They’re popping up in parks all over the country, and are some of the most-requested amenities nationwide. No, not greenways or playgrounds – we’re talking about dog parks! Here in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, residents and their furry friends can find plenty of places to whine about the dog days summer and recreate together all year round.
From Reedy Creek’s “Barkingham Park,” to “Ray’s Fetching Meadow” at McAlpine Creek Community Park, there are currently eight dog parks on the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation property. The most recent addition – and the city’s first urban dog park – is at Ninth Street Park (417 West Ninth Street) in Charlotte’s Fourth Ward neighborhood. Find the rest of the MCPR dog parks here: https://parkandrec.mecknc.gov/Places-to-Visit/Dog-Parks
Despite some of the silly names, people are serious about their dog parks. In a National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) survey, most respondents agreed that dog parks provided a benefit to the community. Dog parks were particularly important to millennials, Gen Xers, and boomers, who felt dog parks provided safe places for dogs to exercise and socialize, and allowed owners to be physically active with their pets.
It’s worth noting here that dog parks can be all that, and more, when dogs and their people follow the rules. It’s a best practice to familiarize yourself with the park regulations, vaccination requirements, and other restrictions. You know your pet best. But if you’re not sure whether your dog is “dog park” material, ask your vet.
Over the years, Partners for Parks and donors like you have played a significant role in improving and enhancing area dog parks. A most recent project at William R. Davie District Park nearly doubled the Davie Dog Park. The $45,000 project created two fenced-in, off-leash play areas; one for large dogs and other for smaller breeds. It also provided for two watering areas and new drinking fountains. The five-acre dog park even has enough shade for a summer afternoon visit. Like other MCPR dog parks, it’s open 730am to dusk, seven days a week.
Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation works to balance changing community needs and input when building new or renovating existing parks. That’s why your voice is valuable in sessions and surveys when the County is seeking opinions on park improvements. If particular amenities are important to you, Partners for Parks provides unique donation funds that can restrict your financial contributions to specific projects – like dog parks!
While the dog days of summer linger, take a moment to explore the opportunities where your financial participation with Partners for Parks can provide the change you want to see. There are nearly 80 individual funds to choose from. https://partnersforparks.org/funds/
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