ARP Opens a Dog Park

Aspinwall Riverfront Park is opening an off-leash dog park.

The dog park is named “Boo Boo and Tiger’s Playground” after Mark Minnerly and Justin Bragg’s dog Boo Boo and the Crookston Family’s dog Tiger who passed away within a week of each other in 2015.  Mr. Minnerly and Mr. Bragg gave a gift to the Park at that time of the their passing to honor both dogs. Additional donations to create the dog park were made by The Mark Minnerly Family Trust, The Burke Family and the Fox Chapel District Association.   “We have long wanted to welcome dogs in the Park and we are thrilled to support this wonderful project,” said the Burke Family’s Carole King.

Both rescues adopted from Animal Friends, Boo Boo and Tiger added an enormous amount of love and joy to their families lives.  For several years at the end of his life Boo Boo was unable to walk, and used a wheeled scooter to get around.  “When Boo Boo’s mobility started to go, we got him rear wheels and he didn’t miss a beat.” Said Mr Bragg. “He loved going to parks”.    “Boo Boo had the attitude of ‘I’m still in the game of life’.  His enthusiasm for life and indomitable spirit was inspiring to everyone he met,”  Mr. Minnerly added.

The dog park features oversized lounger chairs designed and built by Blawnox resident and professional carpenter Niko Gomez.  “At most dog parks, people sit on the top of picnic tables to avoid being jumped on.  We thought this was a more fun way to accomplish the same thing.”   As more money is raised, the Park hopes to add agility and other play equipment for dogs and their owners to enjoy.

The new dog park space is relatively small and accommodates a maximum of ten dogs at a time.  Dogs must be up to date on their vaccinations and under their owners control at all times while using the dog park. “For Aspinwall residents like me who have a small yard and an energetic dog, this is wonderful,” said Park board member and Treasurer Rich DeFelice.  “We’re excited to start using it.  Managing a dog park is expensive in terms of insurance and the maintenance that is required.  We hope that people will contribute so that we are able to continue offering this wonderful amenity to the public,”  To contribute to the dog park visit www.aspinwallriverfrontpark.org.