Earlier this year we allowed dogs into the Garden for the very first time and received an overwhelming response. In order to allow Garden visitors to enjoy our 87 acres with their furry best friends more regularly, we’re announcing new “Dog Walking Hours” from 5-8 p.m. every second and fourth Wednesday of the month.
Reservations and special tickets are required for members and general admission guests. You can buy your tickets here
To help answer any questions this may bring up for visitors, we’ve put together the following FAQ.
Q. When do the new dog walking hours go into effect?
A. Visitors can bring their pups from 5-8 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesday of the month starting this June. That means our first dog walking hours will take place on June 10.
Q. Will reservations be required?
A. Yes. In order for us to continue to allow social distancing to take place within the Garden, we will be requiring advanced ticket reservations. Arrival time depends on advanced-reservation time. Available time slots are every 30 minutes from 5:00-7:00pm. Last entry permitted no later than 7:30pm.
Q. What is the admission price for the dog walking hours?
A. Dogs are $4. Member Adults $8; Member Seniors $6; Member Child $4; General Adults $15; Senior $11; Children $5. You can buy your tickets here.
Q. Will there be parking?
A. Plenty of FREE parking!
Q. Are dogs allowed in all areas of the Garden?
A. No. We have small sections of the Garden closed off already to allow for social distancing. In addition to that, areas may be restricted to those with dogs for horticultural reasons. There will be signs to help people navigate around those restricted areas.
Q. Do visitors have to wear a face-covering?
A. Yes, all Garden visitors must wear a face-covering when in close proximity to others in the Garden. Those 2 and under are not required to wear a face-covering.
Q. What should guests bring?
A. BRING YOUR DOG! Wear walking shoes, bring water bottles and be ready to walk and enjoy the Garden’s 87 acres with your dog! The Garden is open as a walking venue. Water stations are provided for dogs, with poop bags and hand sanitizer (always safe to bring your own)!
Q. Do we need to clean up after our pups?
A. Please! We ask that we all be responsible pet owners and pick up after our animals in order to keep these hours going.
Q. What can guests do during this time?
A. Enjoy the Garden’s 87 acres with your fur baby! Walk tram road with your dog, or hit the trails!
Q. Can we picnic?
A. Picnics are allowed in the Garden in our designated areas. Guests are still expected to maintain the required safe physical distance away from other household groups.
Q. Will there be alcohol?
A. No. Alcohol is not permitted at the Garden.
Q. Will there be food?
A. Yes! Frankie & Elaine’s will be open serving made-to-order meals and snacks. Credit/debit accepted (no cash)! Physical distancing and safety measures in place.
Q. Are there activities for kids?
A. There are no additional activities during these hours – the focus is on dogs and nature! Enjoy a walk with the entire family (fur baby included)!
Q. Is there a seating area?
A. Due to COVID-19 seating in the Garden is limited.
Policies
- Dogs must be attended and on a leash at all times. Guests with dogs unattended or off-leash will be asked to leave the Garden immediately.
- Keep 6’ apart from humans and dogs not from the same household.
- All dogs must be socialized and have updated vaccinations and registrations.
- For the safety of both your dog and the natural environment, stay on established paved and dirt paths, routes and trails. This protects all life forms (plants and animals)!
- By participating in Special Dog Walking Hours, owners take full responsibility for their dog’s/dogs’ behavior.
- Please leave the Garden as you found it! Clean up after your dog. Bags are available throughout the Garden.
The Garden has remained open to serve the community by being a place to encourage wellness and health through nature and open space. Please help keep us open by considering a gift to the Garden. You can do so here.
