HALIFAX – If you’re a dog owner in the Halifax area, you likely already know you are no longer permitted to allow your dog to run around freely at Africville park. The city stopped that Dec. 31, 2014, but dogs are still permitted on a leash. A lot of people were upset and disappointed with the decision.
A new off-leash park was opened Jan. 1 at the Halifax Mainland Common, near Westridge Drive, and dog owners are warming up to it.
The first phase of the new off-leash park is surrounded by a high fence just behind the soccer fields at Mainland Common. There’s a nearby parking lot as well. Dog owners have been flocking to the space and seem pleased.
“It’s a nice big open area for them to run,” says Stewart Zaun, who owns two pugs. “These guys like to have some sort of hills and more character which hopefully will come in time.”
Dog-owner Mary Coholan says, “I think the city did quite a good job in finding place like this. I know this was already existing and they listened to us in that workshop. I went to every table and said we need lights in the winter at 5:00 P.M.”
There are lights, park benches and picnic tables. Wendy Miller and her dog Oreo love the new facility. “She’s loving it. She’s five months old and coming here every day since it opened and it’s been a great park for her to run around in.”
But it hasn’t been without some problems. The park is smaller than one at Africville. There’s been at least one incident that left one dog injured, and that’s why Sherry Levy is hesitant about letting her dog Bailey loose.
“I’m just a little timid he might grab at a dog and then the other dog might get aggressive with him – somebody might get hurt,” she says.
Phase Two of the park will be adjacent to the new one. Trails will be built through a wooded area and will include shelters.
But if your dog can’t wait, there’s always a private dog park off Lucasville Road, where dogs are separated into two areas, mild and active, and business has been good. “We do screen all of the dogs for shots and temperaments and we kind of screen the people too,” chuckles Ken Walker who operates the park along with his wife Darlene, the owner of Paws in the Park.
80 members use the year-and-a-half old, 9-acre park, either daily or on weekends, which they say is well worth the average, dollar a visit fee. “Absolutely, more than worth it,” says member Tom West. “It’s a real nice place, your dog’s safe. There’s no runners and people on bicycles. We get our exercise. Mandy gets her exercise.”
The private park’s rules include: no dog treats in the park and no leashes on the dogs.
The park was plowed shortly after Tuesday’s snowfall and there are lights for night time walks. It’s safe for humans and dogs, with a fence and locked entrance.
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