When the idea for downtown Arlington’s new Doggie Depot off-leash dog park was introduced, project members shared one goal: community for everyone and their dogs.
That goal was echoed during the park’s ribbon-cutting ceremony March 13 as city officials, residents and their pets gathered across the Union Pacific train tracks, taking one step further in the city’s effort to transform its downtown area.
Located at 105 N. Mesquite St. across from the new Rotary Dream Park, Downtown Arlington Management Corp. began the project last year to support the city’s growing pet-owner population.
The park features water fountains for dogs, specialty turf, designated off-leash areas, benches, a pergola and lamp lighting, among other amenities. The space is fenced off due to its proximity to the railroad tracks.
The facility received a $75,000 Community Placemaking Grant from Project for Public Spaces, a nonprofit assisting in the construction of community-driven projects, which was funded by General Motors.
Other notable efforts include a $100,000 donation from the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation, private donations and the park’s buy-a-brick campaign, which allowed community members to purchase and customize a brick that was laid in the park.
Garret Martin, Downtown Arlington Management Corp. vice president, introduced the idea for the park. He said seeing the project finally come to fruition has been surreal.
Martin said it’s special seeing so many new people connecting over each other’s dogs.
The downtown Arlington area is a product of asking residents what they need, listening to their requests and building it together, he said. Doggie Depot was no different.
“Our resident surveys, our board surveys and conversations with the community all told us that a dog park was needed in downtown Arlington,” Martin said.
During the ribbon cutting, Maggie Campbell, Downtown Arlington Management Corp. president and CEO, officially donated Doggie Depot and its maintenance rights to Arlington Parks and Recreation.
“We’re providing connectivity and places for people in great urban public spaces that are weaving together the tapestry we call downtown Arlington,” Campbell said.
Arlington Mayor Jim Ross said Doggie Depot supports the city’s goal of uniting people and creating a thriving downtown environment.
“The park came about by people coming together and making the donations to make it happen,” Ross said. “It’s not coincidental that coming together is what this park is going to do for the community as well.”
Raul Gonzalez, Arlington City Council member, also witnessed the community come together for the project. Whether it was raising money or communicating with Union Pacific, he said everyone played their part.
The result proves efforts paid off, and Gonzalez said it’s nice having somewhere people can feel safe, especially when animals are involved.
“When you walk around and you see people walking their dogs along the railroad track at four in the morning, they need a place that’s gonna be safe, and this is just the perfect location for it,” he said.
Martin said urban districts have specific needs, one of them being pet accommodations. Because many pet owners affectionately call their dogs “kids,” it’s crucial to provide proper amenities.
“We estimate there’s about 400 dogs living in downtown with no space because they don’t have dog parks,” he said. “So it fits in the plan of being able to provide that amenity.”
The dog park serves as an attractive force for the Entertainment District. Without it, residents would have to drive 20 or 30 minutes for the same resource, he said.
Ben Chapman, Arlington Parks and Recreation board member, said he came to the ceremony with his dogs Sofie and Louie to celebrate the city’s four-legged loved ones.
“We’re here just celebrating all of this because so many people have been anticipating and waiting and wanting a dog park like this for so long that it’s so great,” Chapman said. “You see all the smiles on everybody’s faces, and the dogs are just having the time of their lives.”
When he first moved to Arlington about two years ago, his dog of 16 years, Paris, passed away. To honor her memory, he purchased a Doggie Depot brick, memorializing her within the park.
“Just to have a piece of memory with her here as well, it just means a lot,” Chapman said.
@PMalkomes
