Waukesha County’s Nashotah Park Dog Exercise Area Now Open

The Dog Exercise Area within Waukesha County’s Nashotah Park opened to the public Wednesday, September 9 following the grand opening ceremony.

“I am very excited to announce the opening of this Dog Exercise Area today,” said County Executive Dan Vrakas. “I am certain that this area will be as popular as the Minooka Dog Exercise Area.”

County Executive Dan Vrakas, County Supervisors Ted Rolfs and Dave Falstad, and Alderwoman Michele DeYoe provided dedication statements prior to a ribbon cutting ceremony. Dogs in attendance received homemade dog treats from the Doggy Bag in Oconomowoc.

“Waukesha County is very successful in providing citizens with many different recreation opportunities and activities within our park system,” said County Executive Dan Vrakas. “In recent years, we have seen a growing demand from our residents for places to exercise their dogs and this park is a reflection of that demand.”

The County received contributions from the City of Delafield, Village of Hartland, Towns of Delafield, Merton and Oconomowoc, local veterinarians and private vendors for the project. The funds helped offset the cost to develop the 14.5-acre site, separated into two different areas. The small breed area is over 6 acres and the large breed area consists of over 8 acres. The grounds are a combination of mowed grass, tall grass and woods, surrounded by a 4-foot high fence. "I would like to thank our partners for their commitment in making this proposal a reality,” said Vrakas. “Collaboration has been the key to many of our successes in Waukesha County, and the Dog Exercise Area is an example of this. If it were not for the generous contributions of our partners, this may not have been possible.”

There is not an additional cost to use the Dog Exercise Area above the $3.00 per car weekday and $5.00 per car weekend and holiday entrance fee into Nashotah Park. All dogs entering a County Park are required to have a current dog license and be kept on a 6-foot leash until inside the double-gated entry. Dog owners will be required to show a current dog license upon request. Only dogs 15 inches (at shoulder height) and under should use the small breed area. Small dogs may play in the large breed area at their own risk, but it is not recommended.

The Dog Exercise Area is located on the former multi-purpose fields to the northwest of the entrance into Nashotah Park. The hours of operation are consistent with the normal park hours, sunrise to 10 p.m., unless posted otherwise.

The Nashotah Dog Exercise Area, located at W330 N5113 County Trunk Highway C in Nashotah, is the second such area in the Waukesha County Park System. Minooka Park, 1927 E. Sunset in Waukesha, has a 15-acre Dog Exercise Area, opened in October of 2007.

The Waukesha County Park System is a natural resource based park system that demonstrates stewardship while providing recreational and educational opportunities. For more information visit www.waukeshacountyparks.com or call (262) 548-7801