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By BECKY J. BEALL / Community Columnist

If you have struggled to find a place for your canine friend to have a dog-gone good time, you’re in luck! The City of Pelham opened a family-friendly dog park on September 30, 2018 for use by Shelby County residents as well as the Greater Birmingham area, and folks are loving it. Pelham Barks and Recreation Dog Park is located behind the rec center and the middle school on Pelham Park Boulevard with daily hours of 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Free to the public, the dog park is a nice, fenced area with separated spaces for small and large dogs. You’ll notice large limestone rocks that were incorporated into the natural landscape of the park as well as benches for pet owners to rest on while their pooches have some free-roaming time. There are waste stations available onsite, so please be responsible for cleaning up after your dog to help maintain a clean facility for all to enjoy.

Exercise is so important for dogs to keep muscles toned, minds engaged and discourage destructive behavior. Not only is there room to run and play at Pelham’s Dog Park, but there are also fun, wooden obstacles designed by Pelham’s own Paul Christian Benton, to keep furry friends enticed. Water is available to ensure your dog does not dehydrate.

Save the Date

If you are looking for something fun for the entire family that includes your dog, mark your calendar now for the Doggie Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday, April 5, 2020 from 4-6 p.m. Follow the Pelham Barks and Recreation Dog Park Facebook page for more details as they are available.

Other Pet News

Many restaurants in Pelham allow your pooch in outdoor seating areas, just call ahead and confirm. Also, dogs are welcome (on a leash) in most of Oak Mountain State Park areas. Examples of places they may NOT be allowed include horseback riding trails, stores and food service areas, and swimming areas.

If you are so inclined to help the pets of Pelham as well as Shelby County, note that Pelham Pet Pantry has a drop-off location inside Starbucks on Cahaba Valley Road. Folks are encouraged to drop off unopened cans or bags of pet food. Likewise, the Shelby County Humane Society located in Columbiana accepts donation of pet food and is often in need.

Photo: Dogs and their human counterparts celebrated the ribbon cutting of Pelham Barks and Recreation Dog Park on September 30, 2018. Photo courtesy of the City of Pelham.