Mainland Common dog park opens new trails and small dog area

Looking for somewhere to take your dog this weekend? The second phase of the new off-leash dog park has opened at the Halifax Mainland Common in Clayton Park.

The new area has been expanded with trails and a separate area for small dogs.

Stephen Oakey, a parkland planner with the Halifax Regional Municipality, says there are a few loose ends to clean up, but it is open and operational.

"In phase two there is the wooded trail area, the new entrances off the parking lot and the shade shelter water barrels were installed, as well as a defined small dog area," he said.

The Mainland Common dog park replaced the former off-leash area in Africville Park, which has not permitted off-leash dogs since Jan. 1.

Dog owners rallied to replace it with a similar area, and the solution was a fenced in area off Westridge Drive with new gates and picnic tables.

Alan Bezanson, who has visited the expanded park with his dog Bentley, was a frequent user of Africville Park's off-leash area. He likes the new facilities and trails.

"They're still a little small, the loop's a little small, it's not like taking them to Point Pleasant Park or anything, but it's still a nice addition," he said.

Oakey says there will be some upgrades in the future, including lighting installed by fall.

"I hope folks enjoy the park up there," he said. "It's sort of a new facility for HRM and we're learning as everyone's learning."

Brendan Elliott, a spokesperson for the city, says it has been a fairly seamless transition to the new facility for many former Africville Park users.

He says since the park became off limits to off-leash dogs, there have been nine complaints and Elliott says no tickets have been issued.