Allentown dog park receives AARP grant

The Allentown Parks and Recreation Department is receiving a $2,500 grant from the AARP for the Dixon Street Dog Park.

The AARP Pennsylvania Community Project Grant 2019 award will be used to buy and install amenities such as shade structures and benches to enhance the quality and user experience of the park.

The Dixon Street Dog Park is free for Allentown residents but requires registration. Residents must register 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Friday at the Parks and Recreation office at 3000 Parkway Blvd., Allentown. Proof of residency via photo ID, proof of valid dog licenses and vaccinations and completed application are required in order to receive a dog park key fob.

The city opened its first official dog park this year in Trout Creek Parkway at the intersection of Dixon Street and Mack Boulevard. The park includes separate pens for large and small dogs on 2 acres of land and has more than 200 registered users.