Dog park opens in Beulah


by Andrew Crowley

Last month, the city of Beulah got a dog park of its own, the culmination of a five year project started by Bridgette Martens the former director of parks and recreation who passed away of cancer on Dec. 8, 2017. Sparks Park is named for her dog. The park is the first of its kind in Beulah, but in Mercer County, there is a dog park in Hazen that has been open for several years, according to Sonja Dutchuk, the current director of Beulah Parks & Recreation.

Dutchuk took over the roll from Martens and it was important for her to realize Martens’ dream of a dog park.

I just wanted to get it going sooner than later,” Dutchuk said.

She said the park was delayed because other projects had a priority.

When I got hired on, the [Energy] Wellness Center was just getting opened, they were just building it. It was just one of those projects that got pushed back,” Dutchuk.

She said that the park was much needed and part of a plan to develop the area south of the Wellness Center.

Construction of the park took approximately two months and Dutchuk said she had multiple people voice their support for the project because they knew how much it meant to

Dutchuk went to Beulah City Council to get support for the project and then she went to Dakota Fence for the next steps.

It happened way faster than I was anticipating, but I’m just happy we have it now and don’t have to wait until next year because of snow or something,” Dutchuk said.

The grand opening of the park was held on Aug. 13. Dutchuk said they had a pretty good turnout for the event.

We did a grand opening, opened it up and then did a 5K, a walk afterwards with their puppies,” Dutchuk said.

There are two parks within Sparks Park: one for small dogs and one for larger dogs. The small dogs park is intended for dogs weighing 30 pounds or lighter. Dutchuk said that you could fit comfortably fit 12 to 15 dogs in either park. The park for smaller dogs is also smaller in area than the one for larger dogs.

Duthchuk said they would be planting trees at the park and adding benches, currently there are picnic tables. One project that they have in mind for the future is adding sprinklers and a water station for dogs.

She said that anyone interested in donating to dog park should contact her by stopping by the Energy Wellness Center or by calling Dutchuk at 701-873-5852 or via email at sdutchukbpd@westriv.com.

Sparks Park is open from dusk to dawn and dogs may be off their leash within the dog park. They must have up to date shot records. Dutchuk said that there is a list of rules displayed in the park for owners. She said visitors can stay as long as they like at the park as long as owners stay with their dogs and the dogs are well-behaved and not aggressive towards other dogs.

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