Louisville, Kentucky has three major dog parks that are part of the Louisville Dog Run Association (LDRA). The LDRA is a non-profit organization which operates from park donations from users and businesses and park usage fees. If your dog needs more room to run and play than what you have in your back yard, then you’ll want to investigate one (or all!) of the three main Dog Runs (and off-leash areas) operated by the LDRA.
Before you read on, please be sure to check out LDRA’s website at www.louisvilledogs.com FIRST as you will need to get a permit for your dog before using the parks. As of early May, 2009, permits were not available for two of the following three parks (Sawyer and Cochran Hill) but if you sign up to receive LDRA emails, they will let you know when more permits are available.
Sawyer Dog Park is located in E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park and was the very first official off-leash dog park created in our community. The Sawyer Dog Park is comprised of four acres and divided into two main areas, (one section is for small dogs under 30 pounds and the other is for all dogs). Additionally, your dog will enjoy the shade provided by the vast amount of trees that dot the area.
Cochran Hill Dog Run is located in Cherokee Park, a 409 acre park and Louisville’s most visited park. The Cochran Hill Dog Run is located at the northern area of Cherokee Park near I-64 and Lexington Road. The dog area is divided into two areas, one for small dogs and the other for all dogs. It is made up of two acres.
Vettiner Dog Run is part of Charlie Vettiner Park in the southeastern part of Louisville. It’s located near the tennis courts in the southern portion of the park. Like Cochran, it is two acres in size and divided into two areas (small dogs and all dogs).
If you’re interested in getting your pooch a dog permit for one of the three LDRA dog parks, the cost in 2009 is $30 for the first dog, $20 for the second, $10 for the third and $5 for any additional dog. As stated, Sawyer and Cochran Hill do not have any permits available at the time of this writing, however, please contact the LDRA at (502) 424-7181 or write [email protected] to get on a waiting list for a permit.
The LDRA website also lists important rules for you and your dog to follow when using one of their parks such as a limit of dogs you may bring in at one time, shots that must be current, and picking up doggie waste. Be sure to check out the website for more information.
In addition to the three parks under the LDRA, there are plans to create a fenced dog park in the Louisville Champions Park (located at River Road and Edith Avenue). Check out www.louisville.ky.gov/MetroParks for more information.
Sources: www.louisvilleky.gov/MetroParks, www.louisvilledogs.com
