First dog enters CC off-leash zone

Phase 2 of project will add an area for larger dogs

By Anastasia Baldus

Press Correspondent

Bentley, a brown, white and black dog no taller than a foot was first to be unleashed.

He ran over to a photographer about 4 feet from the entrance and then returned to the gate.

When the at least twice-as-tall golden doodle, Bear, was let in, Bentley greeted him and then they ran off together to play.

About a dozen dogs and their owners attended the Charles City Dog Park’s grand opening Saturday morning at Waverly Hill Park. Girl Scouts Brianna Ross, Morgan Haus and Emma Roney from Troop 20535 cut the ceremonial ribbon and Brianna’s dog was the first to enter.

“It’s incredible,” Park Board Chairman Bob Kloberdanz said.

“A huge thank you to the Girl Scouts for coming to the board,” he said. “It’s things like this that brings people closer together.”

Girl Scout Troop 20535 received a grant to launch the dog park project. The grand opening that happened Saturday was only part of the park. In the long run, this area will be designated for small dogs. A second, bigger fenced-in area surrounding a wooded area will be for large dogs.

“Once we get phase 2 done, all the big dogs and little dogs will be separated,” troop leader Kathy Haus said.

Fundraising is underway for phase 2. Donations can be made to the Dog Park fund at First Security Bank and Trust.

The troop met with many people to have this dog park become a reality. They worked with PAWS, the Charles City Council and Charles City Park and Recreation, to make it happen. What was an idea for a small agility park for PAWS, grew to larger facility open for all community members and their dogs to enjoy.

One dog owner, Alexa Bock at the event with her 7-month-old dog Charlie said, “I take my dogs to the baseball field, because that’s the only place they can run.”

But now, with the dog park, they don’t have to.