Wingerd Service Dog Park
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About the Park
Service animals play an important role for many students with all types of disabilities. Service animals offer their owners significant emotional and physical support, as well as an additional level of mobility and access to daily living activities.
Nationally recognized for its commitment to students with disabilities, Wright State University was one of the first universities in the country to offer an on-campus dog park reserved for service animals.
Park Features
Located on Wright State’s Dayton campus, Wingerd Service Dog Park offers a full acre of accessible, fenced exercise space near the academic buildings and residence halls. The park features:
- one acre of accessible, fenced green space
- convenient location near academic buildings and residence halls
- paved accessible paths
- double-gated entrance
- electric gate openers
- water station
- waste disposal stations
- emergency response phone
- covered patio area
- lighting
- seating
More improvements are planned for the near future, including:
- dog agility training equipment
- non-toxic flower beds & landscaping
Park Rules
Service animals within the fenced park area are permitted to be off leash in the safe and secure environment, allowing both animals and their student owners to exercise, relax, and socialize.
- The park is strictly designated for use by service dogs and trainees only. Pets are not permitted under any circumstances.
- The service dog park is open 7 days a week, from sunrise to sunset.
- All service dogs must be licensed and wear current license and vaccine tags.
- All service dogs must be leashed when entering and exiting the fenced area.
- Gates should be closed at ALL times.
- Owners/handlers must be in voice control of their service dog at all times.
- Owners/handlers must pick up after their service dog and dispose of all litter.
- Owners/handlers are responsible for any injuries or damage caused by their service dog.
- No smoking, no alcoholic beverages, no glass containers, and no eating is permitted in the park.
- Agility/exercise apparatus is for service dogs only. Please do not sit, walk, or climb on the equipment.
- Owners/handlers who fail to comply with these rules will be asked to leave.
- Please contact the Office of Disability Services at 937-775-5680 with any questions or concerns.
Location
Donors and Brick Donation Program
Our first set of memorial bricks were installed in October 2018 as we celebrated 10 years of four-pawed fun! Support the park by dedicating a custom brick to your loyal service dog, emoational support animal, therapy animal, or pet.
Brick Program Donors
Gold Paw Donors
- Gail and Chris Laux
Bronze Paw Donors
- Jean Denney
Gate Installation Donors
- The Laura J. Niles Foundation
- The Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust, a Key Bank Trust
History
Dedicated in honor of former Wright State student Samantha Laux and her service dog, Dylan, the park exemplifies the university’s commitment to creating an inclusive and dynamic learning environment.
Established in 2008, the Wingerd Service Dog Park construction was funded by generous gifts from:
- The Wallis Foundation of California
- The Laura J. Niles Foundation of Connecticut
- The Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust, a Key Bank Trust
