The dog park is a fenced-in area in Gold Park where dogs area allowed to be off leash. It has the same hours as Gold Park. 

Dog Park Rules

Dogs must be:

• At least 6 months old and not in heat.
• Current on all required vaccinations, with rabies tags displayed.
• On a maximum 6-foot leash before entering and when leaving the facility.
• Within sight and under voice control of owner at all times.
• Immediately removed if showing aggression.

Owners must:

• Collect and dispose of all dog waste.
• Help keep the off-leash area safe for all visitors. 
• Report all dog bites to Orange County Animal Control. Call 919-942-7387 or 911.

Ground Covering

The dog park's ground is covered with shredded hardwood mulch that:

• Is safe for use by children and dogs.
• Helps reduce dust, dirt and the ground cover’s movement.

Grass has not been planted because maintenance would be difficult with the park's heavy use and because establishing grass would require several seasons of nonuse.

Interpretive Signage

The town's interpretive signage helps provide context to sites within Hillsborough. The signs provide understanding of the town's history, environment and culture. Most of the signs are along the Riverwalk greenway, but there are some at other key points of interest in town.

See Signage Map

Treasure Trees

The Treasure Trees Program recognizes the preservation of significant trees in the Hillsborough area. Trees are selected by the Tree Board. View them on the Treasure Trees page.

See Trees Guide

Undeveloped floodplains often serve the need for public parks and recreation. The Riverwalk greenway and Gold Park were built in their locations to provide recreation in areas that otherwise would not be developed. 

These recreation facilities require cleanup after a severe weather event to remove hazards. They are open for use many more days throughout the year than they are closed for weather and maintenance.

Built to Withstand Flooding

Riverwalk is located partially within Gold Park and was built along a sewer easement by the Eno River. Both recreation facilities were designed to withstand flooding.

Gold Park’s dog park was built with a chain-link fence to allow floodwaters through. When flooding is expected, the fencing is left open to allow water carrying debris to flow through without damaging the fence.

Parks and greenways are closed at times for the safety of the community and emergency workers. Hazards can exist even after a storm with high winds or snow has passed or after floodwaters have receded.

Parks and greenways:

• Will remain closed following severe weather until the town can inspect the areas and remove any hazards.

• Are not a priority for snow and ice removal. They will be closed in deteriorating wintry conditions until staff determines they are safe.

During Closures

Heed any closure signs or barriers for parks and trails. Those who choose to use the town’s parks and greenways do so at their own risk. By entering closed areas and by moving or removing closure signs and barriers, you also:

• Slow cleanup efforts and delay the reopening of parks and greenways for everyone.
• Force public works and public safety staff away from other duties to reinstall closure signs and barriers.
• Force emergency workers away from other duties for potential rescues.
• Risk the safety of others.

Subscribe to town news and follow @HillsboroughGov social media to stay informed about closures and reopenings.

Town staff and appointed boards are working to provide shade options at parks.

Fast-growing shade trees have been planted around the perimeter of Cates Creek and Gold parks. Trees are planted in available spaces around the play areas but not inside due to spacing regulations for the play equipment.

Because of the play equipment's current height and spacing regulations, sunshades in the play areas would be installed at a height that would provide little sun blockage during the day and that would make the shades a safety risk in high winds.

The Tree Board makes planting decisions for town spaces. Plants typically are added between November and March to improve survival due to less heat and more precipitation.

The Parks and Recreation Board advises the town on recreation improvements and implements recommendations in recreation master plans.

Exchange Club Park is owned and maintained by the Exchange Club. Contact the club at 919-732-9283 for more information.

Orange County provides recreational programming, a senior center and additional parks in and around town, including Fairview and River parks. See the county's:

• Trails and greenways map
• Parks locator map 

For other recreation options in the area and maps, visit the Hillsborough Visitors Center.