Jefferson County Parks and Recreation will host a grand opening and dedication ceremony for the new Sam Michael’s Dog Park on April 7, beginning at 9:45 a.m.

The park, installed last fall, is located within the boundaries of Sam Michael’s Park, the center-point park of the county’s park system. The new park offers two acres of land for four-legged friends to run, play and enjoy the outdoors.

The new park follows the Jefferson County Parks Commission’s decision to begin construction on an amphitheater project as a way to boost tourism within the county. The project, which has been discussed since the 1970s, sits within acreage that had previously been offered for use as a dog park. However, the park had to compete with other events that made use of the space including the Mountain Heritage Arts and Crafts Festival and the annual July 4 celebration.

To alleviate the constant need to close the park to dog owners, the parks and recreation commission designated the new parkn which is available throughout the year.

“We know that there are so many people who use the dog park, and we want to make sure that we were able to offer a location within Sam Michael’s Park for their continued use,” said Jennifer Myers, director of Jefferson County Parks and Recreation.

“While the new park is not as large as the space previously used, it is a dedicated space that has been designed and created for the dogs alone,” she added.

The new dog park encompasses two acres of land, including open field space, wooded space, sunny and shaded areas. The commission fenced in the space, added benches and cleared brush. Additional amenities include a doggie water fountain and waste stations.

Myers also said the commission plans to add agility training stations.

To date, Jefferson County Parks and Recreation has invested approximately $30,000 to create the space, which is offered with free admission from dawn to dusk most days throughout the year.

All residents, friends and dog owners are invited to the dedication and grand opening of the new Sam Michael’s Dog Park. The brief ceremony will include commemorative doggie treats and dog park play time.