DOG DAYS START EARLY THIS YEAR WITH OPENING OF CARY’S FIRST DOG PARK

CARY, NC – Make no bones about it; pet owners and their pooches will be howling happy with today’s opening of the Town of Cary’s first public dog park.  Nearly 90 local pet owners have already purchased passes to access the park at 2050 NW Maynard Road, which will be open daily from 7 a.m.-10 p.m., with no entry allowed after 9 p.m.

“We are very excited to open this new recreational facility,” said Town of Cary Recreation Manager Dwayne Jones.  “Dogs and their owners are sure to enjoy the convenience of a place where canines can run safely and legally without a dog leash in an open environment.”

The park spans more than 1 acre covered with mulch and features security lights for evening use.  Pet clean-up stations are located throughout the park, along with four benches for dog owners to relax.  As an added feature, a 9-inch circular bowl with a faucet serves as a water fountain for Fido.

A pass is required to access the park through an electronic gate.  The annual pass price for Cary residents is $40 for one dog and $60 for multiple dogs; a day pass is $5.  Prices for all passes are double for non-residents.  For those who have not purchased a pass, passes are available at any Town of Cary community center during normal operating hours.  To purchase a pass, dog owners should bring Town of Cary Pet ID tags and current vaccination records for each dog.  Pet ID Tags can be purchased at the same time as park passes.

The 2003 Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Facilities Master Plan update identified the need for three off-leash pet areas.  Construction began on the nearly $43,000 park in August 2005, following the Town Council’s approval to proceed with construction and operations plans.  The Cary Dog Park Club donated $4,000 towards total construction cost.

A dog park grand opening will be held in spring 2006. For more, see Dog Park at www.townofcary.org or call (919) 469-4064.

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