When the sun and the star Sirius rise together this time each year, it marks the “Dog Days of Summer,” where hot temperatures can lead to sitting quietly just trying to keep cool. But dogs in Garrett County may disagree with the notion of lazing around in the summer heat, with two easily accessible dog parks where they can run off leash: the Oakland Dog Park and the Garrett County Dog Park.
These parks are used by both resident and visitor dog owners, and many of their dogs jump to their feet with a wagging tail upon hearing the words “dog park.” Oakland Town Administrator Valerie Stemac said her dogs Hank and Jack have enjoyed both dog parks in the county, “anywhere they can get out and chase a ball off leash makes them very happy.”
The parks are free to use and open during daylight hours. Each offers fenced enclosures for dogs to run, including separate ones for large and small dogs. Water is available, and parks try to supply waste bags to help owners clean up after their dogs (it’s a good idea to bring extras in case they have recently run out). Benches are also available for owners.
For the safety of dogs using the parks, both have double-gated entry areas. Ashley Grose of Preston County, WV, visited the Oakland Dog Park recently with her daughter before a veterinarian appointment for their dog, Winter. “If we lost her we’d be heartbroken,” said Grose, “so the fact that you have to go through multiple gates gives you that reassurance that she’ll not accidentally escape when someone is coming in or out.”
Oakland Dog Park
27 Rosedale Road, Oakland, MD 21550
This park opened in 2018 through the collective efforts of area residents and businesses, along with local and state government funding.
Each enclosure contains various agility features to challenge dogs striving for excellence. Trees surrounding the park provide shade for dogs, but the amount varies across the day. Covered shelters are present for owners to sit under. There are no restroom facilities.
There is a Facebook page dedicated to the Oakland Dog Park, and information is available on the town’s website. Town of Oakland representative Valerie Stemac said, “We take pride in having the dog park in our town, and we hope that people using the park also take pride in it and help us take care of it.”
Area residents Donna Ferguson, Kenny Tasker, John Reardon, and Kelly Gray frequently meet at the park so that their dogs can play together. Ferguson said, “It’s a clean, well-cared-for park. Our dog Savior can run free here and play with his buddies.”
Garrett County Dog Park
1249 Bumble Bee Road, McHenry, MD 21541
The idea for this park came from a Southern Middle School gifted and talented class project in 2013, demonstrating its need in the community. The Deep Creek Lions Club partnered with the class and HART for Animals to raise funds from area individuals and businesses and obtain local and state government support to build the park, which opened in 2017.
Mature trees within the enclosures provide shade for both dogs and owners. The dog park is located within the larger Deep Creek Lions Club’s McHenry Community Park. Steps away from the dog park are restroom facilities, covered pavilions, the Meshach Browning Trail System and History Center, and the Glades at Meshach Run Disc Golf Course.
According to Deep Creek Lions Club President Tom Wenzel, donations have supported improvements to the park, including benches and a concrete apron in the gated entry area. Member Jim Alster is chair of a committee establishing a Friends of the Dog Park group to help maintain the park and suggest improvements (see, https://deepcreeklions.org/friends-of-the-dog-park/). The group is for anyone using the park. Alster said, “We’re trying to build a community around the dog park, to help share information about the park, and bring owners and their dogs together.” Secretary Becky Franzak said that she looks for the park to grow as, “Dogs seem to be in more people’s lives, and the word is getting around that it’s here.”
Last month, Cienna Brand from Inwood, WV, and her family visited the dog park with their dog, Lou, as the first stop on their family vacation to Deep Creek Lake.
While watching the dog run around after the long car ride, Brand was asked what Lou might be thinking. She said, “He’s very happy that he can run and play without his leash on, and he’s probably a little bit confused because he never gets to do this – it’s unique.”
Lions Club Member Craig Hunter said his dogs Frankie and Bam Bam love the fact they’re off leash. He added, “They start getting excited in the car as we get close to the park, and once getting unsnapped from the leash when entering the park they know they’re going to get to run and explore.”
Dogs can’t tell you they’re having fun, but they sure can show you at a dog park.
Written by Evan Byrne.
