Phoenix to Open its First Park
Where Dogs can Run Free
Four more off-leash areas planned over next five years
Oct. 18, 2002
Phoenix dog owners whose pooches are itching to frolic free of their leashes will soon be able to accommodate their pets without leaving the city.
The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department will celebrate the opening of the city's first dog park on October 26 at 9 a.m. The park, "PETsMART Dog Park at Washington Park" is located on 21st Avenue north of Maryland.
The 2.65-acre park has 6-foot-high perimeter fencing, two double-gated entrances, a water fountain, disabled-accessible sidewalks, two watering stations for dogs, benches, mutt mitt dispensers and garbage cans for dog waste. Large trees located along the perimeter of the park provide needed shade. In a later phase, a small area of the park will be fenced off for smaller dogs and their owners.
A dog parade and a brief ceremony that includes a ribbon cutting will highlight the grand opening event. There also will be free refreshments, information booths and Arizona Diamondbacks organist Bobby Freeman will be on hand to provide entertainment.
The city's first official dog park was made possible by a generous donation from PETsMART. Councilman Phil Gordon and the Phoenix Area Canine Coalition also provided key support.
Dog owners and their pooches also can look forward to additional off-leash
areas throughout the city in the coming years. Pecos Park, now under construction
at 48th Street and Pecos Road in Ahwatukee, will feature a dog park when it
opens in fall, 2003. Residents also can look forward to dog parks at these
other areas in the next 2-5 years: Reach 11 Recreation Area at Tatum and Union
Hills; Deem Hills Park at 51st Avenue alignment north of Happy Valley Road;
and the Rose Mofford Sports Complex located at Dunlap and I-17. Exact dates
have not been set for construction of dog parks at these three sites.
For more information, call 602-261-8559
Media Contact:
| David Urbinato |
602-262-4994 |
| Pager |
602-673-5681 |
| Joyce Valdez |
602-262-4996 |
