Tails of Northland canines are wagging!  There's a new park in town just for them! (Human's welcome too, somebody has to drive!)  It took over 500 hours of volunteer's service to make the new dog park a reality. My Schnauzer Bauer and I personally thank those volunteers.

It opened just this past Wednesday at Observation Park.  It is an off-leash dog park located on West 3rd Street between 9th and 10th Avenue West.  It's equipped with a double-gated entry that will allow owners the confidence to remove the leash safely before entering the dog park.  I was worried about my 15, ok maybe he's pushin' 20 lb Schnauzer getting mixed up with a much bigger more aggressive dog, but there is a separate area for smaller dogs and parking isn't a problem, you can utilize the off-street parking at the dead end of 10th Street.

For those of you who were unaware of the first dog park in our area, it's called Keene Creek Dog Park and is located in Keene Creek Park in West Duluth on Grand Ave and 62nd Ave West.  I'm sure you've driven past it before, but not even realized it was a dog park.  It's been there since 2006.

Denette Lynch, an active volunteer and advocate for public dog parks says,  “Better exercised and socialized dogs have fewer conflicts with other dogs and humans and are less likely to be abandoned or brought to shelters.”

According to a City of Duluth Press Release, there are rules that you need to help your dog abide by.  You'll find the rules posted at the entrance of the park, including picking up pet waste (that's your job) and only using the park between the hours of 8AM and 10PM. Additionally, the Duluth Police Department encourages all pet owners to license their pet in accordance to City Ordinance 6-11.

Grants and individual donations of over $12,000 was raised to support the new dog parks.  If you are interested in supporting Duluth Dog Parks, email Denette Lynch at duluthdogparks@yahoo.com. (and thank you!)

Summer, Winter, Fall or Spring, you and your dog can enjoy the outdoors and get your exercise!

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