FINALLY! CANANDAIGUA CANINE CAMPUS (a.k.a. “Dukie’s Dog Park”) OPENS!
Dukie, the magnificent dog that launched a six year dog park crusade by his human “mom” Nancy McCarthy, didn’t live to see it open. But his two adopted canine siblings, Captain and Vivi, plus countless other lucky local dogs and their happy owners will enjoy Canandaigua Canine Campus when the park opens on Wednesday, November 21, 2018 at 3PM.
This city owned and managed dog park was constructed this year with additional funding support from Friends of Canandaigua Canine Campus dog and the Town of Canandaigua. The approximately two acre off-leash park at 97 Buffalo Street is a completely fenced space for healthy socialized dogs and their owners to gather. CCC features secure access gates, separate play yards for small and large dogs, water stations, benches, parking area and a pet memorial rock garden, the centerpiece of an outdoor lobby. Not all of the amenities will be installed by November but the park will be fully functional. An official ribbon cutting ceremony is planned for the spring of 2019.
CCC is a membership dog park and registration is required to access the park. Pre-registration begins on Tuesday, November 13th at the City Recreation Office at City Hall, 2 North Main Street, Second Floor Atrium, Canandaigua and thereafter: Monday – Friday, 9AM-4:30PM. Visit www.CanandaiguaNewYork.gov prior to your arrival to download registration paperwork and bring the appropriate documentation with you.
Membership fees are annual, not pro-rated, and run in the calendar year from January 1st-December 31st. Dog owners who register in November will essentially get more than a month of free use. Prices for residents, non-residents plus senior and military discounts are noted on the city’s website. Fees help underwrite operating costs including key cards and collar tags which are issued each year upon re-registration.
Dog parks are the fastest growing urban park category nationwide according to The Trust for Public Land. Canandaigua Canine Campus will be Ontario County’s third dog park.
I founded Friends of Canandaigua Canine Campus in 2013 after months of research. Our singular mission has been to help establish and support a membership dog park here where dogs may safely play and exercise off-leash. On November 21st, inspired by Dukie and thanks to the passion, advocacy and “dogged persistence” of our group, we will have accomplished this hard-won objective.
See you at the dog park!
Love,
Nancy McCarthy
