Come, Sit, Stay--for Dog Park Anniversary

To commemorate the first anniversary of its dog park, where pets can frolic free of leashes, Huntington Central Park is planning a ceremony Saturday that will also mark the opening of an area especially for small dogs and those with disabilities.

Patti Goff, event coordinator and a member of the Friends of the Huntington Beach Dog Park Committee, said that the park opened in 1995 for a trial period. The weekend’s event will celebrate its having achieved permanent status.

Though the 2-acre area off Edwards Street north of Ellis Avenue is under the city’s jurisdiction, it depends on private donations to pay for temporary fencing and the ongoing expense for dog-waste bags.

“This park is not funded by the city, so we really need the support of the community,” said Goff, owner of two dogs.

Saturday’s 10 a.m.-to-3 p.m. event is a fund-raiser to pay for permanent fencing, ground cover, water fixtures, landscaping and benches, Goff said. “Basically we need everything,” she said, adding that supporters hope to raise $25,000 this year.

Low-cost vaccinations, licensing, pet costume contests, dog skills competitions, a pet psychic and a seminar on dog training and behavior are scheduled.

Information: (714) 536-5672.