Dog park closure leaves fewer off-leash options
‘There’s a lot of work that needs to be done’
As a professional dog walker, Sheri Macdonald’s job hasn’t been easy since last month’s flooding.
Sue Higgins Park — one of 150 off-leash dog parks available in the city — suffered significant damage in the flooding.
For Macdonald, who walks 10 to 15 dogs a day, losing what she considers to be one of the best off-leash dog walking parks available is frustrating.
“It’s an amazing area. The dogs can just go. They can run, they can be free. The fencing and everything was amazing, the river is down there. It’s a great atmosphere for them,” she said.
The city’s website says the park is partially open and a Facebook update on Friday said some sections remain closed due to recent flooding.
“Park users should note that standing water and wet/ muddy sections are present within the reopened area of the park. For your safety, please do not venture beyond the barricades and fencing into the closed area, as restoration work is continuing in the rest of the park,” reads the posting.
Communications adviser Heather Hastie said about 25 per cent of the park is open. There’s no timeline yet on when the rest of it might reopen to people and their fourlegged companions.
“There’s a lot of work that needs to be done,” she said.
Since the floods, Macdonald has used smaller parks in areas of the city farther away from her mostly south-based clients.
“It’s just not as convenient,” she said.
The dogs have noticed the change, too.
“They’ve got to be on guard and wonder what’s out there because they’re not used to it,” said Macdonald.
“It’s kind of frustrating because it’s a huge priority for us,” said Macdonald.
“I hope they do get to it, because it doesn’t look like they’re doing much.”