Park board dedicates new dog park Saturday

Springfield-area dog owners have a new place to let their four-legged companions roam free.

The Springfield-Greene County Park Board and the Springfield Citizens Dog Park Committee will hold a dedication ceremony Saturday for the Cruse Dog Park at Loren Park, 2100 W. Catalpa St.

The first phase of the park includes a 6-acre off-leash park - a 1.5-acre fenced area for small dogs and 4.5 acres for larger dogs. Cruse Dog Park is also connected to the greenway trail system via a one-mile section of greenway connecting the dog park with Ewing Park to the southwest.

The park, of which the first phase cost nearly $300,000, was funded by a grant from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and donation from the Cruse Family Trust, as well as proceeds from several events. Efforts are ongoing to raise additional funds for future development, including permanent restrooms and a pavilion.

More information about the park, including a list of rules and regulations, is online at the Park Board's Web site, below.