West Hartford To Officially Dedicate Dog Park Saturday

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Fido now has a place to frolic and have fun in West Hartford and, this Saturday, the town will officially recognize the site of Fido's leash-free bliss.

The Town of West Hartford and the West Hartford Dog Park Coalition will have a special dedication ceremony Saturday, Nov. 5, at 1:30 p.m.

David Coleman, co-president of the West Hartford Dog Park Coalition (WHDPC), said local dignitaries and corporate sponsors will be on hand to dedicated and cut a ribbon at the facility, which is located at 100 Mayflower St. (behind the old St. Brigid School site).

In the event of rain, the event will be moved to Sunday, Nov. 6, at the same time and place, though long-range forecasts are calling for a clear and mild weekend.

West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor will preside over the ribbon-cutting ceremony and dog owners and their dogs are all invited.

The fenced-in dog park has two separate play areas (one for small or timid dogs and one for large dogs), a double-gated entrance and exit, seating for dog owners and plenty of parking. T

he park, which is open every day from sunrise to sunset, is considered temporary because it will need to close approximately in one year when construction begins on the new community center and library at the site.

“We’re thrilled that the dog park has finally become a reality,” said Coleman, “and we appreciate the encouragement and support we received from town officials throughout the process. This new dog park will enable dogs and their owners to socialize and will foster community spirit.”

Dog owners are reminded that their dogs must display a current license and rabies vaccination tag and they must pick up and deposit dog litter in the trash can located at the front of the dog park.

The park actually opened late last month, with this Saturday's planned event being an official opening of the temporary dog park.

In September, the West Hartford Plan & Zoning Commission voted in favor of a special permit to operate the park, which is behind the old St. Brigid School, now owned by the town.

The application was filed by Coleman and Pamela Hershinson, who serve as co-presidents of the coalition, an organization looking for a permanent dog park site.

Currently, the St. Brigid School parcel will be home to a new community/senior center and library.

The coalition is looking for a permanent location in town, possibly at the current address once the construction project is finished.

For more information about the WHDPC and to learn more about volunteering or supporting the group, go to: www.facebook.com/groups/westhartforddogpark.

From Oct. 27: 'West Hartford Animal Control Issues Dog Park Warning'