Pioneer Park marking reopening

Recent improvements to Pioneer Park are a hit with Ruben and Velka.

Park newcomers Abby and Lucy seem to like them, too.

A half-dozen dogs and their owners took advantage of the sunny and pleasantly breezy weather Thursday afternoon to relax and mingle at the newest canine hot spot.

A fenced, off-leash dog park is among the $1.5 million in improvements recently completed at Pioneer Park.

"We started using it before it was finished," said Megan Hancey, a downtown resident and owner of Boston terriers Ruben and Velka. "I was really excited when they were putting it in."

For the past few weeks, Hancey has been taking her dogs to Pioneer Park about four times a week. She'll likely frequent the park more after Saturday when the dog park officially opens.

"It's very convenient," Hancey said, "and they definitely need exercise."

The new dog park will be one of the improvements highlighted during an all-day grand reopening celebration Saturday at the downtown park bordered by 300 South, 300 West, 400 South and 400 West.

"We're saying welcome back to Pioneer Park and to everyone," said event organizer Mickelle Weber, who lives and works near the park. "There were fences around the park all winter. Now it's open again with all the new improvements."

In addition to the dog park, the city has put in new sidewalks, benches, lights and a walking and jogging path. Old trees were removed and new ones were planted.

"I think all the improvements will help highlight just how cool our neighborhood is and what an advantage it is to have the park there," Weber said.

The new off-leash dog area attracted John Thueson to the park, along with his boxer mixes Abby and Lucy. Thueson, who lives in the Avenues, said he had never been to Pioneer Park before but wanted to try out the dog park.

"It's a place they can run and a place where the people they come in contact with aren't terrified of them," he said.

Saturday's festivities get under way at 8 a.m. with the first Downtown Farmers Market of the season. The market, which will run Saturdays through Oct. 18, brings together a variety of farmers, growers, bakers and local artisans selling their wares.

The opening of the dog park, a free dinner, a prize drawing and an outdoor movie will keep the party at the park going until about 10:30 p.m.