[Johnny Ryall]

Memphis to open first dog park
Memphis Business Journal

Memphis’ Division of Park Services is opening the city’s first dog park this Saturday at 2599 Avery Ave., behind the Board of Education offices. Located just north of Tobey Park, it will serve as a test site for future dog parks. Park Services will monitor it so that when permanent dog parks are constructed, it will have a better idea of what amenities and services to provide, as well as identify any potential safety issues.

The park has two fenced-in areas for dogs to run off-leash: one for dogs weighing less than 25 pounds and one for those weighing more. It has biodegradable doggie waste bags available for waste clean-up and benches where pet owners can sit. All dogs must be licensed and vaccinated. The park is open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. from March 15 to Oct. 31, and from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Nov. 15 to March 14.

“More and more urban cities are incorporating dog parks as a progressive component of their park system,” Cindy Buchanan, director of park services, said in a statement. “The Memphis Dog Park is something we have been wanting to provide to the citizens of Memphis for some time.