Higgins Dog Park - Fergus Falls

03/15/2022

Let there be L I G H T!
The dog park officially has light! They will turn on automatically at dusk and will shut off at dawn. Friendly reminder, the park closes at 10:30PM. Please do not go there after park hours.
Our next goal is to get a shaded structure/picnic shelter in the large area. We are working with local organizations to try and raise the funds. We will update when we know more 😊🐕‍🦺

12/01/2021

Happy Wednesday, everyone!
Just a friendly reminder to continue picking up after your dog! The City provides bags and many donated scoopers to help continue to keep the park clean. Thank you!🐩

10/21/2021

Hi, everyone! We hope everyone is enjoying this new addition to our community!

We just wanted to let everyone know that the water fountain is now turned off for the winter. It will be turned back on in the spring! Please plan ahead and bring water + a bowl for your furry friends.

08/25/2021

Park is NOT closed, but please use C A U T I O N !

07/07/2021

If you're a resident of Fergus Falls, please remember to register your pup! City pet licenses are good for two years. The cost to license a spayed or neutered pet is $10. The cost for pets NOT spayed or neutered is $20. There is no fee for senior citizens (age 65+), but their pets do need to be registered and the vaccination records must be provided.

At this time, those needing to license their pet (dog or cat), must do so at City Hall (112 Washington Avenue W). Please bring proof of your pet's rabies vaccination.  You will be asked to provide your pet's name, breed, gender and if the pet has been spayed or neutered.

07/01/2021

1. Owners are to supervise their dogs. Children 15 and under must be actively supervised by an adult. Children should be calm and interact with only those dogs the owner has given permission for.
2. Users of the park do so at their own risk. Park users and dog owners assume all risks related to the use of the dog park. Owners of a dog are responsible for the acts and conduct of their dog at all times. The city is not responsible for any injury or damage caused by any dog in the off-leash area.
3. Dog owners are legally and financially responsible for their dog's behavior. If your dog inflicts an injury to another dog or person, you must give your name and contact number to the other party involved before leaving the park.
4. Owners must pick up and dispose of f***s. No littering. Place all trash in receptacles provided.
5. All dogs must be up to date on vaccines, healthy, de-wormed, and wearing ID tags. All dogs must also be wearing a current city-issued license if the dog and dog's owner are residents of the City of Fergus Falls.
6. Our park is divided into two areas. Dogs should be separated on personality types, rather than size.
7. Dogs must be leashed prior to entering and leaving the park. Owners must always carry a leash for each dog. Spike collars are strictly prohibited.
8. Aggressive dogs and female dogs in heat are prohibited from entering the park.
9. The city is not responsible for any damages, lost or stolen property.
10. Anyone who sees unattended dogs please call Animal Control at 218-332-5862 or call 911 to report any emergencies. Any questions or concerns about the dog park, please call Fergus Falls Parks and Recreation at 218-332-5806
11. No food or smoking of any kind allowed.
12. Failure to abide by the park rules may result in loss of privileges or closing of the park.

07/01/2021

• Make your first visit without your dog to familiarize yourself with the site (parking, access gates, etc). Make your initial doggie visit at a time that is not as busy. Daytime hours during the week and late afternoons on the weekend are generally quiet times at the dog park.

• Remember that many dogs who visit the dog park are NOT socialized to children. Keep children close and DO NOT ALLOW running, screaming, or food. Do not allow your children to approach a dog without permission from the dog's handler.

• This dog park is divided into personality types rather than size. But keep in mind that larger dogs do have the ability to severely hurt smaller dogs.

• Know your dog! Not all dogs are good candidates for off-leash parks. If your dog has not had regular interaction with other dogs, it may lack the necessary social skills to make your visit safe and enjoyable. Check for training schools that offer remedial socialization classes for adult dogs or for trainers who will work with you at the off-leash parks. Socialize young puppies (8-16 weeks of age) at a puppy kindergarten class, not at the dog park.

• Let your dog off-leash as soon as you arrive within the boundaries of the park. Mixing leashed and unleashed dogs commonly causes problems. Leashed dogs often feel threatened by the free dogs and will display provocative body language and defensive behavior. If you are uncomfortable about letting your dog off-leash, DO NOT visit the off-leash park.

• Keep walking! Walking, rather than sitting or standing will help minimize defensive and territorial behaviors. This means that your dog is more likely to pass another dog with a friendly sniff instead of a stare-down.

• Be aware that dogs have different play styles, temperaments, and physical abilities. Many dogs love rambunctious play, but some dogs suffer from injuries, and some are timid and more aloof. Always respect the wishes of the handler and be prepared to move to another area of the park if your dog is too rambunctious. Leash up and leave if your dog is acting in an aggressive manner.

• Pick up p**p - always, everywhere! Hundreds of dogs visit the off-leash dog parks every month, and we want to keep it clean. Nobody likes to look at or step in dog p**p - please use the mutt mitts!

• Keep the area safe and clean. Remove extra water jugs. Pick up trash, cigarette butts, and orphan p**ps. Do not allow your dog to dig holes which can cause injuries to unsuspecting people and dogs. Leave the site in better condition than you found it. Small actions, multiplied by hundreds of visitors, are what keep our off-leash dog areas a success.

06/28/2021

The concrete entrance is done + the signs are up!
One step closer 🐶

06/15/2021

MOST EXCITING UPDATE YET...

So many things to update on..
1. We have handicap parking & garbage can now in place! (Garbage pickup will be added to their route, 3 times a week)
2. Rules and Guidelines signs + Higgins Dog Park sign will be up within the next week. As well as, old fire hydrants.
3. The concrete entrance is scheduled to be done within the next 2 weeks.
4. The water fountain is scheduled to arrive by June 28th. The city will get it installed asap, but concrete will have to be poured around it (will update you more once installed and to stay away from the area)

Finally, we have a GRAND OPENING DATE! MONDAY, JULY 12th AT 11AM.
(keep your eye out for an event with more info about the grand opening)

One more thing, HUGE THANK YOU to the City of Fergus Falls. They have been extremely supportive of all our dreams for this dog park and we couldn't have done it without them.

06/09/2021

Please steer clear of the maintenance gates over the weekend. 👍

Also, there are waste bag holders up! 1 in the small area, 1 in the main entrance, and 2 in the large area! Pooper scoopers coming soon!