Downtown Denver ’s first off-leash dog park to open on September 23

Thanks to a generous loan and challenge grant from the Riverfront Park Community Foundation, the downtown dog park has become a reality

Denver – September 21, 2010 – The Railyard Dogs and the City of Denver are pleased to announce the Grand Opening of downtown Denver’s first off-leash dog park, Railyard Dog Park.  The park will officially open to the public on Thursday, September 23 at 7:00 p.m. (the public opening will be preceded by an invitation-only event for donors and in-kind contributors to the park).  However, anyone who donates any dollar amount will be welcome to attend the Grand Opening event (even if they donate at the door).

City Councilperson Judy Montero and Denver Parks and Recreation Manager Kevin Patterson will be featured speakers at the Grand Opening event.  Jake, a yellow Labrador who has built a loyal following on his blog ( www.thatsoftdog.com ) during his successful fight against cancer will be the first dog to run in the park.

The one acre dog park, located at 19 th Street and Little Raven (in the Central Platte Valley), features an elaborate sand and gravel field that provides a safe, efficient and clean filtering system (the Railyard Dogs, a charitable organization and the driving force behind fundraising efforts, studied the possibility of using natural or artificial grass and found that grass couldn’t survive the conditions, and an artificial surface wouldn’t be allowed by the EPA).  Plans also include a decorative shade structure, trees and a fence enclosure.

Fundraising efforts are continuing in order to pay off the $84,000 loan that was generously provided by the Riverfront Park Community Foundation in order to commence construction. A challenge grant has meant that that loan is down to $20,000 since May and continues to fall.  In addition to the loan amount, the Foundation has been responsible for more than half of the money raised for the dog park to date.

“The Railyard Dogs, and all of the people who have worked incredibly hard to make this park a reality, are very excited to open this park to the public on Thursday,” said Matt Mahoney, President, The Railyard Dogs.  “Downtown Denver ’s dog population is growing nearly as quickly as its human population, and a public-private partnership building a dog park in the urban core is a tremendous achievement.  The park has gained the support of the entire downtown community, and over a half million dollars has been raised to build the park.  From Thursday forward, Denver ’s dogs will be able to run free in their very own spacious and environmentally friendly park.”

Donations for the dog park are still being accepted to meet the challenge grant and for continued maintenance and facility requirements (please visit www.railyarddogs.org ). – # # # -

Top 10 Male Dog Names:

1. MAX

2. BUDDY

3. JAKE

4. ROCKY

5. BAILEY

6. BUSTER

7. CODY

8. CHARLIE

9. BEAR

10. JACK

Top 10 Female Dog Names:

1. MOLLY

2. MAGGIE

3. DAISY

4. LUCY

5. SADIE

6. GINGER

7. CHLOE

8. BAILEY

9. SOPHIE

10. ZOE

The Colorado State Parks Board voted unanimously July 15th to create designated dog off-leash areas at Chatfield and Cherry Creek State Parks.

After the Colorado State Parks staff presentation on the preferred alternative for each park, the board listened to public comments. Board president Bill Kane praised the park staff for their work, including the extensive public outreach process.

The preferred alternatives were developed by park staff after analysis of studies and user surveys conducted between 2006 and 2008, and with input from interagency stakeholders, user stakeholders and public comments collected at 14 meetings. The plans reflect concerns from dog owners about acreage, water access, separation from other park users and dog waste disposal.

The two dog off-leash areas at Chatfield State Park and Cherry Creek State Park are the largest designated dog off-leash areas in the metropolitan area. The fenced dog off-leash area at Chatfield State Park will be approximately 69 acres. Two separate areas for hunting dog trainers to use through a permit system will add an additional 19.3 acres for a total of 88.3 acres. The fenced dog off-leash area at Cherry Creek State Park will be approximately 107 acres.

The designated off-leash areas respond to a requirement by the land owner, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, to develop plans for fenced dog exercise areas to ensure responsible and sustainable use of the land and water.