We need a dog park in White County, and we are asking for support to make it happen.

My name is Niki, and I recently built a home in White County. White County is missing a dog park, even though we welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. Many of those visitors bring their dogs to enjoy the dog-friendly downtowns like Helen and Dahlonega, the pet-friendly camping and trails, and the pet-friendly cabins. We also have full-time residents, many of whom do not have fenced-in yards. Right now, our dogs have no safe place to play off leash, stretch out, and get the exercise they need.

We believe the best next step is to create a dog park in an existing open and maintained large grassy area that already has restroom facilities. With a few fences and some pet-friendly accommodations for dogs and owners, this space could become a real asset for the whole community.

A dog park would give local residents and visiting families a safe, welcoming place for their dogs, and it would fit naturally with the pet-friendly character of White County. It would also help support the outdoor, travel-friendly spirit that brings so many people here in the first place.

We are gathering signatures in support of this effort so we can bring the proposal to the right people and move it forward. If you support a dog park in White County, please sign this petition. If you want to be more involved, please reach out directly via email at [email protected] and help us make this happen.
 PROPOSAL FOR A DOG PARK

Smith Creek Day-Use Area

Unicoi State Park

White County, Georgia

Prepared for:
Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Unicoi State Park Management

Prepared by:
Niki Arntz

Date:
July 2026 Table of Contents

1.  Executive Summary 
2.  Project Vision 
3.  Community Need 
4.  Existing Site Conditions 
5.  Proposed Site Plan 
6.  Environmental Considerations 
7.  Economic Impact 
8.  Estimated Construction Budget 
9.  Funding Opportunities 
10.  Community Support Plan 
11.  Construction Timeline 
12.  Conclusion 

Executive Summary
This proposal requests the consideration of constructing a fenced off-leash dog recreation area within the Smith Creek Day-Use Area at Unicoi State Park.
The project would improve visitor experiences while preserving the natural beauty of the park and encouraging responsible pet ownership.
The proposed location utilizes only a small portion of the existing open field, leaving the majority of the area available for current recreational uses.
 Project Vision
To create one of North Georgia's premier state park dog parks that:
• Serves park visitors
• Serves White County residents
• Supports tourism
• Encourages responsible recreation
• Protects park resources
 Existing Conditions
The Smith Creek Day-Use Area currently provides:
✓ Large open grassy field
✓ Restrooms
✓ Parking
✓ Picnic opportunities
✓ Trail access
✓ Excellent road access
Currently, there is no designated off-leash area for dogs.
 Proposed Improvements
Construction of approximately one acre including:
• Large dog area
• Small dog area
• Double gated entrance
• Six-foot fencing
• Benches
• Shade pavilion
• Water fountain
• Pet water station
• Waste stations
• Native landscaping
The remainder of the field would remain open for current public use.
 Why Smith Creek?
Advantages include:
• Existing parking
• Existing restrooms
• Existing maintenance access
• Minimal grading required
• Open grass already maintained
• Away from campsites
• Away from sensitive creek habitat
 Environmental Protection
The proposal recommends:
• Keeping fencing well away from Smith Creek.
• Preserving mature trees.
• Installing erosion control.
• Using permeable surfaces.
• Native landscaping around the fence.
 Economic Benefits
The dog park could:
Increase visitation
Increase overnight stays
Support Helen tourism
Increase lodge occupancy
Support cabin rentals
Support local restaurants
Support local pet businesses
 Estimated Budget
Site preparation........$10,000
Fence.......................$28,000
Gates.......................$6,000
Water......................$7,500
Benches..................$4,000
Shade Pavilion......$18,000
Waste Stations.....$2,500
Signage..................$3,000
Landscaping.........$8,000
Contingency.........$13,000
Estimated Total: $100,000
Potential Funding
Georgia State Parks Foundation
PetSafe Bark for Your Park Grants
White County Tourism
Corporate Sponsors
Local Veterinarians
Local Businesses
Community Donations
Volunteer Labor
Community Support
Include:
Letters from veterinarians
Letters from cabin owners
Letters from residents
Letters from tourists
Online petition
Photographs
Letters from White County businesses
Proposed Timeline
Fall 2026
Planning
Winter 2026
Engineering
Spring 2027
Fundraising
Summer 2027
Construction
Fall 2027
Grand Opening
Closing Statement
This proposal seeks to enhance Unicoi State Park while preserving the natural landscape that makes it one of Georgia's most treasured destinations.
The proposed dog park represents a relatively small investment that would provide lasting benefits for visitors, residents, and the local economy.