Grand opening scheduled for Salida dog park

Laura Pintane, president of the Salida Dog Club, is excited. The dog park is 90% done, thanks to the labor provided by inmates from the Department of Corrections, and should be complete by Sunday, November 29 in time for the grand opening.

The park is named for “Loyal Duke,” a brown water spaniel whose grave sits on the shoulder of S Mountain — you can see the memorial from downtown.

Located adjacent to the intersection of the Monarch Spur Trail and Holman Avenue, near the soccer fields, the dog park occupies about an acre divided between two entrance “bullpens”, a small fenced area for dogs less than 25 pounds and a larger enclosure for other dogs. While most of the property is owned by the school district, a narrow band along the Monarch Spur Trail belongs to the City. A four-foot fence surrounds the park.

Etiquette is common across dog parks. In brief:

• Pick up after your dog;
• The park may not be appropriate for every dog — if your dog is aggressive, fearful, or is not having a good time, take him/her home;
• Limit the use of toys and treats — they may cause conflicts;
• Dogs must be current on vaccinations and should not be sick;
• Communicate with other owners before entering the park; and
• Dogs at the park must be supervised at all times.

Specific rules for Loyal Duke’s Dog Park are spelled out on signs at the gates.

Observant owners may see members of the dog club and their dogs inside the park testing it out between now and the grand opening. The park will not be open for use by the public until next Sunday, however.

Pintane is quick to acknowledge that the park has been a community effort — indeed, she’s invigorated by the show of support. 47 businesses and individuals have donated $100 or more. The Ark Valley Humane Society contributed the proceeds from the 2007 Arf Walk, about $2000, as seed money. Murdoch’s has given discounts on fencing and supplies. Absolute Bikes has donated a rack for bicycles.

Many, many hours have been contributed by dog club members and inmates from the Department of Corrections. But others have stepped up to help, also. Crest Academy students under the direction of Karen Lundberg moved rocks and will help staff the grand opening. Youth at Crossroads has volunteered to help do chores around the park on a regular basis. Eagle Scout candidate Elliot Riese may help develop the margin of the dog park bordering the Monarch Spur Trail.

And the project would not have been possible without support from the City, which will provide insurance for the park, and the school district, says Pintane.