LAWRENCE — The Indiana Department of Natural Resources has dedicated two bark park areas at Fort Harrison State Park. Herrin Hill, a grassy area, and Platoon Run, a mixture of grass and trees, are now open. A third area, Brigade Landing, will open next year and will be mainly woods for pets and people to explore. The park will be accessed from 8725 Fall Creek Road on the north side of the state park. It is not reachable from the main park entrance because of its location on the north side of Fall Creek, and will not impact other visitor activities inside the park.
The park is dedicated in honor of DNR Law Enforcement K-9 teams who serve and protect Indiana’s citizens and natural resources.
An honor guard with police officers from DNR Law Enforcement, Indiana State Police, Lawrence Police Department, Marion County Sheriff’s Department and Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department presided over the ceremony Oct. 23 at Fort Harrison State Park Dog Park in Indianapolis.
“We’re proud that this dog park will not only offer a new recreational opportunity, but also raise awareness about the contributions that canine conservation officers have made in keeping Hoosiers safe and solving crimes,” said Lt. Col. Steve Hunter of Indiana DNR Law Enforcement.
Users must purchase an annual pass and tag. About 200 tags have been issued already. Tags will cost $75 per dog. Tags for the remainder of 2013 will be prorated at $30 per dog. Dog owners must provide copies of current vaccination records for rabies, parvo, distemper and bordatella and must complete and sign the dog park annual membership application, which is at stateparks.IN.gov/2982.htm. The website also includes additional information on the dog park and answers to frequently asked questions.