Amenities of the park include several benches, natural shade, a donated community art mural and drinking fountains for both humans and dogs. Its biggest feature is the designated areas, each for a different type of dog and separated by fence.
One section is for big dogs, another section for small dogs and the last section for yellow tag dogs (meaning fearful or anxious dog). These were designed with accessibility in mind for the different types of dog owners.
The park also features a colorful mural by artist Joey Salamon, who was commissioned by Mark Phillips in honor of his late son Idan who worked at the Animal Welfare Society in Madison Heights and was known to be a “huge dog lover” and “dog whisperer. In a previous Oakland County Times article, it was noted “Phillips chose Salamon as the artist because of his local connection, as an Oak Park resident for about six years, and the impact his art instantly had on him. Phillips said that seeing Salamon’s artwork was like “love at first sight” and he knew that he wanted Salamon to execute the project.”
Leslye Harelik-Richie is excited for more dogs to participate. “I would like to see everyone come out check it out and follow the rules, its so easy, and I believe a good bonding experience for pups and their parents,” she said.
