grand strand dog parks

MYRTLE BEACH — Myrtle Beach officially opened its new dog park, which is one of two highly requested city projects that have been completed this month.

The New Town Bark Park at 200 Collins St. is the city’s third dog park, with the first two in the north and south ends of the city.

The park — which cost about $120,000 — is open sunrise to sunset and has separate areas for small and large dogs.

Dustin Jordan, director of Myrtle Beach’s Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism department, said residents requested a dog park in the central part of the city.

“Dog parks are probably our most visited parks that we have,” Jordan said. “The dog parks allow them not only to let their dogs off leash, run around and socialize, but also it provides a time where dog owners can socialize.”

Marla Jones of Myrtle Beach was one of the dog owners who brought their four-legged friends to the park’s grand opening Dec. 12.

Jones said she typically brings her 8-year-old Chow Chow dog, Reagan, to the north-end park about three times a week.

“I think it’s great,” Jones said. “The other one doesn’t have a lot of shade, so in the summer, it can get really hot. It’s nice to have options.”