Scoop: Huge off-leash dog park opens at Whitewater Center this weekend
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Guest services will be at the Barley House at the Whitewater Center's off-leash dog park. Photo: Ashley Mahoney/Axios
A 70-acre off-leash dog park will open at the U.S. National Whitewater Center on Saturday, March 30.
Why it matters: Dogs at the 1,300-acre Whitewater Center have long been required to be on a leash. Now, pups of all breeds and sizes have their own space to roam.
If you go: The dog park includes lake and beach access with a dock. The 2,480-square-foot main building is called the Barley House, where you'll purchase your pass and check in, grab a beer, order food or buy a treat or toy for your dog.
- There's also an 1,100-square-foot covered pavilion with picnic tables, bathrooms and a 1.5-mile loop inside the dog park called Lake Loop. You cannot bike inside the dog park, but you can bike on a 2.5-mile loop that's just outside the perimeter of the dog park called Dog Leg.
- There's also a dog wash station, a water trough and a smaller area you can rent for doggy birthday parties. When that area isn't reserved, it's open to all.
- Opening weekend hours are 9am until 8pm.
Cost: A day-pass for a dog is $10. An unlimited month pass is $20. A dog is also included in a regular annual Whitewater Center pass, which recently dropped $100 to $149.
- Adding an additional dog to your annual pass is $50 per dog. One person may have up to three dogs on their annual pass.
Parking: Before you get to the main parking lots, you'll turn left down a gravel road, which will lead you to a new gravel road and the dog park. The lot has capacity for 100 cars, a Whitewater Center spokesperson tells Axios.
- Parking is $12 for the day or $40 for an annual pass.
- Off-leash is open to dogs only — no other pets.
Between the lines: The dog park has several rules intended to keep both humans and dogs safe, including:
- Dogs must remain on-leash in the parking lot and until they are inside the dog park. You'll pass through a double-gate to enter the off-leash area.
- One person may bring in up to three dogs, each of which must have a collar with an ID tag. The dog's off-leash pass must always be visible.
- Dogs must be at least 4 months old and be up to date on vaccines.
- Dogs in heat, aggressive or sick are not allowed. If a dog exhibits aggressive behavior, they will have to leave.
- You must keep your dog(s) under voice control while off-leash. You are responsible for picking up and disposing of their waste.
- Humans may not enter the lakes or ponds. There will not be lifeguards.
- No one is allowed inside the park when it is closed.
The bottom line: The Whitewater Center is among Charlotte's most popular attractions, drawing 1.2 million visitors in 2023, per a Whitewater Center spokesperson. Adding an off-leash dog park gives people another reason to visit.
- The Whitewater Center is at 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy. Check out our full guide here for details about everything from whitewater rafting and free yoga to where to grab a bite to eat.
Take a look around:
