McCaw masterplan in its beginning phases; new dog park and more parking spots to come

LAFAYETTE, Ind. − One of the busiest parks in the Lafayette area is undergoing a transformation, which includes a doggie splash pad, more pickleball courts and a paved trail.

Lafayette Parks & Recreation has broken ground on the first phase of its new masterplan for McCaw Park. According to a release, this first phase includes constructing a dog park, adding a restroom facility and expanding the existing parking lot.

Construction has already begun on the first phase and is expected to wrap up in late 2023.

"During construction, guests of McCaw Park will temporarily be asked to park in the east parking lot next to Fire Station No. 5, as the parking lot nearest the McCaw Park playground will be closed to the public," the release stated. "Entry to the pickleball courts will be rerouted from the gate on the west side of the courts to the gate on the east side of the courts."

Directional signage for the reroute will be posted.

“We are so excited about the McCaw Park improvements,” said Mayor Tony Roswarski in the release. “This park is one of the busiest parks in our community; from daily pickleball play and playground use, to summer youth baseball, McCaw Park sees a lot of activity. And with the exciting addition of the new dog park, we expect McCaw Park will see even more traffic.

The current parking lot has 30 parking spaces, including two handicap spaces. The expansion will bring that total up to 146, including eight handicap spaces and five motorcycle parking spots.

The new dog park will be south of the expanded parking lot, according to the release. It will feature five separate paddocks for dogs to play, including a small dog section, a playground section and multiple water amenities.

“One of our favorite features of the dog park is a doggy splash pad, which will provide a really fun way for dogs to cool off and play on those hot summer days,” said Parks Superintendent Claudine Laufman in the release.

Shade structures and seating for the dogs' human companions will be included in the park as well. Membership to the dog park will be purchasable for an annual fee.

The future of the McCaw Park masterplan includes 12 additional pickleball courts and a paved trail around the park, connecting to the Munger Park Trail.

“We’ve spoken to McCaw Park neighbors and park patrons and the excitement is growing,” Laufman said in the release. “We can’t wait to see these transformations come to life.”

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: The expanded McCaw Park will see a new dog park and more parking