Pooches get place to roam free in city

An intrepid little Chihuahua mix named Polo led the way up a snowy hill as a group of dogs, large and small, followed behind, eagerly sniffing each inch of land during a tour of Spokane’s first free dog park Thursday.

Mayor Mary Verner turned the keys to the new park over to SpokAnimal C.A.R.E. on Thursday afternoon and unveiled the park’s name – SpokAnimal’s Dog Park at High Bridge. SpokAnimal, a major donor to the park, has a three-year lease on the land with the city.

“It’s very important for the health and well-being of the dogs and owners in our community to have a safe place to go,” said Gail Mackie SpokAnimal’s executive director.

The land, bordered by Riverside Avenue, Government Way and A Street, was donated by the city of Spokane Parks and Recreation. It served as an RV park during Expo ’74 and was home to a community garden for awhile, but hasn’t been used for much lately, aside from a storage area for the parks department

“We’ve been needing it for years,” Verner said of the new park. “At this location, it takes an underutilized piece of property … and puts it to good use.”

She said she plans to visit the park with her dogs, Woof Woof and Ice Cube.

Members of the Parks and Recreation Foundation, the Parks and Recreation Board and SpokAnimal looked at several different areas, including Spokane’s South Hill, Qualchan, Indian Canyon and the Joe Albi areas, before deciding on the High Bridge site.

“One of the reasons this works so well is there were a lot of undesirable activities going on here and this is positive,” Mackie said. “The neighborhood welcomed us with open arms.”

Dogs in attendance Thursday strained against their leashes – a temporary necessity. As soon as the fence is finished, the dogs will be able to run free in the park, which features separate areas for small and large dogs. Fencing is expected to be completed by the end of January. Water is expected to be turned on in the spring.

A recycling center, a hiking trail, a garden, a dog pool and agility equipment may be added in the future.

Keign Vedvick, 14, also is planning to build six picnic tables for the park as part of his Eagle Scout project. He said he picked the project because he loves animals.

“I like being around dogs,” he said. “I always wanted to volunteer for SpokAnimal.”

Vedvick, who is part of Troop 333 in Spokane, hopes to have the tables finished by spring.

Before the opening of the new park, many people had to take their dogs to the park at the state line.

Chris Sheppard, who owns two puffy Pomeranians named Gizmo and Angel, said she visits the Spokane County park about once a month.

“They love to go bye-bye,” she said. “That’s their favorite thing to do, is go out and about. They like to go exploring.”

Now, with a park located much closer, she’ll be able to take her dauntless explorers to the park once a week.

“We’re excited to have one in Spokane,” she said. “It’s a central location.”

Ben Hagood, who owns Polo, as well as Ellie and Chili, said he looks forward to letting his three rambunctious dogs wear themselves out in the new park.

“Dogs will sleep better in Spokane once this is open,” he said.