Sudbury’s South End Dog Park celebrates improvements

South End dog park upgrades have been completed, a new accessible path, benches, lighting, trees and play equipment have been installed.

Canines in Greater Sudbury have a new reason to wag their tails.

Greater Sudbury and users of the South End Dog Park celebrated the completion of enhancements Friday at the site next to the Gerry McCrory Countryside Sports Complex.

Upgrades include an accessible pathway, benches, new trees, lighting and some play equipment for the furry friends.

“There are more activities for the dogs to do here now,” said Dan Skwarok, president and founder of the York K-9 Club.

“And a place for (owners) to sit when they need to get some rest. So, it allows them to really socialize a bit more and then use all of the space in both the small dog park and the large dog park.”

Neighbours meeting neighbours

The enhancements were paid for through fundraising by the York K-9 Club and from Greater Sudbury’s healthy community initiatives funding.

“Citizens can come together, have their dogs interact with other dogs, and as well have neighbours meeting neighbours,” said Shelley Walushka, the city’s manager of community initiatives and partnerships.

“It’s as much for the adults and the families as it is for the dogs, to build that community connection in a safe environment where dogs can play in an off-leash area.”

Ward 9 Coun. Deb McIntosh said dog parks are more than just recreational space.

“They’re places where neighbours connect and pets thrive,” McIntosh said.

“These upgrades reflect what we can accomplish when community members and the city work together with a shared vision for safe, inclusive and enjoyable public spaces.”

There are three off-leash dog parks in Greater Sudbury, with plans for a fourth to be created in the Valley.