Choctaw Poochie Dog Park reopens for business

The first off-leash dog park in the area held a grand re-opening and ribbon cutting June 5 after receiving a facelift courtesy of Scouts from Fort Rucker Boy Scout Troop 50.

The reconstruction project was the Eagle Scout project of Erich Fielder, who is an incoming freshman at Enterprise High School.

Fixing the fence, repainting the canine exercise equipment and removal of brush in and around the 275-feet by 75-feet fenced in park was part of the improvements the Scouts made to the facility located near the Daleville City Schools Bus Barn on old Highway 134.

The park is used mostly by pet owners who don’t have the outdoor space to walk their furry family members, according to Daleville Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Michelle Powell.

The park was built in 2012 by Daleville Chamber of Commerce members interested in adding to the quality of life for apartment owners wanting a place for their fur-babies to exercise and socialize. The park is open from sun up to sun down but over the years had reached the point where Fielder’s offer to refurbish it was very much appreciated, Powell said.

Also participating in the re-opening celebration June 5 were Miranda Daniels, Jermaine Beaty and Brittani Cook from the Ozark Animal Shelter, located on Parker Drive in Ozark. The city-operated shelter has 42 dog kennels and 11 cat kennels. It serves as the city shelter for Daleville, Level Plains, Midland City, Grimes and Fort Rucker.

“The Daleville Chamber of Commerce asked if we wanted to take part in the grand reopening and we thought it was a good idea for an adoption event,” said Daniels with a smile as she surveyed dogs wearing “adopt me” bandanas enjoying attention from event participants.

The Ozark shelter is open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and from 9 a.m. until noon Saturdays. Those interested in more information about adoption can contact the shelter at (334) 774-4633 or [email protected].