CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Ribbon cuttings don’t usually attract the number of residents that drew people, and their furry companions, to the opening of a new pocket park in New Bohemia, city officials noted.
Dozens of nearby residents and their dogs turned out on Friday, July 19, 2024, for the official opening of the half-acre 12th Avenue Dog Park.
The park, at 405 12th Ave. SE, is completely fenced and gated for dogs to run off-leash.
Residents such as Kate West, who brought her 2-year-old goldendoodle, Sloan, to the park for the opening, appreciate having the fenced-in space nearby.
Sloan, a goldendoodle, fetches a toy during the opening of the 12th Avenue Dog Park. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
“This is only a four-block walk for us,” said West, who lives in New Bohemia’s Water Tower Place, “so this is nice.”
With 1,000 new apartment units in the city’s core in just three years, City Council member Scott Olson said the new residents are clamoring for more amenities that the dog park will help provide.
Some of the City Council members and city officials brought their dogs to the park, including David Maier, who attended the ribbon-cutting with his mixed breed rescue dog, Buddy.
“It’s his first time at a dog park,” Maier said, noting that Buddy was just adopted last year.
Cedar Rapids City Council member David Maier is shown with his rescue dog, Buddy. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
The park was constructed with assistance of the Biden administration’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, and a $25,000 donation from Watts Group Iowa.
A $15,000 donation from Canadian National Railway to the Cedar Rapids Parks Foundation will fund a shade structure that will be installed in August or September.
The park includes concrete entry areas, benches and a drinking fountain.
A permit is required to use the city’s dog parks. An annual permit is $38 and changes color each year. Permits may be purchased online.
Residents may also purchase a permit at the City Services Center, 500 15th Ave. SW, or the Northwest Recreation Center, 1340 11th St. NW.
Work continues on Fulton Lofts in New Bohemia near the new dog park, one of a number of new apartment complexes in Cedar Rapids. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
Daily passes, for those who want to try a dog park or are only in the area for a short time, can also be purchased online for $6 per use.
A fourth dog park is planned at Jones Park in southwest Cedar Rapids, with construction expected to begin this fall. Other off-leash dog parks are located at Cheyenne Park, 1650 Cedar Bend Lane SW, and K9Acres, near the Gardner Golf Course, 5200 Golf Course Rd., Marion.
Find more to do in Cedar Rapids with an upcoming Garden Walk, and see more photos from the dog park opening, below:
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