Local Business Focus: Dayton Valley Dog Park
As Dayton continues to grow, so does our four-legged population—Lyon County estimates that at least 60% of county households currently have dogs (not counting other critters). And not every home or neighborhood has a fun, grassy area for furry friends to meet and frolic, which is why after nearly 15 years, Dayton Valley Dog Park (DVDP) continues to offer a well-maintained space for its community.
Nestled on 2.6 acres of land next to Como Park off Old Como and Dayton Valley roads, the dog park is more than just a fenced-in field. It’s a place where neighbors meet, friendships are formed, and dogs of all sizes can let loose and just be dogs. However, with more paws hitting the park than ever before, this community playground needs our support.
DVDP is a 501(c)(3) and exists because of generous donations and a devoted crew of volunteers. Even though Lyon County owns the land, DVDP is responsible for all the maintenance and costs associated with managing the park – from the water stations and toys to the shaded benches and green lawn. Board of Directors President Linda Bateman has been with the nonprofit since 2022 and said park usage has tripled in the past five years—from about 100 weekly visitors to well over 300.
“Water alone runs about $3,600 a year,” Bateman said. “And when you’re looking at making it safe and keeping the landscaping, add another $2,000. That doesn’t even begin to touch the projects that we’re trying to do.”
DVDP did receive a Brown Family Foundation grant this year, which will help tackle the first half of irrigation repairs, but the park needs about $95,000 in total for major projects and expenses. That is with some cost reduction too, thanks to partners like Cassinelli Landscaping & Construction for helping with the labor and resources to make these improvements a reality.
Even if you do not have the financial means or special equipment for projects, you can make a difference by leaving the park better than when you arrived or by joining the crew for special cleanup days. It is not uncommon to see 10 to 40 volunteers out raking, resetting rocks, refilling water bowls and scooping up what owners leave behind. Bateman said when pet parents help out in their own way, “people feel more like it’s their park – that they have a stake in it – and if you don’t like the way that bench looks or whatever, fix it. Take some ownership, take some action.”
DVDP aims to be a vital part of the community and organizes events throughout the year that are as fun as they are impactful. There’s the annual Pet Blessing and Chili Feed in April, Dayton Valley Days Pet Parade in September, the new Howl-O-Ween event in October – complete with a dog costume contest and trick-or-dog treat stations – plus the holiday tree lighting and refreshments. They have even partnered with local veterinarians for educational clinics with animal behaviorist Kelley Bollen and Get Rattled Rattlesnake Avoidance Training.
Beyond the events, the park has become a place of routine and connection for many residents, helping pet owners create warm memories with their wagging companions.
“Some people have been going there since the dog park opened, they may be on their third dog and they feel a kinship to that dog park,” Bateman explained. “That’s important to me in terms of having somewhere for those folks to go, whether it be a bench, being able to throw a ball for their dog or it be the three people they share a cup of coffee with; it’s important to them and that makes it important for me to have that place for them to go.”
Want to help? Volunteer at an event, come out to a cleanup day or join the Facebook group and help spread the word. And if you have ideas on how to improve and get new pet parents to visit, Bateman wants people to, “pepper me with ideas”. This is our park but keeping it safe, welcoming and sustainable is a community effort worth barking about.
Future Closure: DVDP will close the Mixed Dog Area for 2-3 weeks in July in order to complete irrigation repairs. Follow Dayton Valley Dog Park on Facebook for closure dates and other announcements.
Visit https://daytonvalleydogpark.org/ to make a donation or call/text 775-741-4118 with questions.
Dayton Valley Days: The Pet Parade is scheduled for Sunday, Sept 21 at 10 a.m. and is open to any pet, not just dogs. Volunteers are needed to help monitor and walk with the parade participants. There will also be a people’s choice voting option added for 2025.
