New dog park opens in Atlanta’s Kirkwood neighborhood

Residents (and pups) on the city’s east side now have a new place to gather and play.

Last Friday, officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the opening of the city’s newest dog park, located in Atlanta’s Kirkwood neighborhood.

The off-leash dog park, located at Gilliam Park, 1694 Wade Ave. NE, is now open daily. The park, which was a collaborative effort between the Kirkwood Neighborhood Association and the Kirkwood Business Owners' Association, is run by volunteers and neighbors.

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It's the sixth official off-leash dog park in the city. At all other parks in the city, the dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.

Emily Wimbush, vice president of the Kirkwood Business Association, said in an interview with 11Alive that the neighborhood is excited to add the gathering spot to their community.

“Having a dog park is a great place to meet up to share your stories with your neighbors and let your dogs get some exercise,” she told the TV station.

The park includes a half-acre lot with two fenced in areas for large and small dogs.

The efforts to revitalize the land to establish a dog park have been underway since July, according to reporting from 11Alive.

Atlanta City Councilwoman Natalyn Mosby Archibong who represents the area attended the event on Friday.

She told 11Alive, the neighborhood's efforts to bring the park to life is "what I like about Atlanta and DeKalb, the desire to improve quality of life." 
If you go: The Kirkwood dog park is open 6 a.m.-11 p.m. daily at 1694 Wade Ave. NE.