Captain Jack Peterson Dog Park

For dog owners in Massachusetts, finding a dedicated and well-maintained space where their beloved companions can safely run, play, and socialize off-leash is a true game-changer. In New Bedford, a standout facility that caters to these needs is the Captain Jack Peterson Dog Park. This park offers a unique and highly structured environment, setting it apart from typical public dog parks, and providing a premium experience for its members.

This comprehensive article will delve into all aspects of the Captain Jack Peterson Dog Park, from its unique access system and meticulously managed grounds to its robust community events. Designed for local Massachusetts users, this guide aims to provide all the factual information needed to understand what makes this park a cherished and highly recommended destination for responsible dog owners in New Bedford and beyond. If you're seeking a secure, clean, and well-regulated environment for your furry friend, read on to discover if this park is the perfect fit.

The Captain Jack Peterson Dog Park, located in New Bedford, Massachusetts, is not just another dog park; it's a members-only, thoughtfully designed facility that prioritizes safety, cleanliness, and responsible pet ownership. Established to honor Captain Jack Peterson, a beloved local radio host and avid animal lover, the park aims to provide an exceptional off-leash experience.

What immediately distinguishes this park is its controlled access: entry is granted via a key fob system, ensuring that only registered members and their dogs, who meet specific health and licensing requirements, can enter. This membership model contributes significantly to the park's reputation for being "clean and well kept," and fosters a community of attentive and responsible owners. The park is often described as "the best money I've ever spent on my dog" by its frequent users, highlighting the high value and positive experience it offers daily.

The park's focus is on providing a secure and stimulating environment where dogs can truly socialize and play hard, with systems in place to minimize common dog park issues like mud, mess, and unsupervised children. This dedication to a high-quality experience makes it a premier destination for serious dog enthusiasts in the region.

The Captain Jack Peterson Dog Park is conveniently located at 111 Greenwood St, New Bedford, MA 02740, USA. Its address places it next to Keith Middle School, between Greenwood Street and Ruggles Street, making it a central and accessible spot for New Bedford residents and even non-residents who meet the membership criteria.

Access to the park is exclusively via a key fob, which members purchase and register at the City Clerk's office. This ensures a controlled and secure environment, enhancing safety for all users. While this system requires an initial step of registration and payment, it contributes to a more managed and potentially safer environment than open-access parks. Parking is generally available, often within the vicinity of Keith Middle School, making it convenient for members to bring their dogs for daily visits.

The Captain Jack Peterson Dog Park offers a robust suite of services and amenities, carefully designed to provide a superior experience for its canine and human members:

• Key Fob Access System: The park operates on a secure key-fob entry system, requiring an annual membership purchased at the New Bedford City Clerk's office. This ensures that all dogs are licensed and have up-to-date rabies vaccinations, promoting a healthier and safer environment for all.

• Separated Play Yards: The park features "Two large separated yards" which is a critical service for safe play. This allows for dedicated areas for "tiny dog" or for larger dogs who may need a "time-out," accommodating different sizes and play styles, although many tiny dogs are noted to "run with the big dogs without a problem."

• Advanced Ground Cover & Drainage: The park utilizes "Peastone ground cover," which is highly effective in keeping the park "water and mud free." This unique surface is coupled with an "irrigation system comes on every evening to wash down any urine smell and keeps the dust down," ensuring a consistently clean and odor-controlled environment.

• Waste Management Facilities: "Trash, and bags" are provided within the park, facilitating responsible waste disposal and contributing to the park's cleanliness. Members are expected to utilize these resources.

• Regular Cleaning & Maintenance: The automated irrigation system for cleanliness, combined with general upkeep, demonstrates a strong commitment to maintaining a hygienic and pleasant space for daily use.

• Membership Processing: The City Clerk's office handles membership applications and renewals, ensuring that all dogs meet licensing and vaccination requirements for park entry.

The Captain Jack Peterson Dog Park boasts several impressive features that make it a standout choice for Massachusetts dog owners:

• Controlled, Secure Environment: The key-fob access system is a major highlight, ensuring that only compliant dogs and responsible owners enter, which greatly enhances safety and reduces issues commonly found in open public parks. The fencing is secure, providing peace of mind for owners.

• Superior Ground Surface: The "peastone ground cover" is a significant advantage, eliminating mud and allowing for consistent cleanliness. The automated "irrigation system" for washing down urine and controlling dust is a well-thought-out feature that maintains a fresh environment daily.

