McAllen's First "Off Leash" Dog Park Set To Open Feb. 13

The City of McAllen Parks and Recreation Department is holding a Ribbon Cutting ceremony for the recently constructed McAllen Dog Park located at 5th Street and Tamarack on Saturday, February 13, 2010 at 10:00 a.m.

“After months of anticipation, we are happy to introduce McAllen’s first Dog Park to the community,” said Sally Gavlik, Director of the McAllen Parks and Recreation Department.  “The new park will provide a safe, convenient location for people to take their dogs for socializing and exercise, and it will provide a great way to educate the public about responsible pet practices.”

Approximately three years ago half the land for this project was donated by the Shell Exploration and Production Company to extend the City’s existing park.

The land where the Dog Park now stands was originally a storm water detention pond dug in the 1960’s to accommodate localized flooding.

“The Dog Park will still serve its purpose as a Storm Water Detention Facility preventing the flooding of homes in the immediate area.  During heavy rain storms, water will drain into the park with water subsiding within a few hours.  The neat part is, dog lovers will still be able to use the trail surrounding the park during these times,” said Sally Gavlik.

McAllen’s first fenced “off leash” Dog Park has separate areas for small and large dogs, as well as a trail surrounding the park for dogs that may need the restraint of a leash.

The renovated park features a new parking lot, shade structure, signage kiosk, landscaping, area lighting, fencing and a walking trail. 

For more information regarding the McAllen Dog Park Ribbon Cutting ceremony please contact the McAllen Parks and Recreation Department at (956) 681-3333.