Introduction
The Broad Ripple dog park in Indianapolis, Indiana is a beloved community fixture known for its sprawling green space and scenic location along the White River. Opened in 2012 after years of planning and advocacy from local dog owners, it quickly became one of the premier dog parks in central Indiana.
At over 5 acres, the Broad Ripple dog park provides plenty of room for dogs to run and play off-leash. It features separate areas for large and small dogs, agility equipment, shaded seating for humans, and easy access to the river for swimming. Located adjacent to the Monon Trail, the park seamlessly connects with the Indianapolis greenway system.
With its ample amenities, beautiful natural setting, and proximity to Broad Ripple Village, the Broad Ripple dog park has become a popular gathering place for local dog lovers and their four-legged friends. On any given day you’ll find the park filled with wagging tails, flying frisbees, and smiling faces. It’s a beloved community asset and a testament to the dog-friendly spirit of Indianapolis.
Park Hours
The Broad Ripple Dog Park has open park hours from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily. These hours remain consistent throughout the year, with no seasonal changes or closures. The park gates are opened at 6 AM every morning and then closed and locked promptly at 10 PM every night.
Park goers should be aware that the gates may close up to 15 minutes before the actual closing time, so you should plan on exiting the park before 10 PM to avoid getting locked inside. Once the gates are locked for the evening, you will not be able to exit until they are reopened the next morning.
Park rules prohibit anyone from jumping the fences or remaining inside the park when it is closed. Those found in violation may face fines or lose their park privileges. For your own safety and to avoid penalties, it’s important to abide by the closing time rules at Broad Ripple Dog Park.
Park Amenities
Broad Ripple Dog Park is equipped with excellent amenities to make sure you and your dog have the best experience. The park features separate areas for both large and small dogs to ensure safety and comfort for all visitors.
The large dog area spans over 2 acres and has a walking trail that loops around the perimeter. There are multiple water stations along the trail to keep your pup hydrated. Tall trees provide ample shade so your dog can cool off on hot summer days. Benches are scattered throughout for pet parents to sit and relax while their dogs play.
The small dog area is around half an acre in size. It also has a walking path with periodic shade and seating. This section is perfect for diminutive dogs that would easily get overpowered by larger breeds. The separate spaces allow all dogs, regardless of size, to roam freely without fear.
In addition to the spacious areas for exercise, Broad Ripple Dog Park also offers waste bags and trash bins for cleaning up after your pet. Signs are posted reminding owners to leash their dogs before exiting and to refrain from bringing young children into the park.
Park Rules
To ensure all visitors have a safe and pleasant experience, Broad Ripple Dog Park has established some basic rules that all owners should follow when bringing their dogs to the park:
Vaccinations and Licensing
All dogs must be up-to-date on their rabies, distemper, parvo, and bordetella vaccinations. They must also be licensed in accordance with local regulations. Owners should carry proof of vaccinations and licensing.
Clean Up
Owners must clean up and properly dispose of their dog’s waste, both solid and liquid. Waste bags and trash bins are provided throughout the park.
Aggressive Dogs
Dogs showing aggression toward people or other animals must be leashed and immediately removed from the park. Any incidents should be reported to park staff.
Banned Breeds
Certain breeds with aggressive reputations are not permitted, including Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and Doberman Pinschers. Owners will be asked to remove any dogs from these breeds.
Other Guidelines
Dogs must be leashed when entering and exiting the park. Owners must closely supervise their dogs and not leave them unattended. Dogs in heat are prohibited. Professional dog trainers may not use the park for commercial purposes or groups.
Nearby Attractions
The Broad Ripple Dog Park is conveniently located near several other fun attractions you can check out before or after your dog park visit.
Just a short walk from the dog park along the Monon Trail are several other public green spaces, including the Broad Ripple Park, which has a playground, basketball courts, baseball diamonds, and a skatepark. The nearby White River State Park offers beautiful riverfront trails.
Broad Ripple Village is home to lots of quirky local shops, restaurants, cafes, and nightlife spots. Grab a coffee at Good Morning Mama’s or check out the many thrift stores and boutiques like Bloom Thrift Shop. When you’ve worked up an appetite, try the burgers at BRICS or the globally inspired small plates at Rize.
