Friends of Midtown’s Community Dog Park
Harrisburg dogs that have grown used to running free at the local park, will soon need to leash up.
Neighborhood group Friends of Midtown’s Community Dog Park soon will welcome pooches for its last month before closing on Sept. 30, said Terri Smith, co-chair of the park.
The dog park first opened in late 2018 on N. 7th and Granite streets after years of fundraising by the organization. The initiative was headed up by Annie and Andy Hughes of Friends of Midtown who were inspired to create a space for their and their neighbors’ dogs to play.
They set up on an empty plot of land donated by developer Vartan Group, with plans to operate for two years on a test-run basis. They added fences and were ready to fill the park with some friendly canines.
And sure enough, they came. Smith would often bring her two pups, the younger of which would run laps around the green while the older black lab mix sat on the sidelines.
Smith herself even made many friends at the park—two-legged and four-legged ones.
“The dog park has been a great way to meet people,” she said.
During the pandemic, it became even more crucial to many Midtown residents as they sought ways to get out of the house and fight off isolation, Smith explained.
When the park hit its two-year mark, Friends of Midtown decided to keep it open for a third year, realizing how important it was during COVID.
However, the park was always meant to be temporary, and the cost of maintaining it became a burden on the organization, even with generous donations from community donors.
Although the park will soon close its gates, Midtown’s dogs may not have to whine for long.
Friends of Midtown is currently conducting a survey through Aug. 31 to gauge community interest in a new permanent dog park.
“There isn’t really another safe closed-in space for dogs to get out and get exercise,” Smith said.
Friends of Midtown doesn’t have any concrete plans as of yet, but hopes to gather ideas from residents.
Ultimately, they hope to partner with another local organization or business so that they don’t have to bear all of the costs.
On Sept. 29, the organization will hold a “Last Bash” for dogs and their owners to celebrate the park’s success and enjoy romping on the grass one last time.
“It’s sad to see the park close, but it definitely served its purpose,” Smith said. “We are hoping to continue that momentum and find a nice new spot.”
To complete the survey or for more information about Friends of Midtown’s Community Dog Park, visit their website.
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