During our first visits to the Town of Hartford, Hartford Town Manager Hunter Rieseberg and Director of Parks & Recreation Tad Nunez were receptive and encouraging about creating a dog park in Hartford which would welcome people of the Upper Valley.

After researching several locations, we felt that the eastern end of the existing Watson Park would be a likely place. The area was uncleared and unused, and a dog park could enhance the existing playing fields and playground by adding a new dimension to the park.

With Town guidance, meetings and public support, the Town Select Board granted approval in August 05 for construction of a dog park with the condition that UVDPS raise the necessary funds for construction and maintenance of the park on an annual basis. In addition to providing the land, the Town also provides liability insurance coverage. (There is no cost to the town for providing insurance; existing municipal insurance includes dog parks at no additional cost). In Spring of 07 we reached our financial goal and began construction of the Watson Upper Valley Dog Park.

The Watson Upper Valley Dog Park will open it's doors in celebration on June 7, 2008 at 10am.

We thank the Town of Hartford for their vision and support of our quest.

For additional information about Hartford and its Department of Parks and Recreation, visit Hartford's website at www.hartford-vt.org.