READING, Pa. – Lots of tails are wagging in Reading as the city’s first-ever public dog park is now open.
“We have needed a dog park in the city forever,” said Karel Minor, CEO of Humane Pennsylvania.
Now, people in Reading and their furry friends are getting their wish. The ribbon’s been cut on a brand-new dog park at Schlegel Park.
“It was a great idea,” said Takiyah Garret, who lives in Reading. “I think it will be beneficial for the animals in the area.”
The park, a pet project of Mayor Eddie Moran and supported by City Council, is named after Moran’s dog, Caramel, whom his family rescued from a puppy mill situation back in 2009.
“She’s our little girl,” said Moran. “We just celebrated her sweet 16 with cake and balloons and friends.”
City officials say they are planning some additions to the park.
“We’re going to add an agility course, we’re going to add a shaded area,” said Moran. “We’re going to do some upgrades to this [and] we’re going to continue to build on it.”
Garrett had been bringing her two dogs to Schlegel since before the dog park was installed but she says this makes all the difference for pet owners who don’t have many places to let their dogs run.
“This area was pretty clean and comfortable for me and them,” said Garrett, gesturing to her dog. “She’s a puppy still and I didn’t want her to get into anything, so this is perfect.”
There are park rules, and Moran says all dogs must be licensed and vaccinated against rabies.
Minor says he hopes to see more dog parks pop up in the future.
“They are easy, they are safe, and I think if they had been here a few years ago, we would have had fewer dogs surrendered to shelters,” explained Minor. “It’s going to make a difference.”
Park hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.