Dog area open at Riverbend Park

[bigdoglover]

Charlotte Observer

Hannah Mitchell

Catawba County's first park just for dogs recently opened for canine fun.

The dog park is at Riverbend Park on N.C. 16 near the Alexander County line. Although the park is open, a ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held Saturday.

The 2-acre fenced dog park has wooded and grassy areas where dogs can play, with significant elevation changes for maximum exercise. It also has benches, waste stations and a double-gated entrance for safe leashing and unleashing.

Dog owners must pay an annual fee and meet some requirements to use the park.

Parks officials hope the new amenity will attract dogs, including those whose owners live in urban areas and might not have good places to exercise their pet.

"When dogs are allowed to interact in a natural setting, off-leash, it greatly improves their social, physical and mental health," said county Parks Director Blair Rayfield.

"Dog owners engaged in recreation with their pets are also getting valuable exercise, stress relief and the social benefits of interacting with other responsible dog owners."

Parks officials will also use the dog park for rabies clinics, pet-adoption days and classes on responsible pet ownership.

The county paid for the new park with the help of a state grant.

Park Details

• Dogs and their owners are invited to a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the dog park at 10 a.m. Saturday.

• Dog owners must get a permit pass to use the dog park. Inoculation records and a $20 annual fee are required. Applications can be picked up at the park office or online at www.catawbacountync.

gov/depts/parks/

dogpark.asp.

• Owners must bring along their own water in a plastic container, along with a small bowl and a leash.

• The dog park will keep the same hours as Riverbend Park: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday-Monday in summer, with earlier closing times the rest of the year.