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New dog park opens up in Missoula

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MISSOULA – A new dog park is officially open in Missoula.

The Missoula Redevelopment Agency and Missoula Parks and Recreation has announced a new neighborhood dog park at the southern end of Montana Rail Link Park is now open.

It’s located at the intersection of South Avenue and South Johnson Street and can be accessed from the Bitterroot Trail or from South Johnson Street at Sussex Avenue.

“A dog park was among the items neighborhood residents requested most when Parks and Recreation and Redevelopment Agency staff were conducting a public master planning process for MRL Park last summer,” said Annette Marchesseault with the MRA.

“We are so glad that our contractors made it possible to get the dog park portion of the park finished and open this fall,” Marchesseault added.

The remainder of the four-acre MRL Park is expected to open in the spring when the turf will be well established. The construction wrap-up will include planting trees and installing benches.

“Residents also requested a lot of open green space,” Marchesseault said. “We want to give the sod plenty of time to get established over the winter so that it will stand up to lots of use for years to come.”

The new Sgt. Bozo Dog Park opening next spring at Fort Missoula Regional Park is approximately four acres.

Missoula City-County Animal Control Supervisor Jeff Darrah says adding more dog parks throughout the city is a good thing.

“Animal Control is pleased to partner with the City to provide more off-leash facilities for residents and their pets,” he said. “Public dog parks allow dogs to get essential off-leash exercise and social activity with other dogs.”

“Pet owners can ensure an enjoyable visit for all pets by obeying the rules posted at each dog park and leashing their dogs when outside the park,” he said.