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Meadows Park Goes To The Dogs

Jessica Bair/SUNCOAST

The first city-run dog park located within Meadows Park, off Larch Lane, officially opened Thursday in New Port Richey. Sylvia McChesney, a Home Depot team captain, and her companion Naoma, a 2-year-old black Labrador-retriever mix, who is training to be come a guide dog, enjoy opening day at the park.

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By Jessica  Bair | The Suncoast News

Published: December 13, 2007

NEW PORT RICHEY, FL - NEW PORT RICHEY, FL - Fido and his four-legged friends were unleashed Thursday on the city's first-ever dog park located within Meadows Park, off Larch Lane.

The grand opening of the canine safe haven took place with packs of dogs sniffing out the new digs.

Members of SPCA Suncoast, New Port Richey Parks and Recreation staff and even Santa Claus were on hand to take pictures with pups on the sunny afternoon.

The park, which backs up to the James E. Grey Preserve, was created after Elaine Smith, the city's Parks and Recreation Director addressed City Council in August about many residents requesting one.
Although there are several Pasco County-run dog parks – the closest is in Holiday – this is the first for the city, says Smith.

Now, West Pasco dog owners have a place to let their pets exercise and mingle with other mutts inside the fenced-in area within the six-acre park, while sitting on several newly installed benches.

Dogs should be unleashed in the bullpen, a holding area of sorts, which opens to two separate enclosures, one designated for large dogs and one for small dogs.

The park amenities include canine-height water fountains, poop scooper bag dispensers, painted decorative fire hydrants and a doggy shower area.

Three city employees, Frank South, Bill Cada and Bill Griffin, built the doggy domain that was funded entirely by donations.

Community Hospital Volunteers donated $4,000, as well as Korrect Kritters that contributed funds for a picnic table and signage. Unique Trophies donated a sponsors board.

Smith says the dog park adds to the under-utilized area and has cut down on the vandalism that often occurred there.

"It's a beautiful little neighborhood," says Smith. "I hope people will appreciate the park and take care of it," she adds.

Since the construction, the vandalism that has plagued the park has lessened, she says.
The park will be open from dawn until dusk.

The Parks and Recreation Department is looking for sponsors in hopes of soon adding shade covers over the benches and to plant trees.

To be a sponsor, contact Elaine Smith at the New Port Richey Recreation Center,
727-841-4560.

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