By JAN McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Mooshu the goldendoodle stood outside the fence looking longingly in and wagging his tail. His owner, Vincent Lopez, promised they would be back to play after they went home to get his ball.
“I’ve been waiting for this,” Lopez said of the new dog park at Ridge Park in Bowling Green. “It’s a really nice addition to the neighborhood.”
Lopez and Mooshu came upon the park as they took a Sunday stroll, not expecting it to be open yet.
“He’s going to love this,” said Lopez, who normally has to drive to his parents’ home 20 minutes away to give Mooshu a chance to run off leash.
The new dog park was opened on a whim Sunday afternoon by some members of the Citizens for BG Dog Parks. Though work on the park is not finished, with the sturdy five-foot high fence surrounding the 1.4 acres, it had all the essentials to open up to pups and their people on the warm summer afternoon.
The park is divided into two separate areas for large dogs and for small dogs, with the dividing line being those above and those under 30 pounds. A sign by the gate provides a QR code for registering on the dog park website. Those registering are sent an email with the gate code.
There is no cost to use the dog park, which like all city parks is open from sunrise to sunset.
The park has been four years in the making. Still to be completed are water stations for dogs and their humans – two each in the big and small dog spaces. A splash pad will also be installed for dogs to use during the hot summer months, said Raul and Jo Ascunce, of the Citizens for BG Dog Parks.
A shade shelter is also planned, spanning sections in both the big and small dog areas. A non-functioning fire hydrant, painted with paw prints by Raul Ascunce, has been installed in the center of the park. The paved entrance to the park is also adorned with stamped paw prints.
There will be a poop pickup bag station. A gravel walkway through the park has been proposed. And donations are being sought for shade trees and benches to be placed throughout the park.
The Citizens for BG Dog Parks organization has hired a lawn company to maintain the grass, and is partnering with WLI for trash control.
On Sunday afternoon, the sight of dogs using the park attracted interest.
“People are coming to check it out,” said Raul Ascunce, whose dog Charlie appeared happy to be in the park among other pups.
Robb and Brandy Lowry brought their Siberian husky, Zya, to visit the park.
“We don’t have that huge of a yard. It’s more freedom for her to run,” Brandy Lowry said. “And it’s convenient.”
After stretching her legs and investigating the park with Charlie, Zya looked like she could use a nap. “I think she’s getting tired now,” Brandy Lowry said.
Brittani Burnat stopped by the park with her family, to check it out before bringing Ellie Mae, her small terrier mix.
“She gets a little finicky around other dogs – so it’s going to be good for her,” Burnat said.
“This is ideal. Another good thing for the community. It makes me love Bowling Green even more,” she said.
Burnat’s son, Tobi, got to meet a couple dogs, then went to use the children’s playground located next to the dog park.
Mark and Lona Leck also showed up at the park with Macy, their German shorthaired pointer, who will turn 16 years old on July 1.
“She has gotten quite spoiled,” with the couple retired and home with her, said Lona Leck, a member of the Citizens for BG Dog Parks. The couple takes her on car rides, and now has another destination for Macy.
Despite her age, Macy joined Mark Leck on a patrol around the perimeter of the park.
“It’s a great place for her to come sniff around and meet people,” Lona Leck said.
The grand opening of the dog park will be held July 14, at 4 p.m. A cornhole tournament fundraiser is being planned later this year to help with park expenses.
