NoDogNo.com

Brownsville unleashed: Dog park lets dogs play

Posted on 13. Nov, 2009 by admin in Dog Activities, Top Stories

STAFF REPORT
© 2009 www.NoDogNo.com

A red-hot fire hydrant provides a whimsical welcome for dogs who visit Brownsville’s Catherine Stillman Dog Park in Olmito. With a quick sniff, mutts of all sorts can get the latest “spot news” at the fixture before dashing off for a romp in the fenced in dog-friendly playground.

Dog parks are not a new concept outside the Rio Grande Valley. But the park in Olmito is the first of its kind for the region, and many Brownsville-area dog owners are unaware of the existence of the park, which opened in the spring of 2009. Nor does everyone yet know that the recreational area not only allows dogs off-leash, but was designed solely to fill that need.

Also, the park is not an empty field surrounded by chain link fence. The city’s Park and Recreation Department has overseen the inclusion of plenty of trees, benches, picnic tables, trash cans, dog waste disposal stations and, most impresively, water fountains designed for humans and dogs.

These vivid blue fountains have two tiers. One level delivers clean water for dog owners, and another fountain at near-ground level provides water for Fido, Rover and their friends.

Another feature, the park is divided by a fence, which allows dog owners to segregate play between large and small dog breeds. Or in some cases, more fearful dogs can maintain privacy from dogs seeking more boisterous play.

There are some shortcomings, which might be expected in such a novel undertaking for Brownsville. Among issues to improve, the fencing at the front of the park is not perfectly flush with the ground, which creates a spot where small breeds can slip to freedom commando-style. An area of fencing dividing the two major areas of the park has a similar gap that small dogs can exploit easily. Dog owners should scout the perimeter of the fencing on their first visit to spot any areas of concern.

Another point worth mentioning is the park lacks restroom facilities and significant shade during the hottest parts of the day. Because many dog owners work during the day, the lack of shade may not bother everyone, but it also may be a reason why more dog owners do not arrive until later in the evening, usually an hour or so before sundown.

If you are considering taking your dogs to the park, you should be aware of the rules (posted on a sign at the park):

1.  Dog owners and handlers are responsible for the actions and behavior of their dogs at all times.
2. Dog park hours at 7 a.m. to dusk.
3. All dogs must be leashed when entering and exiting the dog park.
4. All dogs must have current rabies and all other vaccinations as required by the City of Brownsville Public Health Department and should be healthy and free of contagious diseases and parasites.
5. Dogs must wear current license tags in the dog park.
6. Dog owners and handlers must carry a copy of their dogs’ rabies vaccination certificate while in the dog park.
7. Never leave dogs unattended.
8. Dogs must be in view of and within voice control of their owner or handler at all times.
9. Dog owners and handlers are responsible for picking up and disposing of all of their dogs’ waste.
10. Dogs in heat are prohibited.
11. Dogs showing any signs of aggression must be leashed and immediately removed from the dog park.
12. Dogs under 4 months of age are prohibited.
13. No other pets are allowed in the dog park. The park is only for dogs and their owners or handlers.
14. There is a limit of two dogs per adult in the dog park at any time. The adult must be at least 18 years of age.
15. Children under the age of 12 are not allowed in the dog park at any time.
16. No food or drink (dog or human) allowed in the dog park.
17. No bicycles, skateboards, rollerblades or any motorized vehicles allowed inside the dog park.