The Carlisle Area Dog Parks Association (CADPA) is a group of local citizens who have
created a dog park at Shaffer Park in Carlisle. CADPA’s mission is to maintain and
improve the park as a safe and secure place for dogs and their owners to socialize,
exercise and play. Over the last several decades, as an increasing number of citizens have become dog
owners, most communities have adopted leash l
aws to protect both residents and dogs. But these laws have increasingly limited the space where owners may freely and legally
exercise their dogs off-leash. Research shows that both dog owners and their canine companions are happier and
healthier in communities that have safely fenced dog parks where dogs may freely run
and play. Dogs who get plenty of exercise and socialization with others, both canine and
human, bark less, sleep more, and make better neighbors. Finally, dog parks free up
other community parks, making them safer, cleaner and easier to maintain. All dogs served by CADPA are neutered, licensed and up to date on vaccinations. For
the many visitors to the Carlisle area who travel with their dogs, CADPA offers a
temporary, non-resident program. CADPA has raised funds needed to construct and maintain the dog park through
fundraisers, donations, membership fees and a grant. Those funds have been and
continue to be used to clear, mulch, plant, fence and electronically gate separate play
areas for large and small dogs
