Marquette Dog Park Friends · 501(c)(3)
Unleashing Summer Freedom
Help us build Marquette's first warm-weather, off-leash community dog park — fiscally sponsored by the Lake Superior Community Partnership Foundation.
The Problem
The Summer Void
During the warmest, longest days of the year, off-leash dogs are prohibited in Marquette. Public ordinances ban off-leash exercise on city trails, beaches, and parks.
Tourist Park Campground offers an off-leash dog run — but only from November to April. When summer arrives and Marquette is at its most beautiful, dogs and their owners are left without a legal space to run free.
Summer also brings an influx of tourists traveling with dogs who are unaware of the ordinance, leading to conflicts on trails and beaches.
Summer ban Off-leash prohibited on all city trails, beaches & parks
Winter-only Tourist Park dog run open November–April only
Tourist conflicts Visitors unaware of ordinances create trail tension
No alternative No legal warm-weather off-leash space in the city
69%
of residents said yes
Even among those who don't own a dog — support for a summer off-leash park has topped Marquette's Recreation Master Plan survey for 20 years running.
Community Demand
Decades of Community Demand
An off-leash summer dog park has topped Marquette's Recreation Master Plan survey for two decades. The community has spoken — loudly and consistently.
The support isn't just from dog owners. Nearly 7 in 10 residents — including those without pets — want this park built. It's a community amenity, not just a dog amenity.
Source: Marquette 5-year Recreation Master Plan, April 2025.
Why This Matters
In Their Own Words
"At the winter park, my dog met other dogs, became braver, happier, and more social — and so did I. It means the world to see him happy. Having this option year-round is something Marquette has needed for far too long."
— Marquette dog owner
"During the winter, walking in the off-leash dog park is the only exercise I get. A summer park would keep my dogs and me moving."
— Marquette resident
"Now I lay me down to sleep, so thankful for the friends I meet. If only we could start each day with barks and chasing every way! Right now, we only go in snow. When summer comes, we just can't go. We wish a year-round park could be, so from our leashes we'd be free!"
— Louise Reichert & Thor — Marquette Dog Park Friends
The project
8.8 Acres of Dedicated Freedom
Located on scenic Board of Light & Power land along Big Bay Road (CR 550), this master-planned project shares an entrance with an active local Disc Golf Course.
2,926 ft. of wooded crushed-gravel trails, fully fenced with retractable gates
Cozy, safe haven with 725 ft. of trails and 700 ft. of fencing
Grassy area with perimeter fencing — plenty of room for frisbee!
Gravel parking lot next to entrance and exit gates
The entire perimeter of each space will be completely fenced for worry-free socialization. The 6.3-acre wooded area will feature crushed-gravel trails with terrain made as level as possible, with wide gate entrances and exits so dog-lovers of all abilities can enjoy the park. Benches are planned throughout the site.
Project Budget
Where Your Money Goes
Every dollar is accounted for. Here's the full preliminary cost breakdown.
| Area | Features | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Large Dog Area (6.3 Ac) | 2,926 ft. trails, 2,550 ft. fencing, retractable gates, accessories | $161,450 |
| Small Dog Area (1.0 Ac) | 725 ft. trails, 700 ft. fencing, retractable gates, accessories | $47,380 |
| Green Space (1.5 Ac) | 84 ft. perimeter fencing, retractable gates, benches, waste bins | $40,840 |
| Parking Areas | ~50 parking spots gravel base and trailhead preparation | $32,600 |
| Hand Pump | For on-site drinking water | $35,000 |
| Endowed funds | Ongoing maintenance support to the City | $32,730 |
| Grand Total — Total Estimated Initial Capital Construction | $350,000 | |
How It Works
Marquette Dog Park Friends & the City of Marquette
A proven public-private partnership model.
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100% Private Build
Construction relies completely on private cash, in-kind donations, and foundation grants. The City does not fund park development.
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Public Maintenance
Once built using donor funds, the City of Marquette takes over the park's operations, maintenance, and long-term care.
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Tax-Deductible Gifts
Gifts are fully tax-exempt and processed securely through our non-profit fiscal partner, the Lake Superior Community Partnership Foundation.
Location
Where the Park Will Be
The proposed 8.8-acre site is located in Marquette, MI — a natural fit for an off-leash recreation area serving the whole community.
Preliminary Site Plan
Let's Build It Together
Your tax-deductible gift to Marquette Dog Park Friends will directly fund construction, bringing safe and active off-leash recreation to Marquette's dogs and their humans.
Questions? Reach us at woof@marquettedogpark.org
Explore More
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Resources
Download project materials
Get the one-pager, slide deck, and site plan.
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Contact
Get in touch
Questions or ideas? We'd love to hear from you.
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Support the Campaign
Donate today
Every dollar brings us closer to breaking ground.