Dog owners with access to Redstone will soon be able to use a new leash-free dog park at Vincent Park.
The ribbon cutting ceremony for Vincent Bark Park will be Feb. 5 at 4 p.m. Lt. Gen. Gavin Lawrence, Army Materiel Command deputy commander, will be at the event to cut the ribbon and officially open the park to guests and their dogs, according to Ed Nunn, director of the Garrison’s Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation.
“We encourage everybody to come out. Bring your dogs with you,” he said. “Anyone that can access the installation is eligible to use the park, but there are certain rules and restrictions that apply in terms of breeds, age, etc.”
The structure is part of broader MWR initiatives to enhance the quality of life for service members, families, civilians and retirees on the installation.
“We have a small (dog play area) at our RV Park for their customers, but we don’t have anything else here on the installation,” Nunn said at the Jan. 21 Redstone Community Update.
The project, managed by Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation, is transforming a former softball field at Vincent Park into a dedicated space for dogs to play freely.
“It should be a great experience for our customers,” Nunn said.
Among dog park features are watering stations for hydration and shade structures.
Tom Pyburn, the business manager with MWR’s Outdoor Recreation, said a sign with rules for the dog park’s use will be posted at the site. According to Pyburn, the hours are sunrise to sunset. There are separate areas for dogs weighing up to 25 pounds and for dogs weighing 25 and over.
According to the list of rules:
- Dogs must have a current rabies vaccination.
- Owners must pick up and dispose of all pet waste.
- Dogs must be leashed outside the park.
- Two dogs per adult are allowed and dogs must be supervised at all times. Dogs must be in sight and under voice control of their owners.
- No food, treats or bones are allowed inside the park.
- Children under 12 are not allowed in the park unless supervised by an adult.
- Aggressive or reactive dogs must be removed immediately.
- No digging is allowed.
- Dogs must be at least four months of age and fully vaccinated.
- Female dogs in heat are not allowed.
- Dogs older than one year must be spayed or neutered.
Also, per Army policy, the following breeds are not permitted in the dog park – Pit Bulls, American Staffordshire Bull Terriers, English Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, Chows and wolf hybrids.
The rules state to use the park at your own risk. Owners are legally responsible for the behavior of their dog at all times. Use of the park hereby waives and releases the Department of the Army and the Garrison from any claims arising from its use.
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