Hills Bark Park is the 4.5-acre fenced dog area inside H.P. Thomas Park in Bowling Green. It has separate runs for small and large dogs, mature shade trees, a dog drinking fountain and convenient access to parking and restrooms.
Plan your visit
- Address: 850 Cave Mill Road, Bowling Green, KY 42104.
- Hours: H.P. Thomas Park opens at 7:30 a.m. and closes at dusk. The dog-park gate is locked at dusk.
- Dog areas: Separate fenced runs for small and large dogs. Bowling Green defines the small-dog area for dogs under 30 pounds.
- Space and surface: Approximately 4.5 acres of grass with mature shade trees.
- Water: The city lists a dog fountain. Bring backup water during freezing weather or maintenance.
- Shade and seating: Mature trees and benches are visible in the dog area.
- Parking and restrooms: Parking is available by the Cave Mill Road shelter and near Debbie Drive. Restrooms are beside the shelter.
- Fees: The official pages reviewed do not list a dog-park admission fee.
Find the dog park entrance
Enter H.P. Thomas Park from Cave Mill Road and use the parking area by the shelter and restrooms. Follow the paved path north; the large-dog run is on the left, with the small-dog run farther north. The official map also shows a second parking area from Debbie Drive near the small-dog run.
Open directions to Hills Bark Park. Keep your dog leashed until you are fully inside the selected run, beyond the entry vestibule.
Official H.P. Thomas and Hills Bark Park map
The Bowling Green Parks & Recreation map shows both dog runs, gates, shade, parking, restrooms, the shelter and the Cave Mill Road and Debbie Drive approaches.
Shade, water and room to run
The city’s layout places the long large-dog run along the west side of the park and the smaller run near the Debbie Drive lot. Both have shade structures, and mature trees line and dot the fenced areas. A paved path connects the Cave Mill Road facilities to the dog-park gates.
What park goers say
Park goers regularly describe Hills Bark Park as spacious, shaded and convenient for dogs that need room to run. Visitors appreciate the separate size areas, mature trees, seating, water fountain and nearby restrooms. Some also mention simple agility obstacles and the park’s usefulness as a travel stop.
Experiences can vary with the dogs and handlers present, and the fountain may be unavailable in winter. Bring water and waste bags as backups, watch your dog closely and use the run that matches the posted size sign. Read more visitor reviews.
Rules before you enter
Each adult handler must be at least 18 and may bring no more than two dogs. Keep dogs leashed until they are fully inside the dog park, carry a leash and remain with them. Dogs younger than four months, dogs without the required vaccinations, female dogs in heat and dogs showing illness or aggression are prohibited.
Use the small-dog run only for dogs under 30 pounds, close the gates and remove waste. Children younger than three are prohibited; ages three through seven must remain within an adult’s arm’s length, and ages eight through 17 require close adult supervision. Human and dog food, except training treats, glass, alcohol and smoking are prohibited inside the dog park. Read the complete current city rules and posted signs before entering.
Before you go
Check the official H.P. Thomas Park page for current access information and the Bowling Green dog-park rules for closures or policy changes. Report dog-park maintenance concerns to Bowling Green Parks & Recreation at 270-393-3549.
Last researched September 1, 2026. Dusk closing time, fountain service and maintenance access can change.