Ribbon Cutting for New and Improved Dog Park at LaSalle Park

By Sarah Tanbakuchi

Buffalo, NY – It was a day for the dogs at LaSalle Park Thursday. Mayor Byron Brown cut a ribbon -- with dog treats dangling from it -- to a new "off-leash" dog park on the waterfront, just up the road from the old one.

Referred to as "the Barkyard," the park is surrounded by a four-foot fence and has a separate area for smaller dogs under 30 pounds. Brown says this park will attract dog-owners from the city and surrounding areas. He says bringing dog-owners to the area is good for the economic development and the quality of life in the region.

Reed Stevens, the president of Buffalo Off-Leash Areas, says the dog park brings together people from a diversity of backgrounds and promotes healthy, active dogs.

About two dozen excited dogs -- of all shapes and sizes -- joined their owners at the park's opening.

Visit the Barkyard's website for more information about the park.

Watch Mayor Brown's speech and the ribbon cutting.