Pepper and Finn didn’t hesitate. The moment their leashes were unclipped, they bounded across the ground in a high-speed chase, air-borne at times, rolling and tumbling in the sandy yard at the Lake George Dog Park. Pepper, a beagle/Jack Russell/Whippet mix, and Finn, a black lab, are both rescue dogs who visit the Dog Park every day, brought there by their owner Cindie Varney of Queensbury.
It has been one year since the official ribbon cutting at the Lake George Dog Park, and the Village is celebrating by inviting all dogs and their owners to a party at the Dog Park Friday, Aug. 3. 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Dog parents will be served refreshments, and The Dog Cabin is proving treats for the dogs.
Varney describes the Lake George Dog Park as “awesome,” and is enthusiastic about the recent additions of a water spigot for fresh water and a gazebo to provide shade. She has been bringing her dogs to the Lake George Park every day, unless it is raining, since last year, and she says Pepper and Finn look forward to their unrestrained playtime.
Before discovering the park, Varney would bring her dogs to Sutherland’s PetWorks in Hudson Falls, which operates a dog park behind its store. “They are good,” she says of Sutherland’s, “but they charge.” The Lake George Dog Park is free to use. Varney also likes that the Lake George Park is open every day until dusk and “there are always other dogs here.” She doesn’t have to set up play dates for her dogs, who like to socialize. At the park, Varney says she meets people from all around the area as well as tourists who are vacationing in Lake George.
The Lake George Dog Park is located at the Lake George Recreation Area on Transfer Road. The park has two fenced sections, one for large dogs and one for small. Site features include running tubes, wood features, beaches, a picnic table and the new gazebo. It is open year-round, 8 a.m. until dusk. The rules are few. Owners must clean up after their pets and be prepared to show proof of vaccination. The park is smoke-free.
Lisa Giknis, owner of The Dog Cabin, conceived the idea and conceptual plans for the park were developed by a Citizens Committee, which includes Giknis, Luke Dow and Village Mayor Robert Blais. Village of Lake George employees built the park and maintain the grounds.
Featured photo: Pepper and Finn explore a grassy corner of the Lake George Dog Park. Owner Cindie Varney calls this area of the park “The Salad Bar,” because Pepper heads over there every day to graze the tall grasses.