Roberts Park Dog Run

Navigate to Roberts Park at 1300 East Martin Street and use signed park and community-center parking. Visitors needing the City's documented accessible route to the dog run should approach from Merrywood Drive and follow onsite signs. The same campus serves the center, playground, courts, field, and shelters, so event traffic can affect spaces.

Use the Merrywood Drive side for the documented accessible path, or orient from the staffed community center at 1300 East Martin Street. Choose the posted small- or large-dog gate. Keep your dog leashed through the park and vestibule, secure the outer gate, then unleash; leash again before exiting.

Indoor restrooms are available in Roberts Park Community Center during building hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, and 1-6 p.m. Sunday. Dog-run hours begin earlier and can extend beyond weekend building access, so do not assume an unlocked restroom near dawn or dusk. Never leave a dog unattended.

Raleigh's dog-park directory lists dawn to dusk daily. Community-center hours, lighted fields, or court schedules do not extend dog-run use after dusk. Posted closures for weather, mud, maintenance, or safety take priority; check Raleigh Parks Status after heavy rain.

Yes. Ordinary use of the public dog run and park is free. Community-center programs, room rentals, shelter reservations, leagues, and fields may charge separately.

The City specifically identifies an accessible path from Merrywood Drive to the dog run. This is the clearest documented arrival route. Gate force, enclosure surface, mud, and crowding can still affect use; call Roberts Park Community Center at 919-996-4969 for current route and accommodation details.

Yes. The City confirms two separate areas for small and large dogs. Follow current gate signs rather than choosing only by which section looks quieter. Separation reduces size mismatch but does not replace close supervision or the need to remove a dog when play becomes unsafe.

The City's current dog-run amenity list does not include a water source for dogs or people. Bring enough water and a clean portable bowl, especially in warm weather. Do not assume the community center is open or that an outdoor tap is available or potable.

Raleigh lists natural shade and a bench but does not identify the enclosure surface in its amenity directory. Ground conditions can become wet or muddy after rain. Inspect the area before releasing your dog, wear suitable shoes, and bring towels or paw-cleaning supplies.

Dogs must be healthy and fully vaccinated. Puppies under four months, females in season, and aggressive or uncontrollable dogs are prohibited. A handler may supervise no more than three dogs and remains responsible for each dog.

No. Raleigh prohibits food, treats, toys, and outside furniture in dog parks because they can trigger guarding and conflict. Remove choke, prong, pinch, and spike collars; use the supplied waste bags; stop digging and fill holes; and supervise actively.

Children under 12 must be closely supervised. They should not run, carry food or toys, approach unfamiliar dogs, or crowd gates. Roberts Park has a separate rubber-surface playground for ages 5-12 that is better suited to child-centered activity.

Remove dogs before conflict escalates. Call Animal Control at 919-831-6311 for an aggressive or uncontrollable dog; after a bite, seek care, identify the dog and owner, and call 911 for serious injury. Report damaged gates, fencing, waste, or surfaces to Raleigh Parks maintenance at 919-996-4115.

Roberts Park includes a community center, rubber-surface playground, gym, tennis and basketball courts, baseball field, shelters, rooms, and fitness facilities. Dogs must be leashed outside the run and kept off playgrounds, athletic fields, and courts, even when those spaces appear empty.