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A labor of love that has been about two years in the making comes to fruition today at 5 p.m. with the official opening of the Ashland Dog Park. The project has taken the hard work and dedication of many community members.

“This endeavor would not have been possible without the hard work of the dedicated dog park committee: i.e. Jackie Moore, local business and a few very generous anonymous donations,” said City of Ashland Parks and Recreation Director Sara Hudson.

The cost of the project was roughly $12,000 and the dog park had raised nearly $6,000 since 2012. However, the funding came together earlier this year.

“This spring, l was contacted by a community member who wanted to help by paying for the fence in full,” Moore said.

There were many reasons Ashland needed a dog park, one being that it’s illegal for dogs to be off leash in public areas.

“Community members and visitors wanted a place where their dogs could run off leash and play,” said Hudson. “Many communities in Wisconsin and the U.S. are creating parks for dogs and humans to play.”

The park boasts a dual-entry gate system so animals cannot accidently get out and a list of the official rules is posted onsite. An overview of some of the rules include that owners need to clean up after their dogs, that dogs need to be supervised and that children should be kept under close adult supervision. Dogs that are aggressive, sick or ‘frisky’ and puppies under four months old are not welcome and current vaccines and licenses are required.

Hudson said it took a lot to get to the park up and running.

“Lots of fund raising, getting the OK from city council and the Parks and Rec Committee to designate the space and gaining community support,” she said.

The dog park still needs people in the community to get involved.

“We are looking for volunteers to help with maintenance of the park,” Hudson said.

Moore said there will be future needs to keep things going and encouraged people to get involved.

“For now, ensuring basic maintenance, building community support, and determining if the park will be available this winter,” she said. “I am a community volunteer and will continue to advocate on behalf of the park. The Dog Park is a component of the friends of the park program in partnership with Ashland Parks and Rec. My role in this project has evolved and adjusted as needed. I encourage folks to contact me if they are interested in being involved with the park.”

The park is located directly behind the Hodgkins Ball Parks and can be accessed by taking 14th Avenue East south, turning right at the dog park arrow sign and following the road to the fenced-in dog park area. The parks unofficial address is 901 14th Avenue East.

Everyone is invited to the celebration.

The festivities will begin with a gathering at the dog park starting at 5 p.m. and will be followed up with free cupcakes and ‘Yappy Hour’ specials at the Spot, as Fido is welcome to come hang out in the tiki bar behind the Spot until 7 p.m. when its time to put the dogs to bed and for their owners to enjoy some general trivia with a ‘doggy’ theme from 7-9 p.m.

“It will be a low-key event at the parks, mostly to let people know where it is,” Hudson said. “Time for dogs to play and people to talk.”

“We’re inviting people to come check it out, with their dogs, or not,” said Moore. “Some people might be hesitant to visit the park and we want tomorrow to be an opportunity to check it out and get comfortable with the space.”

Questions, comments and concerns about the dog park can be directed to the Ashland Parks and Recreation by calling 715-682-7059. The Ashland Dog Park can also be found on Facebook. Donations in support of the Ashland Dog Park are not expected but are always appreciated.