Shelby Farms dog park awash in good ideas

from the Commercial Appeal

by Emily Greenburg

On Saturday morning, you didn't have to be on a VIP list for an invite to the party at Shelby Farms Park. You just needed a four-legged friend.

The "dog party" was the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new dog wash and water fountain at the Off Leash Dog Park, near the eastern end of Shelby Farms. The fountain features three drinking stations -- two for people and one for dogs. Both the wash station and water fountain were donated by the Hyde Family Foundation in memory of Pitt and Barbara Hyde's golden retriever, Max.

The free public event featured dog washes, snacks, a disc toss, and numerous other activities and free giveaways, including dog tags from Hollywood Feeds.

"It's really just a party for dogs to hang out and make doggie friends," said Jen Andrews, manager of communications for the Shelby Farms Park Conservancy.

The event was organized by the Shelby Farms Off Leash Society, a group of dog park advocates who hold fund-raisers to enhance the dog park.

"I can't think of a better tribute to a dog and a family that loves dogs," said Tammy Sears, president of the Dogs Off Leash Society.

Heather and David Elkin a were two of the many happy dog owners at the event Saturday. The Elkins say they visit the dog park almost every day with their 2-year-old Great Dane and 3-year-old black mouth cur. They said the water fountain will be perfect for hot days and the wash station will get lots of use on muddy days.

"We come out here all the time. It's just really good exercise for (our dogs)," said Heather Elkin.

Currently, the Off Leash Society has four proposed projects in the works, said Elizabeth Boyd, treasurer for the Off Leash Society and board member of the Shelby Farms Park Conservancy. Party attendees were encouraged to vote for their favorite project: a dog containment area at the front of the park, a dog jumping pier overlooking one of the lakes, a walkway with paved bricks, and a dog agility training course. According to Boyd, the agility training course would be a canine obstacle course.

As for the Elkins, they say they would like to see sand around one of the lakes -- a "dog beach" reminiscent of their previous residence in Miami. However, Heather Elkin says the Shelby Farms dog park offers something more important.

"It's a cool community. Living in Miami, we didn't really have a dog community like here," Elkin said.

-- Emily Greenberg: 529-2542