Purina to help revamp Eden’s dog park

“This shows that Purina really cares about our community,” said Ray Thomas, the city’s assistant parks and entertainment director. “This shows they (Purina) are going to be here, stay and be social.”

The brand-new Purina producing center in Eden is scheduled to formally begin operations later on this year. The dog park, which will close for remodellings and resume in May, will be relabelled Purina Bark Park.

“It’s exciting to learn more about Eden and all it has to offer residents, including a great dog park inside Freedom Park,” said Will Steiner, factory supervisor at the Purina Eden center. “It’s an honor to put our name on the dog park and work with the city to identify ways we can make the space even more valuable for residents and their pets.”

The funds from Purina will be utilized to include dexterity equipment/obstacle course, animal water fountains, fully grown shade trees, a leash post and a brand-new indication, in addition to a concrete entryway.

“It will be very colorful and fun,” Thomas said. “We’re going to make it ‘pop,’ and we believe it will attract more people with their pets.”

The City of Eden developed a dog park at the front of Freedom Park about 4 years ago however chose to move it to a less overloaded location at the back of the park in 2015. About 200-by-220 feet, the dog park is now situated at the corner of Stadium Drive and Edgewood Drive in front of the recreational vehicle pads and next to the skateboard park.

Thomas said the dog park was developed after leaders seen a lot of individuals bringing their dogs to the park on leashes for strolls.

“We felt a dog park helps get people out and about moving, and during COVID-19 it was really busy,” Thomas said.

The fenced dog park has 2 different sides, one for little dogs and one for bigger ones, each with its own private entryway and dispensers filled with bags for correct disposal of dog waste.

“People have been really good about keeping the park clean,” Thomas said.

Thomas said the present dog park is already a popular area, and he is anticipating it ending up being a lot more popular after remodellings are total.

“People love their dogs,” he said. “This is going to be great for people who don’t have a fenced-in yard or opportunity to let their dog out.”

“Dog parks are a vital gathering place for pets and people alike in our communities,” he said. “The City of Eden has done a great job creating these amenities for residents, and it’s exciting to see how we can work together to enhance the experience and officially reintroduce the Purina Bark Park.”

Purina and the City of Eden are welcoming regional animals and locals to experience the revamped park throughout a Community Play Date occasion from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, May 19. The occasion will begin with a ribbon yanking event and function live efficiencies from the Purina Incredible Dogs group, also food and treats available for purchase. Leaders from the Purina pet food production center in Eden will likewise be on hand to fulfill regional animals, distribute animal treats and other top quality products, and supply details on available positions at the Purina center.

“We’re passionate about supporting the communities where we live and work and take pride in finding partners that are working to bring, and keep, pets and people together,” Steiner said. “Investing in enhancements to the Eden community dog park will hopefully enrich time together between residents and their pets and promote exercise and socialization for pets in our region.”

Visitors to the dog park are asked to visit Eden City Hall, 308 E. Stadium Drive in between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to register their dog prior to they go to for the very first time. Thomas motivates the neighborhood to come go to the dog park, in addition to the numerous tracks for walking and other enjoyable facilities Freedom Park needs to use.

“It’s good for the pets and gets people moving,” he said of the dog park and other activities available. “If you keep moving, you keep living.”