NEWS RELEASE
   
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    CONTACT: Shirley Caldwell    Luci Correa
September 23, 2004                     Phone: 713.845.1210       713.845.1264

HOUSTON’S DOGS CAN NOW RUN FREE AT MAXEY PARK

WHAT:

The Houston Parks and Recreation Department will host a grand opening ceremony for canine visitors and their owners at the first official City of Houston dog park in Maxey Park.

 

WHEN:

Saturday, September 25, 2004
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (Ceremony begins at 12:30 p.m.)



WHERE:

Maxey Park, 601 Maxey Road (Key Map 496C)


WHO:

Mayor Bill White; Annise Parker, Controller; Mayor Pro Tem Carol Alvarado, District I; and Donna Bing, president, Houston Dog Park Association; and Joe Turner, director, Houston Parks and Recreation Department will attend and offer remarks. KPRC-TV Channel 2 Chief Meteorologist Frank Billingsley will emcee the grand opening.


PHOTO OP #1:Frank Billingsley introduces special guest Radar the Weather Dog. Radar will salute the audience.

PHOTO OP #2:All participants will join Mayor White, Radar and Frank Billingsley in unveiling the new park sign.

PHOTO OP #3:

All participants will join Mayor White, Radar and Frank Billingsley in unveiling the new park sign.


NOTES:
Maxey Park is the first City of Houston Park to feature an official dog park area for canine visitors. Between 12 and 13 acres of parkland have been designated as a dog area. This area features a fenced-in space for the dogs to exercise off leash, and amenities include doggie drinking fountains, separate large and small dog areas, doggie shower, information kiosk, shaded areas, doggie waste disposal station and benches throughout the space.

The Maxey Park Dog Park was funded in part by the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, revenue raised by Controller Annise Parker from last year’s City of Houston Birthday Celebration, The Brown Foundation, Inc. and the Houston Parks Board.

As funding becomes available and through partnerships with the Houston Dog Park Association, civic clubs and other dog owner organizations, more dog parks are planned in the future.


FOR RAIN OUT INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL THE PARK URBAN RANGER'S DISPATCH OFFICE AT 713.845.1055.


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