Unleashed & Open: Downtown Arlington’s dog park debuts with ribbon cutting

The Doggie Depot is officially open! Furry friends and their humans made their way through the gates of downtown Arlington’s newest off-leash dog park for the first time March 13.

The date marked a ribbon cutting ceremony and the official opening to the public. The date also proudly marked the apex of a multiyear long project ideation and creation.

Remarks were kindly made on behalf of the dog park by DAMC Board Chair Doreen Bruner, Arlington Mayor Jim Ross, DAMC President & CEO Maggie Campbell, Val Gibson of the Arlington Parks Department, and DAMC Vice President Garret Martin.

“While there are so many amazing things about this park, one of my favorites is that it was 100% community-funded—built brick by brick through generous donations,” Bruner said.

The first contributions came from General Motors, a pillar of Arlington’s growth. We are incredibly grateful for their support through the Community Placemaking Grants with Project for Public Spaces for their initial $75,000 gift

Following that grant was the largest gift, a $100,000 grant from the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation, securing the project. This park would not be open today without their support.

Aptly named, The Doggie Depot resides south of the railroad tracks across the street from the corner of Main and Mesquite streets.

Data from our 2022 Downtown Resident Survey showed 40% of respondents had a pet in their household. Another question found that residents have been dissatisfied by the lack of pet-specific destinations within walking distance of their residences. What started in 2022 with a survey is now a beautiful, shared community space.

“This is a product of asking the community what is needed, listening, then building it together. That’s what it takes to build a beloved place,” Martin said. “That’s the vision – a beloved place that connects us, Front street to Abram, neighbors to neighbors, and residents to pets.”

The Doggie Depot includes ADA access, running water, lighting, dog waste stations, play areas for both small and large dogs, and a path of bricks customized by donors.

This park would not be possible without all the generous donors, businesses and individuals who contributed to make this dream a reality for the downtown Arlington community.

Thank you to DFW Fabrications for creating the fun train photo opportunity at the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Artist Becca Waugh attended the event to provide parkgoers with delightful live drawings of their “Poorly Drawn Pets.”

Shout out to the Greater Arlington Chamber for helping set up our wonderful ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Ready to unleash your pup? Head on down to the new urban dog park in Downtown Arlington! Follow @doggiedepottx for more events and updates! Find the rest of the ribbon cutting photos here.

About Downtown Arlington

The Downtown Arlington Management Corporation is a private, non-profit community development organization dedicated to enhancing the economic vitality and environment of Downtown Arlington. Governed by a Board of Directors composed of community stakeholders, the organization manages services and operations while promoting growth and community engagement. In 2016, the Arlington Cultural Arts District was officially recognized by the State of Texas. Visit DowntownArlington.org for more information.