Wichita Dog Park to Close Temporarily for Improvements

City plans upgrades to address water pooling and mud issues at Arson Canine Ashley's Memorial Dog Park.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

The City of Wichita has announced that Arson Canine Ashley's Memorial Dog Park, located inside Chapin Park, will be closed for several weeks starting on February 17th. The closure is to allow for improvements to be made to address issues with water pooling and mud at the park. During the closure, residents can visit seven other dog parks across the city.

Why it matters

As one of the first dog parks established in Wichita, Arson Canine Ashley's Memorial Dog Park is a popular destination for local pet owners. The temporary closure to address drainage and mud problems will help ensure the park remains a safe and enjoyable space for dogs and their owners.

The details

City communications state that staff will work to fix the water pooling and mud conditions at the park, which may require removing some fences. The entrance to the park will also be expanded with more concrete. The improvements are aimed at enhancing the overall user experience at this well-established dog park.

  • The dog park will close on February 17, 2026.
  • The closure is expected to last for several weeks.

The players

City of Wichita

The local government responsible for maintaining and improving public spaces, including the Arson Canine Ashley's Memorial Dog Park.

Arson Canine Ashley's Memorial Dog Park

One of the first dog parks established in Wichita, located inside Chapin Park at the intersection of Hydraulic and MacArthur.

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What’s next

Once the improvements are completed, the city will reopen the Arson Canine Ashley's Memorial Dog Park for public use.

The takeaway

The temporary closure of this popular dog park highlights the city's commitment to maintaining high-quality public spaces for residents and their pets. The upcoming upgrades will help ensure the park remains a safe and enjoyable destination for the community.