New Largo park for dogs opens

LARGO In a spot tucked behind a small strip mall on Seminole Boulevard, a half-acre dog park called Dog Bone Run officially opened its gates Monday.

Dogs of all sizes showed up to check out the new facility, which the city created for less than $20,000 next to a large pond and community center. The parks amenities include a fire hydrant-shaped water fountain, a large bench shaped like a dog bone that also serves as the parks sign and a stand of palm trees at the parks far end that provides extensive shade for dogs and people.

A few dozen people and their dogs mingled over cupcakes and dog treats. Every few minutes, a handful of dogs took off running to the opposite end of the fenced-in stretch of grass. Others rested in the shade of a tree.

Parks department officials hope to install agility equipment for the more athletic dogs and are looking for sponsors to finance such a project.

Its Largos second dog park, and Parks Superintendent Greg Brown said it was installed in response to residents requests.

People wanted a dog park on the east side of the city, he said. They asked for one in Central Park, and this is across the street.

While some in attendance at Mondays opening celebration live within walking distance of the new facility, others drove from other parts of the county to check it out.

Feather Sound resident Terry Blazej decided to pay a visit. For her and Mocha, her 6-month-old brown-and-white border collie, it was a departure from their usual routine.

We go to the one at (U.S.) 19 and 49th Street, she said. Theres a group of us that meets around three oclock in the afternoon.

She said she hopes the agility equipment is installed soon, as border collies are known for their athletic abilities.

Read the original:
New Largo park for dogs opens