HOLMES BEACH – The construction crews are out and the dogs are in at the new and improved dog park in Holmes Beach, renamed the Holmes Beach Community Dog Park.
“This has been a dream,” Mayor Judy Titsworth said of the new park during the grand opening ceremony Jan. 25. She added though some people thought the new park would never come to fruition, she hopes that the improved dog park is something that the community can be proud of for a long time. Titsworth also thanked Director of Development Services Eran Wasserman and the entire Public Works department staff for their work to see the plans for the dog park realized.
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“If the dogs could speak, I think they would say that they approve,” Commissioner Carol Soustek said, watching dozens of dogs frolic in the grass at the new large dog park.
The dog park, located in the newly-renamed Community Park complex located adjacent to Holmes Beach City Hall, features grass and a shell mix area, a long dog run, shaded seating for people and pups, a water drinking fountain and a fire hydrant splash pad where dogs can get fresh drinking water and play in spray. The dog park is separated into two sections, one for large dogs and one for smaller dogs.
“It’s just wonderful,” resident Fran Derr said, looking around the new park.
Resident Renee Ferguson, a dog park user who helped work on the plans for the new park, said that she and her dog Ginger were both excited to see the dog park finally ready and open to the public.
“It’s been a long time coming,” she said.
Code Compliance Officer James Thomas provided music for the event while area dog rescues, pet store owners and other vendors came out to show their support for the new park, organized by Caryn Hodge. Some of the vendors included Poppo’s Taqueria, Underdog Rescue, Friends of Manatee County Animal Services, Running Rover, Perks 4 Pets, Manatee County Animal Services, Three Dog Bakery, Shelter Manatee, Live Naturally, Painting with a Twist and Anne Yarborough Pet Photography.
Atlas models his new Community Park scarf complete with an airplane design, illustrating the history of the space that is now the dog park. - Kristin Swain | Sun
Shona Otto of Underdog Rescue gives cuddles to one of several dogs for adoption at the dog park grand opening. - Kristin Swain | Sun
Commissioners Carol Soustek, Jim Kihm, Terry Schaefer and Kim Rash, with his puppy Lucy, hold the ribbon while Director of Development Services Eran Wasserman, Mayor Judy Titsworth and Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore cut the ribbon, officially opening the dog park to the community. - Kristin Swain | Sun
One little puppy wore its pajamas to the dog park party to help stay warm in the cool of the morning. - Kristin Swain | Sun
Theresa and Melissa Rash celebrate the opening of the dog park with Melissa's dog Bella. - Kristin Swain | Sun
Resident Kathy Donner gives treats to her talented pups, Blitzen and Atlas, after they perform a few tricks. - Kristin Swain | Sun
Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore meets Holmes Beach Commissioner Kim Rash's dog Lucy. - Kristin Swain | Sun
One happy puppy is enjoying trying out the new grass dog run. - Kristin Swain | Sun
Ginger and Annie have fun running on the grass at the new dog park. - Kristin Swain | Sun
Dozens of people came out with their furry friends Jan. 26 to celebrate the grand opening of the new dog park. - Kristin Swain | Sun
Caryn Hodge and Fran Derr hang out at the new dog park. - Kristin Swain | Sun
This new Holmes Beach dog park is open and this pup couldn’t be happier to be at the off leash park. - Kristin Swain | Sun
