Let the Dogs Out! Anthem Dog Park Opening Day Set
Unleashed on a recent picture-perfect fall day, 8-year-old Shelby found freedom quickly after passing through the gate and trotting along a grassy half-acre. Shelby, a golden retriever, mingled with Tank, a silver Labrador, before taking to the turf again to do what happy dogs do best―roll on her back. Shelby, Tank and a few other dogs spent the noon hour running, romping and rolling in a test of the turf at Anthem’s new dog park.
The park, at 2707 W. Meridian Drive on the far east side of the community, features four separate areas, two of which will be in use at any given time, while the turf on the other zones are rested. One zone will be for active dogs, the other for more passive personalities, according to ACC staff.
Construction was funded by ACC’s enhancement fund, which is fed by a quarter of 1 percent fee on the sales price of homes and is earmarked for enhancements that benefit the community. Annual maintenance costs will be partly offset by annual household membership fees of $50 for up to two dogs per household and $10 per additional dog up to two more, resulting in a net operating cost of approximately $74,000, according to ACC spokesperson Kristi Northcutt.
Scheduled to open at 10 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 16, the park has shaded benches for owners, doggy drinking fountains and a paw-rinse station. Key-fob access is for registered Anthem residents and their pooches only. Dogs must have a county license and proof of rabies vaccine.
Hours: May–August, 5:30 a.m.–9:45 p.m.; September–April, 6 a.m–9:45 p.m.; closed each Wednesday until noon for maintenance.
