Imagine a canine utopia. A place to let your fur down, run free off-leash, romp, bark, sniff and fetch frisbees forever.

That doggy dream turned into a reality at the official dedication on June 17 of
the Sandy Dog Park, a fully fenced, double gate, one acre-plus facility located
at Sandy Bluff Park, 36801 Goldenrain St.

“This has been a long time coming, and the dogs don’t seem to mind the
weather,” Mayor Bill King said under grey skies and an intermittent drizzle.

Officially “cutting the leash” for the grand opening, the mayor thanked the
fundraising “Bark for the Park” committee members Stephanie Craven and
Julie Snell, the park board, city council and staff, local businesses and the
many generous donors and participants who made this day possible.
The mayor promised that this is just the beginning.

“This is the first of two planned dog parks, the other to be in Meinig Park,” he
said, adding that the next “Bark for the Park” fundraising event will be held on
September 20.

The vision of a dog park began in 2009 following city council goals that
included the designation of a dog park in Sandy. Later on, sites were
identified in Sandy Bluff Park and Meinig Park, and the ball was rolling.

Recreation manager Sarah Richardson was assigned the task of project
manager to oversee the venture, and several city staff members worked
alongside volunteer committee members.

Fundraising followed and the first “Bark for the Park” event was held in 2013
where participants registered their dogs for a fee and took part in 2K and 5K
walks and other fun doggy activities. Each registered dog received a custom
dog collar.

“Sixty percent of Sandy households own a dog, and dog parks offer many
benefits such as responsible pet ownership,” Craven said. She urged the
audience to be proud, take ownership, protect the place and have fun. “I am
delighted to see this space come together.”

“This is a great park, a place to bring your dog and not worry about her
running off,” Sam Craven said, while throwing frisbees for his energetic dog,
Belle.

Carol Cohen, one of the staff members of “Bark for the Park,” was delighted
with the new facilities.

“It’s great, we’ve needed it for so long and for me, living in a residential area
there is not much room to run around,” she said. “Fenway can socialize with
other dogs. I come two to three times a week, and sometimes in the mornings
before work. He’ll run for 15 minutes then sleep the rest of the day. It’s also
great to have a smaller section for the little dogs.”

“This is awesome, a good place to take Molly to run and meet other dogs and
people” said local dog owner Rick Hanna. Molly, a lively labrador retriever,
tirelessly fetched thrown tennis balls and true to Labrador form, managed to
discover the solitary mud puddle in the park.

Mayor King expressed thanks to all the citizens of Sandy who continue to
support the special touches that make the community a model of livability.
But, for the dogs, it was quite simple. It was the best day, ever.