I have been a member at dog parks in Maryland and I know you have to pay to be a member there. Gettysburg recreational center dog park you don't have to fill out an application to get in there but there are a ton of rules on the board that you should be aware of before you enter in the dog park like your dog must be neutered or spayed before you can come in the park and you are also responsible for any damages your dog does to anyone else's dog while in the park. I think I prefer filling out an application and knowing that my dog has been approved to enter the park. Dogs are unpredictable just like any animal so I feel that everyone takes a risk when they take their dog to a place like this and also who's to say that these animals are actually vaccinated or not no one seems to be monitoring the park.