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Health & Fitness

Tails Were Waggin' at the New Mission Viejo Dog Park

The grand opening of Mission Viejo’s, La Paws Park, 25100 Felipe Road, (right next to Gilleran Park) on Saturday, April 12, 2014 welcomed more than a thousand residents and their furry friends.

 

City officials kicked off the event which was followed by the “leash cutting ceremony.”  Proudly cutting the ribbon was Susan Sellers who was instrumental in her dedication to getting a dog park in Mission Viejo.

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Community pride was evident through yelps of joy from the crowd.  “This is heaven.  I just love that I can walk here,” said one pet owner.

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Dog lovers were greeted by area vendors that included Animal Services Center, Animal Urgent Care of South Orange County, A Round of aPaws Dog Trainer, Boy Scout Troop #602, Christy Howell Photography, First Class Pet Sitting, Pet Supply Warehouse, Pet Country, Paaawz Pet Sitting, Hala's Paws, Dedicated Animal Welfare Group (DAWG), Custom Pet Portraits and Kahoot's Pet Store.

 

The vendors gave out bags of gourmet dog treats, balls, Frisbees, bandanas,

and much more.  Treats weren’t just for the dogs, everyone enjoyed free food that included coffee, water, Nothing Bundt red velvet and carrot cupcakes, “dog bone" cookies created and decorated by Girl Scout Troop, #267, hotdogs and chips from Don's Hot Dog Cart.

 

 

The 6 acre park has 3 acres of slopes, 3 acres for dogs to run, an area for special events, a walking trail with a spectacular Arroyo view, pooch-friendly water fountains and a 42-car parking lot.  There are three separate areas for large dogs, small dogs and an area for single owner use.

 

The dog area is fenced in and has grass.   It is free to the community.   Operating hours are Monday to Sunday from 7 am to 8 pm with the exception on Thursdays it is closed from 8 am to 1 pm for weekly maintenance.

 

Dogs must be at least four-months-old and fully vaccinated to use the park.   Parents must accompany children under 13.  Each owner may bring in up to three dogs at a time.

 

The off-leash park was funded by park fees the city was provided by developers and donations from the community.   It’s not too late to make a donation.   There are several ways you can contribute.

 

One is through the “Canine Walk of Fame.”   Purchase a paver that you can have engraved with a message on it in honor or memory of your pet.    There are various sponsorship levels that are used to provide benches, chairs, tables, trash cans, shade structures and drinking fountains.  

 

For more information and to make a donation with a check or credit card, please call the City at 949-470-3014 or 949-470-3045.  All donations are tax deductible.

 

 

 

 

 

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