Coeur d'Alene's Off-Leash Dog Parks
- Steve Russo
- Jul 1, 2014
- 2 min read
The lil’ dog park association that could. By Chris Shafer. Photo by Stan Drennan, 29k Productions.
For many dogs, going to an off-leash dog park is like going to an amusement park just for canines. Say the word “park” to a pooch who frequents a dog park and watch the reaction. Depending on the dog, there will be barking, whining, wiggling, jumping, or all of the above.
On July 12th, as part of the city of Coeur d’Alene’s “Parks Day Celebration,” McEuen Dog Park will have its grand opening and dedication. This downtown dog park is the city’s third. The first, Central Bark, opened in September, 2010 and was North Idaho’s first off-leash dog park. Cherry Hill Dog Park was the second to open. Now with three dog parks, dog owners, locals and visitors alike, can choose from locations on the west and east sides of the city, as well as downtown.
Amusement comes easily to canines. Dogs don’t need roller coasters to have a good time. They are experts at making their own fun. All you have to do is let them loose. At an off-leash dog park, pups are free to play games of chase and to mingle at the drinking fountain, meeting new friends and reuniting with old ones. In an off-leash environment, dogs can just be dogs with other dogs. It is all about being social and being able to frolic in a secure outdoor space.
So how did three dog parks happen in a struggling economy? The answer to that question is the Kootenai County Dog Park Association. This citizen action group raised the funds to develop the parks through private donations, along with a $5000 “Dog Town USA” contest prize from Dog Fancy Magazine in 2011.
Now that Coeur d’Alene has three dog parks, this can-do organization isn’t about to stop. According to Bob Macdonald, the association’s president, there are three more parks in the works in Kootenai County.
If you’d like to know more about the off-leash dog parks in our county, go to www.kcdogpark.com. While you’re there, be sure to check out the “Give Your Dog a Bone” fundraiser. Interested in having a dog park in your Kootenai County town? Well then, consider joining the pack - 208.964.5995 or send a message via their website. Your dog will love you for it!
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