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Mini looked at me and didn’t know what to do? I had taken her leash off and she just stood there, big brown eyes questioning why she was unleashed. “Run,” I said. And without a second invitation she was off, checking the trails of the newly opened dog park. She never went too far before returning to me as a I hiked the trails. But every time she came back, she seemed to smile more and more. The dog park was open and Mini was joyfully romping through the park, tail wagging what seemed like a hundred miles an hour.
It’s taken a huge amount of voluntary effort both in financial giving and physical work, but the great news is that the Grand Marais Dog Park is now open!
Go Dog North Shore (GDNS) made the announcement on Saturday, August 27.
“Local residents and visitors alike now have access to a 3-acre fenced wooded space to exercise, socialize and train their dogs safe from traffic, predators and traps. Over the last 15 months, GDNS raised nearly $85,000 from individual contributions, business sponsorships and a grant from the Lloyd K. Johnson Foundation. In addition, nearly 40 volunteers have spent countless hours preparing the new park for the public to enjoy,” said the news release from GDNS.
“The Grand Marais Dog Park is unlike most dog parks in that it is a large, fenced space that’s almost entirely wooded. Walking trails within the park will allow dogs and their owners to experience the wild woods of Cook County with peace of mind. Visitors will need to be mindful of the uneven terrain, rocks and roots while exploring the park’s trails. The main park area is open to all well-behaved dogs and their responsible owners. There is also a fenced “small dog area” with a separate entrance where dogs 25 pounds or less are free to explore.
“To celebrate the addition of this community space, Go Dog North Shore will host a grand opening and volunteer appreciation on Saturday, September 10th from noon until 2 pm at the new Grand Marais Dog Park! GDNS board members will be on site to answer any questions about the new dog park or our organization.
“The park is owned by the City of Grand Marais and operated through a cooperative agreement by GDNS. The project is and will continue to be independently funded by Go Dog North Shore, a 501(c) (3) non-profit based in Cook County. Donations to support the annual operating budget for maintenance of the park are appreciated. Visit www.godognorthshore.org/ donate to help support this community asset.
“GDNS is humbled by the outpouring of support and enthusiasm that has been expressed for this project. It is a community endeavor in the truest sense!” One that every dog can truly get behind.
What is the location of this park?
It is the southwest area at the intersection of 5th Ave W and the Gunflint Trail. Property is north of the hospital district.
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