Released by Tameka Kenan-Norman, Rocky Mount Public Affairs Manager
The City of Rocky Mount’s sixth annual “Paws in the Park” event is almost here. Scheduled to take place April 9, 2016, at Best Friend’s Dog Park, the event begins at 10am with the grand opening ceremonies of the Agility Park’s second phase.
The Best Friend’s Dog Park is at 480 N Lee Street, in Rocky Mount NC — by Sunset Park. This Rocky Mount dog park is an off-leash area operated and maintained by the Rocky Mount Parks and Recreation Department. It is open from dawn until dusk each day.
The park consists of nine acres divided into three fenced areas: one for small dogs, another for large dogs, and a third called the “large dog flex area”. The park was expanded to include this “flex area” which includes an agility course and shelter.
The April 9th Paws in the Park event includes a dedication of the shelter to the Strandberg family. Rocky Mount resident, Elizabeth Tyler Strandberg, was only 27 when she died August 2015 while mountain climbing in Grand Teton National Park. She loved running through the mountains and skiing in the back-country with her dog, and the family dedication is in her memory.
“We are truly excited to host an event which has become a staple in the Rocky Mount community,” says Alex Langley, senior center manager and coordinator of the annual Paws in the Park event. “In addition to the opening of phase two of the Agility Park and the dedication, there will be a multitude of activities for families to enjoy.”
Paws in the Park starts at 11am and ends at 2pm.
Activities planned include a pet fashion show, pet costume contest, and look-a-like competitions. During the event, vendors, pet adoption agencies, and food trucks will be on-hand, and Parks and Rec has arranged music.
K-9s in Flight, which is a frisbee dog entertainment team, is expected to be there.
“This unique event can be a lot of fun for the entire family,” says Langley. “It provides an opportunity for dog-loving citizens, businesses, non-profit organizations and many others to advance the humane treatment of dogs and to promote responsible pet ownership.”
Gloria Rodriguez, a reporter for ABC11’s Eyewitness News morning newscast, will serve as an event emcee along with David Perkins of Rocky Mount’s real classic rock radio station, 99.3 Rock City.
For more information on the sixth annual Paws in the Park, call 252.972.1151, email, or visit the dog park web page — www.rockymountnc.gov/parks/dogpark.html. That web page includes park rules, and may be a good read in-advance of bringing your pet for the Paws in the Park event.
