Friends of Midtown’s former community dog park
Harrisburg’s furry residents will soon take to the state Capitol steps to howl for a cause.
Neighborhood group Friends of Midtown has organized “Bark for a Park,” a rally requesting a neighborhood dog park in the city.
“I have a dog. A lot of people I know have dogs,” said Hannah Witwer, a Friends of Midtown board member. “There’s not a lot of space for them to run around and be off leash.”
The organization had operated a community dog park from late 2018 through September 2021 on an empty lot at N. 7th and Granite streets. It was meant to function as a pilot project, and Friends of Midtown decided to close the park when the cost of maintaining it became a burden.
However, the group always had plans to revive the initiative and find a more permanent location for neighborhood pups to play.
“There seems to be a dog park in every city,” Witwer said. “It’s crazy that it’s not an amenity that we have.”
On Sept. 25, from 10 to 11 a.m., Friends of Midtown members, other residents and, of course, their dogs, will rally for a park. They are asking the city to take on the project, whether it’s funded through city dollars, private money or grants. Additionally, they are encouraging people to sign a petition requesting a park.
Just before closing the former dog park in August 2021, the organization distributed a survey to city residents to hear their thoughts on a new dog park and what they would want to see included. The responses included 163 people who currently own a dog, walk dogs or have had a dog within the last couple of years. According to the survey, residents would like drinking water for dogs, seating for people, a shaded area, trash cans and strong and stable fencing.
According to Witwer, the group is open to the creation of a park anywhere within city limits. Essentially, they just want a grassy space for their pups to play and a place for dog owners to be able to interact, she explained.
“It’s a good way to add to our community and to create community, as well,” she said. “I met so many people at the park.”
The “Bark for a Park” rally is planned for the same day as the Central PA Animal Alliance’s annual WoofStock festival in Riverfront Park, Witwer noted.
She hopes the rally will be a great way to start the doggy-themed day and will “make some noise” about the need for a dog park.
“It’s going to be a fun, cute event,” she said.
For more information on Friends of Midtown’s “Bark for a Park” event, visit their Facebook event page.
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