Spotlight: Alex Decoteau Park - Penelope’s Playground!
We chatted with Robert, a downtown resident, about his experience with the new Alex Decoteau Park, and more importantly, how Penelope, his one and a half year old French Bulldog is loving the new dog friendly space!
Q: Thanks for meeting with us! Tell me a little bit about yourself and Penelope.
A: I’ve been living downtown for about three and a half years now. I got Penelope when she was a few weeks old- she is one and a half now and we are loving exploring downtown together.
Q: Are you and Penelope both enjoying the new park?
A: Yes! We both love it- well actually- she does more than I do. She gets to hang out with her friends. It’s funny- all the downtown dogs seem to know each other now because of the park. They see each other from across the street and get excited. One thing I’ve noticed about Penelope is that the park has really helped her learn how to socialize. It’s like dropping your kid off at the playground. All the owners just sit and chat on the side and the dogs play in the open space.
Q: How often would you say you visit Alex Decoteau park?
A: We are usually there twice a day, once in the morning and again after work or in the evening. It gets pretty busy around dinner time. It really is a nice thing to have in your backyard - which it basically is for me. Penelope and I can find some green space without having to leave downtown.
Q: What’s your favourite feature of the park? What’s Penelope’s?
A: For me it’s the location and convenience. Having green space downtown that isn’t just grass means less muddy paws in springtime and easy access to exercise for her. Penelope loves to scurry behind the benches and dart around like it’s an obstacle course. She has become a really social dog, partially thanks to the park.
Q: Would you like to see more dog-friendly spaces downtown? Do you think they would be well-used?
A: Definitely. For downtown dogs, the space that is there is great. The more people that move downtown with the development that’s happening, the City might want to consider adding more spaces like this one. It is so convenient for downtown residents that can’t find much green space otherwise, and the dog park space is actually much bigger than it looks once you’re inside. But, I definitely wouldn’t say no to having more dog friendly spaces close by- more green is always good! Add a water trough though- so park users can access water and fill it for the pups.
Q: Thanks again for chatting with us. Is there anything else you’d like to add?
A: Thank you! Yeah- it’s great because the park has kind of united people and given some vibrance to the community, like the downtown market does in the summer. The dog community downtown is growing and it’s nice because everyone knows each other, especially the dogs!
Thanks again to Robert for giving us his thoughts. Keep an eye out for Penelope - she’s turning into a bit of a Downtown Edmonton celebrity!
Alex Decoteau Park opened in September 2017. It features a community garden, an off-leash dog park, at grade turf, in-ground water fountains with programmable water displays, and artwork entitled Esprit by artist Pierre Poussin. The park was named after Canada’s first aboriginal police officer and noted athlete Alex Decoteau, who was a member of the Edmonton Police Force starting in 1911.
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For more information visit: edmonton.ca/alexdecoteaupark
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