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New 13,000 sq. ft. off-leash dog area now open in Vancouver park.

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Vancouver dog lovers and their pups now have a new place to run around after the opening of a new off-leash area in South Cambie.

The City unveiled the nearly 13,000 sq. ft. off-leash area in Heather Park, located at the southeast corner of West 18th Avenue and Willow Street.

According to Park Board Chair Laura Christensen, the new off-leash area is another milestone in the City’s commitment to increasing dog-friendly spaces in Vancouver.

Vancouver dog park

“Our People, Parks and Dogs Strategy highlights the importance of building a varied network of off-leash areas throughout the city that meet the needs of all park users, including those with and without dogs,” said Christensen in a release. “We’re thrilled to welcome Vancouver’s four-legged community and their owners to Heather Park.”

Heather Park’s off-leash area features a large open space and a series of agility features, including hurdles, stepping stones, and a ramp. Additional seating for owners and a drinking fountain and dog bowl have been added for two- and four-legged visitors.

Vancouver dog park

The design for the South Cambie off-leash area was created using feedback from over 1,300 people who took part in two rounds of public engagement.

Heather Park is one of three new off-leash dog areas proposed for Vancouver parks. Work is expected to be completed this summer at a similar area at Granville Park in Fairview, and a renewal and expansion of Emery Barnes Park’s off-leash area is slated for completion around the same time.

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