• Dedicated Age/Size Zones: The two separate yards are a key feature for accommodating dogs of all sizes and energy levels, allowing for more appropriate play groupings.

• Attentive Ownership Community: Reviewers consistently praise the "mostly attentive" owners who "mind their dogs behavior to avoid problems," fostering a cooperative and responsible community within the park.

• Night Lighting: The "pathway has bollard lights," indicating that the park is well-lit, allowing for safe and enjoyable visits even after dark.

• Exclusion of Young Children: A notable and appreciated feature for many, the park explicitly states "NO KIDS. 18 + only." This rule is strictly enforced to enhance safety for dogs and reduce liability concerns, ensuring the park remains a dedicated canine space.

• Seasonal Park Events: The park hosts various "Seasonal park events at Halloween, Christmas, open house days, summer water parties etc." These events create a vibrant community atmosphere and offer additional fun opportunities for members and their dogs.

The Captain Jack Peterson Dog Park, while operating on a paid membership model, offers its "special offers" in the form of structured benefits and community events rather than discounts. The membership itself can be seen as an investment in a premium, highly maintained, and secure environment for your dog.

• Annual Membership Fee: The cost of membership is an "annual fee only $25 for residents, $10 for New Bedford Senior 65+, and $35 for non-residents." This fee provides year-round, exclusive access to the park's facilities.

• One-time Key Fob Fee: New applicants will also incur a "one-time fee of $15" for the key fob, which grants physical access to the park.

• Exclusive Events: The "Seasonal park events" like Halloween and Christmas parties, open house days, and summer water parties are effectively "special offers" for members, providing unique social and recreational opportunities not available to the general public.

These structured fees ensure the ongoing maintenance and high quality of the park, creating a valuable long-term "promotion" for responsible dog owners seeking a superior off-leash experience in Massachusetts.

For detailed information on membership, rules, or any inquiries regarding the Captain Jack Peterson Dog Park, the primary point of contact is the City of New Bedford's City Clerk's Office, where memberships and key fobs are processed. The park is managed in collaboration with the City's Parks, Recreation & Beaches Department and the Friends of the Dog Park.

Address:
Captain Jack Peterson Dog Park
111 Greenwood St, New Bedford, MA 02740, USA

For Membership & Key Fobs:
New Bedford City Clerk's Office
133 William St - Room 118
New Bedford, MA 02740
Phone: (508) 979-1450
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (check for possible Friday variations like 8 AM - 12 PM)

For General Park Inquiries or Management:
New Bedford Parks, Recreation & Beaches
181 Hillman St., Building 3
New Bedford, MA 02740
Phone: (508) 961-3015
Email: CaptainJackDogPark@gmail.com (for the dog park specifically) or info.prb@newbedford-ma.gov (for Parks, Recreation & Beaches)

It is always recommended to check the official City of New Bedford website or the Captain Jack Peterson Dog Park Facebook page for the most current information, rules, and event schedules.

For Massachusetts dog owners, particularly those in New Bedford and surrounding areas, the Captain Jack Peterson Dog Park offers an unparalleled off-leash experience that is highly suitable and exceptionally beneficial. While it operates on a membership and key-fob access system, this structure is precisely what makes it so appealing to responsible pet parents.

The controlled entry ensures that only licensed, vaccinated dogs with attentive owners are present, significantly reducing risks and fostering a safer, more predictable environment than many open public parks. The unique "peastone ground cover" and daily irrigation system effectively tackle common issues like mud, dust, and odor, providing a consistently clean and comfortable play area. This meticulous maintenance, combined with separate zones for different dog sizes, guarantees a high-quality experience for all canine visitors.

Beyond the physical amenities, the park cultivates a strong community of "mostly attentive" owners who actively supervise their dogs, contributing to a harmonious atmosphere. The explicit rule restricting children under 18 ensures the park remains a dedicated and safe space for dogs to socialize and play without potential conflicts or liability concerns. Furthermore, the regular "Seasonal park events" transform the park into a vibrant social hub for members, adding immense value beyond just daily exercise.

As one reviewer succinctly put it, it's "Best money I've ever spent on my dog." For New Bedford locals seeking a secure, clean, well-managed, and community-focused dog park where their furry friends can truly thrive, the Captain Jack Peterson Dog Park is an outstanding investment and a premier choice in Massachusetts.