Opening date set for Tri-Cities long-awaited 2nd dog park
Tri-City dog owners are rejoicing.
The city of Kennewick is opening its new Columbia River Dog Park at 10 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 18, near the Family Fishing Pond in east Columbia Park.
The city began building the park on a 3.25-acre site this spring. It will be the region’s second public dog park, after Richland’s Paws-ability at Badger Mountain Community Park, about 15 minutes away.
The grand opening was delayed until fall because sprinkler systems needed repair, and the city wanted to give the new grass time to take root before it is trampled by the pitter patter of paws.
Kennewick’s new dog park features separate, double-gated areas for large and small dogs as well as water stations, waste-bag dispensers and plenty of shade thanks to the mature landscape.
The project recycled an existing restroom, now configured to accommodate guests and their dogs.
The ribbon cutting is at 10 a.m., followed by a dog costume contest, dog training demonstrations and free pup cups from A-Beverage Co.
Columbia River Dog Park hours are sunrise to sunset, the same as the rest of Columba Park. Parking is available next to the main entrance and across Columbia Park Trail at the boat launch.
The rules
- Owners must remain with their dogs, keep them in sight and under voice control.
- Owners are encouraged to immunize and register their dogs and to keep them home if they’re ill.
- Aggressive dogs and repeat barkers must be leashed and removed from the park.
- Dogs should be leashed when entering and exiting the park. Gates must remain closed.
- Children under 12 must be with an attentive adult.
- Owners must pick up after their dogs. Receptacles are provided.
- Neither dogs nor humans may consume food or beverages inside the park.
- Owners must fill holes their dogs dig.
The new park was built with donations from Toyota of Tri-Cities and Retter & Company Sotheby’s International Real Estate.
