Dogs can have their day every day in Carnegie now that the new dog park is open in Carnegie Park on Forsythe Road.
North Fayette, too, has become more dog friendly. An enclosed, off-leash dog park where pups can run free opened April 27 at Donaldson Community Park.
In Carnegie, the eagerly awaited park for pooches had a crowd of about 15 dogs and their owners standing in line to get in when its fenced doors were unlocked to the public for the first time May 1.
"We've been getting some positive feedback," reported Steve Beuter, a Carnegie administrative assistant, who said the opening went smoothly and that he has received calls about the park, including one from a resident of a nearby community that is on the scent of establishing its own area for dogs.
Carnegie Mayor Jack Kobistek reported that the borough had received many thank-you's for the park, which dog owners have been awaiting for more than two years.
Two growing seasons were necessary to establish the grass.
Use of the park is free. Bags and garbage cans are available for owners, who are expected to clean up after their pets.
Work on another attraction in Carnegie, Pitcher Park Memorial Skatepark, is progressing. A final design is in the works, and $33,000 more must be raised locally before the project can begin.
In North Fayette, parks and recreation director Bob Brozovich said residents asked for a dog park and the facility, which is open dawn to dusk, has been well received and well used so far.
The $2,000 facility sits at the west end of the football/soccer field in the Donaldson Road park. About 450 feet of 4-foot-high fencing surrounds the area.
Owners remove leashes inside one gated entrance and then open the next gate to let their animals run free.
Just outside the park is a small shelter with several benches where pet owners can sit and watch over their four-legged friends.
Rules will be posted soon, Mr. Brozovich said.
The dog park is included in the surveillance area of security cameras that North Fayette police monitor.
The facility's opening was accompanied by a private fundraiser involving dozens of people and more than 30 dogs.
Mr. Brozovich said he hopes to add play apparatus for pets in the future.
"I'm quite confident this is going to be a pretty popular spot," he said.
In addition to using the park, North Fayette dogs will be able to swim when the township holds its second annual Dog Days at Hankey Farms Pool. Pups will be allowed to doggie paddle in the water on the September night the pool closes for the season.
First Published: May 9, 2013, 1:15 p.m.
