Thornberry Off Leash Dog Park in Iowa City - a "howling" Success!

The Thornberry Off-Leash Dog Park opened on Saturday June 17th 2006, in the Peninsula Neighborhood, an area just off Foster Road, in Iowa City, Iowa. Named for Dean Thornberry who donated approximately $125,000 for the site, the grand opening on Saturday was a huge success with a crowd of over 200 dogs and owners enjoying the site. It is an 11 acre park with a spacious dog yard, a small dog area (yard), agility area and an in ground waste tank for disposal of dog waste as well as plans for even more entertainment for your 4 legged friend! This area is an excellent place for your pet to enjoy the outdoors without safety issues or worry of being in violation of city leash laws. The development of this area definitely meets a need in the Iowa City area for those with small or non-existent yards to exercise their pets. And if your four legged companion happens to find a friend, then that is all the better. Pets need friends much like their masters and with the popularity of this park, your buddy is sure to find someone to romp and play with while visiting.

To visit the park, one only has to follow these simple directions...coming from I-80, take the Dubuque St. exit and go south about 1/2 mile to the first stop light. At the first stop light turn onto Foster Road. Travel up the hill (still on Foster Road) going past the golf course and through the "New Peninsula Neighborhood". Continue on this road and look for signs...at signs direction, turn left into the dog park.

For the safe enjoyment of all dogs and handlers, several rules must be obeyed. All dogs must be vaccinated for rabies and proof of vaccination must be available upon request. All dogs must be accompanied by a person of no younger than 16 years of age who are responsible for the dogs care. All dogs must be on a leash when they enter or exit the park and ON leashes when in the parking lot areas, as they are not designated "off leash" areas. Remember that the Iowa City area has a leash law in effect and accordance to this law, all dogs must be on leashes when not in the park proper. And according to the website: http://www.jcdogpac.org/park_info.shtml#directions"All dogs using the Thornberry Off-Leash Dog Park (TOP) must wear an annual permit tag on their collar. The tag must be present on the collar to enter the park and enjoy the benefits of the park. The permit is $25/year with a $5 discount for spay/neuter and an additional $5 discount for microchip."

Any other information about the dog park can be found at the link above or tags can be purchased at Robert A. Lee Recreation Center, http://www.jcdogpac.org/mapanddirections.shtml or Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center, http://www.icanimalcenter.org/indexi.html