"It's been a long time coming," said Art Pimentel, Council member, over barks and tail wagging, at the grand opening of the City of Woodland Dog Park. "Congrats to Woodland."
A few hundred visitors and their four legged friends watched the ribbon cutting, marking the official grand opening of the park, followed by a Woodland Police Department K9 Unit demonstration, as well as the world famous Hennigan's Frisbee Dog Team demonstration.
"Getting a dog park for the people of Woodland has been in the works for a long time, and it's finally here," said volunteer Paige Lim. "It's good for the dogs to socialize, and it's hard for them to do that on a leash because they get defensive. This way, they can run and play. You can tell they're very excited today."
It was the brainchild of Reva Barzo, who shot the park from idea to action more than five years ago. Barzo wrote a letter to the Parks and Recreation Director requesting the Department to look into the need of a dog park for the City. With all the sports fields and child parks, Barzo asked the Department to consider the recreational needs for those with dogs, in a safe, unleashed environment. Shortly after, a petition of interest was signed by 600 City residents, which was also handed over to the Parks and Recreation Department.
Construction finally began in October 2007 adjacent to the Woodland Community and Senior Center, and was completed by contractor JM Slover in February this year. The park features two acres of fenced-in lawn, walkways, picnic tables and water fountains for dogs and their people.
"I think dogs need to be socialized," Barzo said. "There's too many dogs who are running loose. This gives the dogs a safe place for exercising and socializing, and getting them out of their back yards. It also creates an environment for people of like-minds with pets."
"It's another activity for Woodlanders to bring their dogs out, have a good time and enjoy one of our parks," Pimentel said. "It was a request the community members really wanted to see. It makes me want to get a dog."
Woodlander Victoria Lambert, who has been driving to Davis for her dogs' socializing, is thrilled to have a dog park in Woodland where she can bring her three Scottish Terriers, Angus, Bonnie and Lily.
"I know it's good for them (to have a park) because they like to socialize and hang out with their buddies," Lambert said. "Even though they have each other to hang out with in the back yard, they like coming to see their buddies at the dog park."
The project was partially funded by Measure E and Proposition 40. It fell under the budget of $402,833 and was completed at $374,250.37.
Meanwhile, parallel to the park, the Woodland Community & Senior Center celebrated its one-year anniversary with tours, information, recreation and food. Visitors were offered popcorn, slushies, hot dogs, chips and a celebration cake. A band played in back and guests roamed the facility.
Two thousand guests celebrated the $26 million dollar building's grand opening last year on March 3.
Both the Dog Park and the Community Center are located at 20012 East St., Woodland.
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