GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The City of Grand today announced the reopening of Hillcrest Dog Park following an expansion and addition of new amenities. Construction at the park, located at 250 Fuller Ave. NE, was possible thanks to the voter-approved parks millage.
Improvements at the park include an expanded dog entryway and fenced off-leash area, a wooded nature path, nature play for humans and dogs using recycled City trees that have fallen, bench seating, drinking fountain with dog bowl, accessible pathways, rain garden, bike loops and landscaping improvements. The park is also slated to get a new sign at a future date.
“We have many dog owners in Grand Rapids,” David Marquardt, the city’s parks and recreation director said. “It’s important that we create innovative, safe, multiuse spaces for dogs and their owners to play, exercise, relax, and connect with others.”
Marquardt added that the nature trail and playscape outside of the fenced off-leash area allow non-dog owners and neighbors to enjoy the park and make the space more inclusive.
Hillcrest Park is one of two City-owned and operated dog parks. The development of additional dog parks was a key public input theme in the department’s most recent strategic master plan conducted this year. Dog parks are proposed in long-term plans for Riverside Park, Highland Park and a future southeast location.
This project was funded by $350,000 from the City’s parks millage. The project team includes OCBA Landscape Architects and Katerberg Verhage, Inc. Learn more about current, future and upcoming park projects HERE.
Original source can be found here.
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