From City of Reading
Mayor Eddie Morán, City Council members, and community partners gathered on Monday, July 14, to celebrate the grand opening of Caramel & Friends Dog Park — the City of Reading’s first official dog park.
Located at Schlegel Park, the new dog park is named in honor of Caramel, Mayor Morán’s beloved rescue dog and the first officially recognized dog of the City of Reading. Caramel was rescued in 2009 from an illegal puppy mill through the work of The Humane Society of the United States and Humane Pennsylvania, making her a symbol of compassion, second chances, and the power of community.
“This is a special moment not just for me, but for all of Reading,” said Mayor Eddie Morán. “This park is a tribute to Caramel’s story and a new space for dogs and families across our city to enjoy safely and freely. I’m proud that our city now has a place like this and that it came together under budget.”
Project details include:
- Total cost: $150,593 — well below the $300,000 budget.
- Doug Lamb Construction – concrete pad and sidewalk ($11,780).
- R. Smith Paving – court removal, topsoil, walkways ($88,000).
- ProMax Fencing – dog park fencing ($50,813).
- Additional amenities like waste stations, trash cans, and benches were provided by Public Works and Clean City crews.
City Council approved the park in April, and several councilmembers attended the ceremony, along with representatives from Humane Pennsylvania, the Animal Rescue League of Berks County, and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement.
Park rules are posted on-site to help keep visitors and pets safe. The City also announced an additional requirement for all dogs entering the park: they must be licensed and vaccinated against rabies, in accordance with state law. “This park is a gift to the people of Reading,” Mayor Morán added. “It shows what’s possible when we work together and lead with love.”
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Source: bctv