The much-anticipated new dog park gets set to open its gates Wednesday.  The new park will give people the opportunity to let their furry friends off the leash and socialize with other dogs.

The dog park will have a grand opening ceremony at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday.

Here is the full release on the new dog park from the City of Paducah.

After a couple of years of public fundraising and with the City's match, the Parks Services Department will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open the Paducah Dog Park on Wednesday, August 15 at 2 p.m. 

The dog park is located at Stuart Nelson Park.  At the ceremony, the public is invited to bring their dogs.  Dogs need to remain on their leashes until the end of the ceremony which at that time they will be allowed inside the gates of the dog park unleashed.   There will be treats available for the four-legged friends who attend the ceremony. 

In 2010, the City challenged the public to raise $20,000 toward the dog park with the City committing to match that amount.  Parks Services Director Mark Thompson says 85 different donors contributed to the park.  The park has two large fenced areas for large dogs and small dogs in addition to parking, water, and shelters.  The land also was leveled and the drainage improved.

The Paducah Dog Park will be open seven days a week during the normal hours for Stuart Nelson Park, 6 a.m. until 9 p.m.  The rules for the Paducah Dog Park are as follows:

1. Owners/handlers are responsible for the behavior of their dogs.
2. Keep dogs on leashes until they are inside the enclosure.
3. Owners must keep the leash in hand at all times.
4. Leash and remove your dog immediately if you sense problems or your dog becomes unruly.
5. Dogs should never be left unattended.
6. Aggressive dogs are prohibited.
7. Female dogs in heat are prohibited.
8. Human food is prohibited inside the enclosure.  Doggie treats are permissible.
9. Owners/handlers must clean up after their pets.  Doggie bags are available at the entrances.
10. All dogs must be current on vaccinations.
11. Do not allow dogs to dig holes.  If they do, fill holes immediately.
12. Children under age 15 must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times.
13. Individuals without dogs are not allowed inside the enclosure.
14. Smoking is prohibited inside the enclosure.
15. Secure doors as you enter and leave the enclosure.
16. Hours of operation and access to the dog park may be restricted during special events or as determined by the Parks Services Director.
17. Immediately report any problems to the Parks Office at 270-444-8508 or parkinfo@paducahky.gov.