Want to Know More about the Park?
In June of 2000, the Cedar Rapids Parks Department asked for Community volunteers to come to a meeting to assess interest in creating an off-leash area. With the support of Dale Todd, then Commissioner of Parks & Public Property, this core group of volunteers began working to determine the feasibility of this project in our Community. They did research on other parks around the country, reviewed prospective sites, and took surveys. They made presentations, raised money, marched in parades, and manned information tables at local retail establishments and dog events. They were also thrilled to get a generous matching donation of $10,000 from local benefactors Lee and Andrea Liu, which was used for fencing. The City of Cedar Rapids provided the land and labor for developing the park: it is a City park.
The hard work paid off in the fall of 2001, when the first annual permits went on sale at Rover's Run at the end of September, and the Park officially opened on November 17! Finally, the 36.5% of households in town with dogs are represented recreationally. Within 12 months of opening in November 2001, dog owners bought over 550 annual permits. More than 600 people and 750 dogs used the Park with both annual and daily permits, representing 84 dog breeds, and people from 41 cities in 8 states. A pretty impressive beginning.
Have you considered that off-leash recreational areas benefit even those people who don’t own dogs? It’s believed a dog that is socialized with other dogs and people on a regular basis is a safer Community member, a better neighber, and is less likely to bite other people or dogs it meets on the street!<
We try to emphasize that the off-leash area is NOT a “dog park.” The phrase “dog park” really implies a space intended for use solely by dogs. Our Park, on the other hand, emphasizes being a place where HUMANS have opportunities to be actively involved WITH their dogs.
What can I do at the Off-Leash Area?
Check out the photos here to see a few early pictures taken at the Cheyenne Park Off-Leash Area (Fall 2001-Spring 2002). Though each visitor to the Park may only bring two dogs in at a time, often Park users make new canine (and human!) friends and find themselves with "adopted" pals who tag along on their walks.
Cleaning up after your dog at the OLA is important. Visitors bring their own plastic bags, or use bags provided at the Park to pick up after their dogs. Plastic trash cans are available throughout the Park for deposit of dog feces. Volunteers empty trash cans twice weekly (if you’d be willing to volunteer, please contact K9COLA!).
There is a gravel trail that goes around Main Park area (about 3/4 mile) that is great for walking or jogging with your dog. Many people meet at the Park and walk and chat while their dogs run alongside. A mown trail goes all the way around the Park perimeter. There are benches available along the main gravel path. Please don't tarry long; keep you dog in sight!
The dog on the right isn't alone. Its owner is just out of the camera's view. All owners must keep their eyes on their dogs and be close enough to call the dogs back if needed and to see if dogs go potty.
The photo on the left shows a bit of the six acres of prairie that’s been left wild. The ground is uneven back there, so watch your step! Consider donating a tree for this area! Search and Rescue dogs as well as people who do tracking with their dog can practice scent work in a place like this.