City leaders dig in on dog park construction

The city of Rancho Cucamonga celebrated the construction of a new dog park at Central Park with a ground-breaking ceremony Wednesday.

The Bark at Central Park, a 4.4-acre dog park, will include separate enclosures that will allow large dogs and small dogs to play independently and off-leash. Construction began May 5, the city said.

In June 2019, the city received $3 million from the state for a new animal-oriented play area in Central Park, giving residents a more centrally located place to let their pets run around and socialize.

The 100-acre Central Park, at 11200 Base Line Road, also includes a community and senior center, a pavilion with picnic amenities, the Freedom Courtyard and playground on 30 acres. The remaining 70 acres have remained undeveloped largely because of money.

The dog park, which is expected to be completed in the fall, helps set the stage for future improvements to Central Park, according to the city.

PHOTOS BY WILL LESTER — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Keva, a canine bloodhound with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s department, sniffs ceremonial golden shovels following a ground breaking ceremony for the soon-to-be-built “The Bark at Central Park” in Rancho Cucamonga on Wednesday. The 4.4-acre, off-leash facility is scheduled to open in the fall.

Artists renderings of the soon to be built dog park at Central Park sit on display as Mayor Dennis Michael speaks prior to a ceremonial ground breaking.

Specially made dog treats sit on a table prior to be being distributed to dogs in attendance at the ground breaking on Wednesday.