs. 

The dog park offers amenities such as a double-gated entrance, locking gates, picnic tables, open shed shelters, benches, water fountains, pooper scooper dispensers, inoperable fire hydrants, play equipment, port-a-potties and free parking.

Szramiak adds that is important to remember that “the dog park operates under collaborative agreement with the Ocean City Dog Park Association.”

“We provide direction and recommendations, and the city does their part with maintenance and a few other things,” adds Szramiak.

To offset costs for maintenance and park amenities, the Ocean City Dog Park Association holds an annual Dog of the Year contest.  This year the contest runs from July 29 to Sept. 19. All dogs must have a sponsor, and the dog who garners the most donations wins Dog of the Year.

This past year’s winner was Misty, a black standard poodle.  Misty is the kind of dog that doesn’t jump, but rather bounces.  Her owner Joan Billet says that applications to enter your dog will be distributed starting in April to Ocean City and the surrounding areas.  Applications can be seen all over town and at Stainton’s.  Applications will be accepted until mid-June.  Send applications to P.O. Box 145, Ocean City, New Jersey.  The dog that garners the most donations wins Dog of the Year.

Two of the twelve nominations will be reserved for the Humane Society’s chosen contestant, and a discretionary contestant nominated by the OCDP Board of Directors.  Only one dog will be selected per breed, including one of mixed origin.  Completed applications must include a $10 entry fee and a photo of the nominated canine.  All twelve DOY contestants are required to have an Ocean City Business Sponsor.  Donation jars will be placed in each business sponsor’s location, and at locations in and around Ocean City, including the Boardwalk at the Music Pier.

The dog park is a fabulous environment for your canine friend, and the Dog of the Year contest is a great opportunity to show off your dog and to donate to a great organization.  And if you would like to book Misty for any event, she is available!