(BlackburnNews.com photo)(BlackburnNews.com photo)
Chatham

Dog tails are wagging in Dresden after CK council approves dog park

An off-leash area for dogs in Dresden is moving ahead after Chatham-Kent council approval Monday night.

Dresden Dog Park Committee Chair Kelly Mallette was one of the many who are glad the park in Dresden is becoming a reality because it was inconvenient for her to take her dogs and child to the dog park in Chatham or Wallaceburg now that she lives in Dresden.

"Presently I must load up my two dogs as well as my baby and travel to either Chatham or Wallaceburg, which is difficult and time consuming," said Mallette.

The Dresden dog park will be located at Tony Stranak Conservation Area, but the committee still has to fundraise for the dog park infrastructure costs and no dog off-leash activities are allowed until the funding is raised, the infrastructure is developed, and signs are posted.

The committee will be responsible for all capital infrastructure costs as well as ongoing infrastructure maintenance and cleanup activities within the dog park.

Mallette said currently there are 250 registered dogs in Dresden and dog parks improve dog's socialization, build tight-knit communities, and promote active lifestyles.

"The conservation area is home to many amenities including a baseball field, playground equipment, a walking trail, skateboard park, and pavilion rental facilities. Many people travel with their dogs including out-of-town visitors and a dog park would be a positive addition to the conservation area," said Mallette. "Allowing your dog to play with other dogs in a safe environment helps to relieve your dog's anxiety and stress."

According to the municipality, the land is owned by the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority will be leased for up to 15 years.

The Dresden dog park will be Chatham-Kent's third dog recreation area after john Waddell Dog Park in Chatham built in 2009 and Happy Tails Off-Leash Dog Park in Wallaceburg constructed in 2011).

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