In May, a Dog Park for both large and small dogs will open in Clifton Forge at Matthews Park. The Park is located off Ridgeway behind the Metal Recycling Center and has been used in the past for Tee Ball and other sports.
The Dog Park is totally fenced with spacious areas for both large and small dogs—they will each have their own fenced in area. In addition, an area is reserved for regulation Tee Ball events with bleachers and parking.
The Dog Park effort began about four years ago when resident, Walter Umphlett brought the idea to Town Council. Council liked the idea so Walter began raising money for the park. The park is completely funded by individual donations and fundraising efforts by Jack Mason’s Tavern. The Dog Park committee includes Walter Umphlett, Mott Atherholt, Wendy Hudler, and Martha Atherholt.
Walter Umphlett says, “It’s been a long road to finally get to where we’re at with the Dog Park being built here in Clifton Forge and the Alleghany Highlands. Lots of amazing people from all walks of life came together for the project and made it better. Nothing good in life is easy and this endeavor was testament to that—‘we bark for our park!’”
The location for the park created much discussion until it was decided that Matthews Park would be an ideal location. It is near Interstate 64 and many dog-lovers will take the exit and enjoy using the Dog Park. A large amount of fencing was already in place, and the Town supported the effort with Public Works providing the labor to get the Dog Park up and running.
The Dog Park will provide signage stating the rules and regulations for use of the park; dogs will need to be current with vaccinations. The park will have watering stations, an acclimation area where leashes may be removed, dog waste stations, landscaping to provide shade and fire hydrants. Work on the Tee Ball field will continue throughout the summer.
An Eagle Scout from Boy Scout Troop II has adopted the Dog Park as his Eagle Scout project and will be building a couple of picnic tables for people to enjoy when they visit the park.
Chuck Unroe, Clifton Forge Town Manager says, “I’m so glad to get the Dog Park completed and am eager to see how it is received. Many people who enjoy the outdoors are dog-lovers so we think the park will get used often. This is a big step forward for the Town and for those citizens who embrace the Town’s parks and trails. The Dog Park will bring more attention to this beautiful area of Town. It is close to everything but is still tucked out-of-the-way so both humans and dogs will enjoy the views.”
Stay tuned for the Dog Park opening celebration.
photo 2 courtesy of the Town of Clifton Forge Clifton Forge Public Works employees make improvements to the Clifton Forge Dog Park which will be opening in May. Tunnels for the dogs to run through are being added in addition to a few small hills. |