After years of planning and effort from the community, Bowling Green’s newest park isn’t just for people, but for their four-legged friends as well.
The Ridge Street Dog Park, which officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony back in June, has quickly become quite the gathering place for both dogs and their owners.
The idea for the dog park began during the pandemic in 2020, when the city of Bowling Green surveyed its residents about their future recreational desires. Although it wasn’t in their original plans, a request for a dog park stood out. Enough community members voiced their support for the concept, and it was then included in the city’s updated plans. From there, a small group of residents formed Friends of BG Dog Parks, a nonprofit dedicated to making the vision a reality.
“We had to build everything from the ground up, the plans, funding, permits, even including the water feature,” said Wendy Manning, president of Friends of BG Dog Parks and a professor of sociology at Bowling Green State University (BGSU). “It took a lot of local partnerships and volunteer work, but the result is something the whole community can enjoy.”
The city of Bowling Green leases the land to the nonprofit, while maintenance and improvements are handled largely through fundraising and volunteer support. Spieker Construction, local plumbing companies and countless residents donated time and resources to bring the park to life.
The ribbon-cutting in June was a moment of pride for everyone involved.
“It was wonderful,” Manning said. “The mayor, city council members and community leaders joined us, along with plenty of excited dogs. It felt like all that hard work had paid off.”
Since its opening, the park has drawn consistent crowds. Dog owners say it’s not just a place for their pets to play, it’s also become a place for people to connect.
“There’s so much value in those small conversations,” Manning explained. “You see students, families and retirees of all ages and backgrounds coming together over something as simple as watching their dogs play.”
For Bowling Green resident and BGSU student Edie Owens, Ridge Street Dog Park has been a game changer. Owens, who often brings her dog Chuck to play, said the park has made her daily routine easier and her pet happier.
“Before, I only had the small relief area on campus, which wasn’t big enough to throw a ball,” she said. “Now Chuck gets to run, socialize and even splash around in the baby pools. He just loves it.”
There isn’t a fee to use the park, but it is asked that guests register before entering using a QR code posted on the entry gate.
In the future, Friends of BG Dog Parks hopes to expand the park with more trees, shaded areas and a walking path to ease wear on the grass.
For now, though, the park already feels like a success.
“When I see people chatting and dogs having fun, I feel proud,” Manning said. “It shows what’s possible when a community comes together.”
