Ocean City Dog Park Renovation: What Owners Need to Know

The Ocean City Dog Park at 45th Street and Haven Avenue is temporarily closing for a full renovation, a move city officials say will significantly upgrade the space ahead of the spring season. The closure begins January 12 and is expected to last through late February, timing that avoids the busiest months for both residents and seasonal visitors.

Located just west of the beach block near the 45th Street corridor, the dog park has become a regular gathering place for year-round residents and off-season homeowners. The upcoming work is designed to modernize aging infrastructure while preserving the park’s role as a walkable neighborhood amenity.

Why the Dog Park Is Closing This Winter

According to city reports, the closure allows contractors to complete multiple improvements efficiently and safely. Rather than piecemeal repairs, Ocean City opted for a comprehensive renovation during the quieter winter window.

The scope of work includes:

• Construction of a new central pavilion to provide shade and seating

• Removal of an outdated concrete planter wall that limited usable space

• Repairs and upgrades to perimeter fencing for safety and durability

City officials have emphasized that the goal is to “re-energize” the facility while keeping it functional and welcoming for daily use once it reopens. The timing also reduces disruption during peak tourism months, when parking and foot traffic around Haven Avenue are already at their highest.

What Happens to Paw Pass Memberships

For regular users, one immediate concern is access and membership status. Ocean City has confirmed that all Paw Pass memberships will be temporarily suspended during construction and extended to cover the downtime.

That means:

• No membership time is lost during the closure

• Passholders will automatically receive credit once the park reopens

• No action is required from current members

This approach mirrors how the city has handled other temporary amenity closures in recent years, particularly when work is weather-dependent or tied to infrastructure upgrades.

Location Matters: A Neighborhood Perspective

The dog park’s location near 45th Street places it within walking distance of several residential pockets, including both year-round homes and seasonal properties closer to Haven Avenue. For many owners, especially those with dogs, proximity to a maintained park is part of daily routine rather than a luxury.

During the closure, residents are expected to rely more heavily on neighborhood walks and nearby open spaces. While no temporary replacement site has been designated, the city has indicated that access will be restored by early spring, aligning with longer daylight hours and increased outdoor activity.

How This Fits Into Ocean City’s Broader Improvement Cycle

This renovation comes amid a series of winter infrastructure projects across Ocean City. Like boardwalk repairs and beach maintenance scheduled outside the summer season, the dog park work reflects a pattern: concentrate disruptive projects in the off-season to preserve quality of life when demand peaks.

From a planning standpoint, this approach helps:

• Minimize congestion during spring and summer

• Extend the usable life of public facilities

• Maintain consistent standards across neighborhoods

For residents who stay year-round, winter construction is familiar territory. For second homeowners, these updates often go unnoticed until the results are visible during spring visits.

What to Expect When the Park Reopens

While no exact reopening date has been locked in, officials have stated that work should conclude by late February, assuming normal winter conditions. When the park reopens, users can expect a cleaner layout, improved safety features, and better gathering space for owners.

The pavilion, in particular, is expected to change how the space is used—offering shelter during light rain and creating a natural meeting point within the park.

Common Questions From Residents

Will there be any expansion of the dog park?
No expansion has been announced. The project focuses on upgrades and reconfiguration within the existing footprint.

Is parking affected during construction?
No permanent parking changes have been reported, though short-term construction activity may limit access immediately around the site.

Will there be more closures later in the year?
The city has not indicated any additional closures once this renovation is complete.

A Small Project With Daily Impact

While the dog park renovation may seem minor compared to larger capital projects, it plays a meaningful role in everyday neighborhood life. For many residents near 45th Street and Haven Avenue, it’s part of their routine, their social circle, and their connection to the community.

Completing the work now ensures the space is ready when outdoor activity ramps up again—without competing with summer crowds.

Sources: OCNJ Daily