The recently opened dog park in Wesbrook Place is getting positive feedback from dog-owning campus residents.
The park officially opened on December 11 last year and is located north of Birney Ave. near Ross Drive and Webber Lane. It features separate fenced areas for large and small dogs, sheltered seating, and water fountains that will be turned on in spring.
Thus far, the park appears to be a hit.
Joe Jurkiewicz lives on the other side of campus, but said he makes an effort to come to the dog park every day.
“It’s perfect,” he said. “We love it and we were anticipating it. We kept checking the UNA website for the opening date.”
Jurkiewicz said the park is a safe place for his dog to play, and he appreciates the separate areas for big and small dogs and the sitting areas for dog owners.
“This is the only gated dog park that I know of on campus,” he said. “We used to go to Richmond for a gated dog park. We had to drive quite a bit. This is far easier and more accessible.”
The only drawback he sees is the use of sand in some areas of the park. “I know it’s better for the joints, but he does get dirty when it rains,” he said, while looking at his furry friend.
since its opening in December last year. (Photo: Emmanuel Samoglou)
One campus family at the park on a weekday afternoon last month said they try to visit twice a day. “My daughter Nora loves watching the dogs,” said Matt, who was visiting the park with partner Alex and dog Zoe. “She doesn’t listen very well off a leash so she needs a fence,” added Alex. “We didn’t have anywhere else to take her until this, so it’s very nice.”
The park cost an estimated $230,000, with maintenance expenses coming from the UNA’s annual budget. For more information go to myuna.ca/dogpark.