City of Syracuse Officially Opens Dog Park at Ormand Spencer Park

Published on June 15, 2021

City celebrates the grand opening of Carm’s Dog House Dog Park with a ribbon cutting event

The City of Syracuse officially opened Carm’s Dog House Dog Park in Ormand Spencer Park today as Syracuse residents and dog owners gathered to try out the new park space.

Carm’s Dog House Dog Park was built in a section of Ormand Spencer Park, located between University and Walnut Avenues just south of Erie Boulevard. The new enclosed dog park, made possible by community donors, features separate areas for small and large dogs, benches and waste stations.A “Founding Pups” plaque hangs in two locations and lists donors who donated a minimum of $100.

“This is a great day for pet owners and their four-legged friends in the City,” said Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh. “Having a dog park has long been needed in Syracuse, and I’m very happy to see it come to reality today.” A GoFundMe campaign for the Syracuse Parks Conservancy raised $13,125 from 78 donors. Carm’s Dog House, a dog groomer and doggie daycare in Cicero and Baldwinsville, donated another $14,500 in exchange for the naming rights on the dog park.

“Projects like this are exactly why the Parks Conservancy exists,” said Syracuse Parks Conservancy President Chris Wiles. “We are committed to doing everything we can do to support ideas that foster a positive park experience for our residents.”

“This project is a great example of our community working together to improve our city,” said Councilor Greene. “This dog park will be a wonderful place for Syracuse residents and their dogs to make new friends.”

The idea for a dog park gained traction last summer when Councilor-At-Large Michael Greene approached Parks Commissioner Julie LaFave to discuss options for building a city dog park. After several City departments coordinated efforts to move the plan forward, Councilor Greene teamed up with the Syracuse Parks Conservancy to raise the required funds.

The park is open from dawn to dusk.

When visiting the dog park, dog owners are to adhere to the following rules at all times:

  • Keep your dog on-leash when entering and leaving the dog park and always keep your leash with you. Leash must be no longer than six feet.
  • Your dog must have a valid license and have current rabies shot. Dogs should have their metal ID tag with a validated identification number attached to their collar. Owners without proof of rabies vaccine or license will be asked to leave the dog park. 
  • Your dog may not be in heat, sick, have parasites or be younger than four months old.
  • No food allowed inside. This includes dog food and treats.
  • You must remain in the park with your dog.
  • Dogs must be under visual and voice control at all times.
  • If your dog becomes aggressive, unruly or plays rough, please leash your dog and leave immediately.
  • Always clean-up after your dog. Dog waste containers are available and should always be used.
  • Close both entrance gates upon entering and leaving the dog park area. 
  • Please supervise your kids. Keep all children within arm’s length.
  • Because young children are very susceptible to dog bites, we strongly recommend that children under 10 years of age do not enter the Dog Park.
  • For emergencies call 911.
  • Comments or concerns, please contact the Syracuse Department of Parks, Recreation & Youth Programs at 315-473-4330.

For questions about the Carm’s Dog House Dog Park, contact the Syracuse Department of Parks, Recreation & Youth Programs at 315-473-4330.