Cedar Rapids opening third dog park in Oak Hill Jackson

CEDAR RAPIDS — Cedar Rapids on Friday will open a new dog park in the Oak Hill Jackson neighborhood, its third in the city.

The 12th Avenue Dog Park, at 405 12th Ave. SE, opens at 10:30 a.m. It is nearly a half-acre with entrances off 12th and 16th avenues SE.

“This new dog park is needed to help support more than 450 new residential units in the neighborhood. It is a great place for people to exercise their dogs and build community,” Parks and Recreation Director Hashim Taylor said in a statement. “We are especially thankful for the contributions to this project that made it possible.”

The other two municipal dog parks are:

The 12th Avenue Dog Park was built with federal American Rescue Plan Act funds and a $25,000 donation from Watts Group Iowa. The park is fenced, with concrete entry areas and benches.

Picnic tables, a drinking fountain and jug filler will be added later this summer. A $15,000 donation from Canadian National to the Cedar Rapids Parks Foundation will fund a shade structure that will be installed in August or September.

Individuals who have purchased an annual permit to use the city’s dog parks may use the new park.

A dog park permit is $38 per year and changes color each year. Permits may be picked up at the City Services Center, 500 15th Ave. SW, or Northwest Recreation Center, 1340 11th St. NW. For those who want to try a dog park or are only in the area for a short time, daily passes may be purchased for $6.

Those attending the ribbon-cutting may enter a drawing for three free annual dog park permits.

Dog park rules regarding entering the park and dog behavior and supervision are available at cityofcr.com/dogparks.

Jones Park

A fourth dog park is planned as the city works to repurpose the now-closed golf course at Jones Park. Construction is expected to begin this fall.

Amenities for that park will be phased, with the first phase including a new entry road and parking area, as well as lighting. There will be a walking trail, shade structures and tables. Two training yards will offer space for dogs that need additional training to acclimate them to other dogs.

There will be a small dog yard with a walking trail and a small rentable yard that can be sectioned off for reserved parties, with tables, a shade structure and walking path. Each section will be double gated and have benches.

The park will receive additional trees and screening along the north property line. It also will have a drinking fountain and jug filler. The second phase will include fencing in the lower pond area and installation of additional trail and a dock.

Comments: (319) 398-8494; marissa.payne@thegazette.com