New dog park officially opened in Amherstburg

By Ron Giofu

Canines and their owners have a new place to call home.

The town’s new dog park has officially opened. The dog park is located at the Libro Centre, just south of the main driveway.

A ribbon cutting was held Monday afternoon.

Director of parks, facilities, recreation and culture Heidi Baillargeon estimated it has been two to three years that the dog park has been in development.

Baillargeon pointed out it began when residents started petitioning for a dog park. The initial plan was to locate the dog park at Ranta Park, but when redevelopment plans of that park took a different turn, the dog park was moved to the Libro Centre.

“We were developing it conjunction with the trail that circles the property,” said Baillargeon.

After taking care of drainage issues and planting the grass, the dog park is now ready for use.

“The turf has come in nicely and we can open it for our furry friends,” she said.

Baillargeon said there is a 1.6-acre park for larger dogs and a 0.3-acre site for smaller dogs.

Mayor Michael Prue thanked the public for attending, noting the dog park has been something that has been talked about for a while.

“This has been a long time coming,” said Prue.

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Prue stated that Councillor Don McArthur championed the dog park on the last town council and continued to do so on the current one. Prue said McArthur pursued the dog park “like no one else.” McArthur brought his dog Magic to the ribbon cutting ceremony.

“The people of Amherstburg have spoken and they want this,” said Prue.

The mayor quipped that he hopes dogs make some new friends, adding he also wants to see pet owners clean up after their animals.