If you need a bite after the dog park, walk over to The Barking Dog – a bar that allows dogs on their patio! For a classic diner meal, head to Scrambler Marie’s just down the road.
With so much to do steps away, you’ll want to plan extra time to explore Broad Ripple before or after your dog park visit.
Getting to the Park
Getting to Broad Ripple Dog Park is easy with several convenient options:
By Car
The physical address for Broad Ripple Dog Park is:
1610 Broad Ripple Ave
Indianapolis, IN 46220
There is free parking available in the adjacent parking lot off Westfield Blvd. The lot can get busy during peak times, but parking is usually available. Drive slowly when entering and exiting the parking lot as there is often a lot of pedestrian traffic from the park.
Public Transportation
For those looking to take public transportation, the IndyGo bus is a great option. The #17 bus has a stop right in front of the park entrance along Broad Ripple Ave. Several other bus routes stop nearby as well along Broad Ripple Ave and Westfield Blvd.
The Red Line also stops nearby at the Broad Ripple Station, about a half mile south of the park. From there, you can easily walk to the park by heading north on Broad Ripple Ave.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
If you and your furry friend are visiting Broad Ripple Dog Park for the first time, here are some tips to help make your visit fun and successful:
What to bring on your first visit:
- Collar/leash – All dogs must be leashed until they enter the off-leash area
- Waste bags – Be a responsible pet owner and clean up after your dog
- Treats – For rewarding and reinforcing good behavior
- Toys – Such as balls or frisbees to play fetch
- Water/water bowl – Hydration is important!
- Towel – To dry off any wet, muddy paws before heading home
Etiquette for dogs and owners:
- Supervise your dog closely, especially around small children
- Respect other visitors – Don’t allow aggressive play or excessive barking
- Keep dogs away from the picnic area
- Fill any holes your dog digs
- Make sure your dog is properly socialized before visiting
Making the most of your time there:
- Chat with other pet owners – It’s a community!
- Explore the walking trails
- Play in the pond on hot days
- Practice training commands
- Take photos of your dog playing and exploring
Popular Times to Visit
The Broad Ripple Dog Park sees its largest crowds on weekends, especially Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded before 10am. If you want to avoid crowds, aim to visit on weekdays earlier in the morning. The park also sees more visitors on warm sunny days and during the spring and summer months when the weather is nicer.
The least busy times at the Broad Ripple Dog Park are weekday mornings before 10am and weekday evenings after 7pm. Visiting during these off-peak times allows your dog to roam more freely and minimize interactions with unknown dogs if you prefer a less hectic experience.
Future Plans
The Broad Ripple Dog Park is always looking to improve and expand based on community feedback. Some of the future plans being considered include:
Adding more benches and shade structures. As the park grows in popularity, having additional seating and shade will enhance the visitor experience.
Installing agility equipment. Agility obstacles like tunnels, ramps, and weave poles provide mental stimulation and exercise for dogs. The park hopes to add a few beginner-friendly agility elements.
Expanding the small dog area. The current space for small dogs is often at capacity, so expanding it would allow more small dogs to enjoy the park safely.
Repaving the parking lot. The parking lot surface has deteriorated over the years and is due for repaving, which will happen as funding permits.
Adding more waste stations. Having more waste bag dispensers and trash cans throughout the park would make disposal more convenient for visitors.
To provide feedback or get involved with future plans, visit the park’s website to complete a survey or attend community meetings as they are announced. You can also connect with the Broad Ripple Dog Park on social media to share your thoughts and ideas. Community input is vital for improving this valuable local resource.
Conclusion
The Broad Ripple Dog Park is clearly a beloved community space in Indianapolis, offering a fenced-in area for dogs to play and socialize. With separate sections for large and small dogs, benches, shade, water stations, waste bags, and nearby parking, it provides a convenient spot for local dog owners to let their pets get exercise. The park’s location along the scenic Central Canal makes it an attractive destination. While the park does have rules to follow, such as cleaning up after your dog and supervising them at all times, it creates an enjoyable environment for pets and their owners.
With its amenities, location, and community feel, the Broad Ripple Dog Park is definitely worth a visit the next time you and your furry friend want to enjoy some time outdoors. Come see for yourself why this park has become so popular!