Dogs, rejoice! The area’s newest dog park opened on August 23 in Mountain Brook, making it the 10th dedicated dog park in the Birmingham area. While city leaders have had discussions about a dog park for several years, the challenge always seemed to be where to put it.

“A group from Leadership Mountain Brook at Mountain Brook High School proposed it as one of their projects,” said Shanda Williams, the city’s parks and recreation superintendent. “They did the research on it — gauging public interest, figuring out the best location, listing the supplies and amenities that would be needed, etc. They presented their findings to the Park Board and City Council for approval, and the council approved about half of the expenses and asked that the group raise $5,000 of the estimated cost. They went out and did just that.”

The park, located at Cahaba Walk Park at 3503 Overton Road, a ½ acre inside a walking track at the park. It includes a paved parking area, and the entrance is close to the Cahaba River side of the park.

“The park is small, so we don’t have room to divide the space between large and small dogs,” said Williams. “For now, it’s open to dogs of any size in the same area.”

Williams also said that a water tank is installed on the site that supplies a water station. The park is open seven days a week during daylight hours. While there are no requirements that visitors be residents of the city, there are basic rules in place:

• Dogs should be off leash within the confines of the fenced area.
• Handlers are responsible for the actions and behavior of their dog(s) at all times.
• All dogs must wear a collar with a current rabies tag and identification.
• All dogs must be current on vaccinations. Flea/tick control is highly recommended.
• Handlers must be at least 16 years old and supervise no more than 2 dogs at a time.
• Children under 13 years old must be supervised by an adult.
• Clean up after your dog.
• Dogs must be leashed outside of the fenced-in area.
• Dogs not allowed include puppies under 4 months, sick dogs, dogs in heat, and aggressive dogs.
• Prohibited items and activities include smoking/vaping, tobacco, alcohol, food/treats, and glass bottles.

For more information on the park, visit the city’s website or call (205) 802-3877.