Boardman dog park provides new friends for both dogs and owners

BOARDMAN

Looking to mix up your social life?

You and your canine companion might want to become members at Boardman Park’s dog park.

The dog park provides more than just space to run around; it’s a place where new friendships are bred.

“The dog owners, when they’re out here with their dogs, they’re socializing with the other owners. So it’s a win-win,” Boardman Park Director Dan Slagle said of Marge Hartman’s Paws Town Dog Park at Boardman Park.

That goes for the dogs, too. A few even formed a doggy play group that meets in the mornings.

“It was cool because the people said they [their dogs] never knew each other before this, and now they have doggy buddies,” said Karen McCallum, park recreation director, who brings her dog, Sadie, to Paws Town.

Paws Town opened last year on 3 1/2 acres near Boardman Park’s Southern Boulevard entrance, funded by a contribution from the Marge Hartman Foundation and other donations after community members pushed for a dog park. It now has about 125 members.

The park, which is members-only, requires payment and proof that dogs are vaccinated and registered with the county. It also has rules so that members feel safe, Slagle said.

Read more about the park and how to register you dogs in Saturday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.