Coco, the dog of Wheeling resident Lois Lewis, left, visits another dog at the new Wheeling Park Dog Park on Thursday evening. The park is located behind the White Palace.
Those looking for another place to let their dog run free and happy may want to check out the new Wheeling Park Dog Park.
The park is located behind the Wheeling Park White Palace. It includes two fenced areas – one for small dogs weighing 30 pounds or less and another for large dogs.
Between these two areas is a water pump station with free water for dogs, as well as a pet blessing box. The Blessing Box encourages people to take what they need and leave what they can to help fellow dog owners.
Last week, the blessing box contained dog food and treats, waste bags, two dog beds, and food and water bowls.
Although the dog park doesn’t appear to be busy during the day, pet owners could be seen there in the evenings when it was cooler for them and their pooches. The park allows dogs to exercise by chasing each other or the balls and sticks thrown by their owners. It also allows dogs and dog owners to socialize in general.
picture by: Photo by Shelley Hanson
Canines Coco, left, and CeeCee play together during a visit to the new Wheeling Park Dog Park on Thursday night.
Wheeling resident Lois Lewis brought her dog Coco to the new park. She said Coco likes to visit other dogs.
“We love him. Our dog hasn’t been around other dogs,” she said, adding that bringing him to the park allowed him to socialize.
She added that Coco was adopted from the Ohio County Animal Shelter and was abandoned in a home before being rescued. Lewis said at home that Coco wanted to play fetch continuously, but noted that it was fun that he didn’t want to play the game at the dog park. Coco was too busy getting to know the other dogs to play her favorite game.
The 1.5 acre site includes two metal benches that people can use while supervising their dogs. The large dog section has tall pine trees which provide shade on hot sunny days.
The car park is located right next to the dog park.
picture by: Photo by Shelley Hanson
The new Wheeling Park dog park includes a water pump station so dogs can drink while playing. There’s also a pet blessing box that encourages people to take what they need and leave what they can.
This is the second dog park to be built in the city. The city council approved a $58,794 contract with Savage Construction Co. of Wheeling to build the park.
The city’s first dog park was Fitzsimmons Family Dog Park, accessible via 18th Street in East Wheeling and on foot from Heritage Trail. This dog park is larger than the new one in Wheeling Park, with 1.35 acres for large dogs and 0.65 acres for small dogs. It also includes water stations and benches.
Across the Ohio River, a fundraising effort is underway for the future construction of a dog park off Ohio 331, possibly behind the Belmont County Health Department . The effort is led by Belmont County Sheriff Dave Lucas.
The new Wheeling Park dog park features a pet blessing box that encourages people to take what they need and leave what they can.
A sign designates one side of the park for large dogs or canines over 30 pounds at the new Wheeling Park Dog Park.
A sign reminds dog owners to clean up after their pets when visiting the new Wheeling Park dog park.
There is a separate area for small dogs, 30 pounds or less, at the new Wheeling Park Dog Park.