Dog park officially opens

Mayor Paul Finley, along with other city and state representatives, cut the ribbon to Madison's first dog park.

The Mill Creek Greenway has gone to the dogs.

A ribbon cutting Thursday, Oct. 21, officially opened Madison’s first and much-anticipated dog park, located at the Greenway.

The 1.43-acre park is enclosed by a 4-foot tall chain link fence and features a 30,927 square-foot play area for dogs weighing 25 pounds or less, a 31,363 square-foot play area for dogs weighing more than 25 pounds and a 20-by-30-foot staging area for the dogs as they enter the park.

“This is fabulous, especially for folks like me,” said Jeanne Westrope, who walks with the help of a cane, and brought along her dog, Robbie, to the event. “I used to walk (Robbie) everyday, and now I can’t walk much anymore and he got too heavy to carry. I’m thrilled they have it here now.”

Tim Holcombe, city councilman who represents that district said the city is definitely excited to have the dog park.

“The beautiful trees, water fountain and scenery make this park unique,” Holcombe said. “This is a big draw for citizens of Madison and their dogs.”

Holcombe said the second phase of the dog park would add a parking lot, a second entrance, water fountain and a new dog recreation area.

“It’s going to be good,” he said.

The park was funded by the Madison City Council, Commissioner Dale Armstrong, State Reps. Mike Ball and Mac McCutcheon and State Sens. Tom Butler and Arthur Orr.

“This is another example of the pride of Madison,” said Madison City Council President Bill Holtzclaw. “From a governmental prospective, it’s an example of the governments working together to represent the residents.”