For Immediate Release: May 14, 2009
Roanoke’s first public dog park set to open on May 21st
ROANOKE, VA – The City of Roanoke is holding a celebration event for the recently constructed Highland Park Dog Park on Thursday, May 21, 2009. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. with remarks from city leaders and project partners, followed by the official “leash cutting” at 6:00 p.m.
Roanoke’s first fenced public dog park – which is handicapped accessible – is situated on approximately one acre within Highland Park in the city’s Old Southwest neighborhood. With separate areas for small and large dogs, the dog park features a double-gated entry to provide
extra security when entering and exiting the fenced areas. A three-way water fountain is conveniently placed outside the fencing at the park’s entrance, and dog-only water fountains are located inside the small and large dog areas. Other amenities include a dog lookout area, benches, Mutt Mitt stations, trash cans and a pervious concrete patio at the park’s center. Pervious concrete was selected based on its ability to capture stormwater and reduce runoff.
Future phases of the dog park’s construction consist of an informational kiosk, walking paths,
paved parking and additional landscaping. To raise funds for the project’s next phase, the Roanoke Dog Park Steering Committee is currently selling commemorative bricks that will be placed at the dog park’s entrance. Engraved bricks can be personalized with the name of a pet, a person or a business. A text-only brick costs $100, while a brick engraved with a corporate logo is $150.
Bricks can be ordered online at www.bricksrus.com/order/roanokedogpark.
Roanoke’s first fenced public dog park is a unique partnership between public agencies
such as the City of Roanoke Parks and Recreation Department and private groups including
Old Southwest Inc. and NewVaConnects, which raised funds for the project.
Local businesses also provided significant assistance. The Roanoke offices of AECOM (formerly known as Hayes, Seay, Mattern & Mattern, Inc.) contributed company resources and supported the pro bono design services of architects Kevin Bertholf, Kim Hardy, Ay-Chiung Liu and Mike Angle, who teamed to conceptualize and design the dog park. Twist & Turns donated two of their signature custom metal trash receptacles. Additional consideration was provided by Powers Fence Company for the black vinyl-coated chain link fencing, Chandler Concrete and Roanoke Cement in obtaining pervious concrete and Procon Inc. for concrete installation.
Other Roanoke-area businesses that have supported the dog park with gift certificates,
in-kind contributions or cash donations include:
About the Roanoke Dog Park
The Roanoke Dog Park was established to create a fenced, off-leash, public dog park
where well-behaved canine citizens can run, play and exercise in a clean, safe environment;
to develop a beautiful and well-maintained public space open to dog lovers and friends who
will uphold the park's rules and regulations; to view the dog park as a community project in partnership with the City of Roanoke and area civic organizations that satisfies the needs of
dog owners and non-dog owners alike.
Secure, tax-deductible donations are being accepted via credit cards on the dog park’s web site, www.RoanokeDogPark.com. Tax-deductible donations may also be made by checks payable to the City of Roanoke – note “Dog Park/Off-Leash Area” on the memo line – and mailed to Dog Park Donation, City of Roanoke Parks and Recreation Department, 210 Reserve Avenue SW, Roanoke, Virginia, 24016.
To learn more about opportunities for individuals and businesses to purchase a commemorative brick, make other donations or offer in-kind contributions, visit: www.RoanokeDogPark.com.
About NewVaConnects
NewVaConnects, the young professionals voice for action, was created as an affiliate of the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce in the spring of 2006 by a group of professionals in their 20's and 30's who were concerned about issues facing our region. Their goal is to aid in the accomplishment of making the NewVa region a talent capital and a great place for young professionals to live and work. By acting as a united voice, young professionals have the opportunity to shape their community and make it a place that attracts talent and economic growth. NewVaConnects regularly hosts events and programs that focus on topics concerning current political issues, professional development, and social interaction. Learn more about the organization at: www.NewVaConnects.org.
About the City of Roanoke Parks and Recreation Department
The City of Roanoke Parks and Recreation Department is a dedicated team, committed to improving the quality of life for citizens and visitors by providing recreational opportunities through diverse programs and facilities and promoting environmental stewardship through beautification, management and care of public spaces. Find out more at: www.RoanokeVa.gov.