Traverse City Events: Calling all dogs and their owners, too! It's time to celebrate the Traverse City Dog Park's grand opening and the success of this community and city project with The Dog Party, October 27, 2012 from noon to 4:00 p.m. at Division Street and Bay Street in Traverse City. There will be dog related events, a Halloween dog/owner costume parade and competition, vendors–and "pawsitively" great fun for all!  

Traverse City Dog Park volunteers have been working with the Traverse City Parks and Recreation Department since November 17, 2011 to establish an off-leash, fenced-in dog park in Traverse City where people and pups can socialize in a clean, safe, and welcoming environment. Their goal, as Traverse City Dog Park volunteers, has been to help implement the following mission statement that was adopted by the Parks and Recreation Commission:

"Our mission is to establish a fenced in, off-leash City Dog Park:

• where well-behaved dogs will socialize in a clean, safe and welcoming environment.
• where pet owners will engage with fellow neighbors and visitors to the area.
• where park visitors without dogs will visit to enjoy the benefits of a healthy, active community and the interaction between humans and canines.

The Traverse City Dog Park will be a well-maintained space that is self and peer regulated according to clear user guidelines. The park will contribute to both the quality of life and economic vitality of Traverse City. As such, the Parks and Recreation Commission is committed to a partnership with community partners to design, construct and maintain a park that satisfies the needs of dog owners and non-dog owners alike with a shared goal of increasing the enjoyment of our public spaces."

To learn more about the Traverse City Dog Park and The Dog Party, visit TCDogPark.com.