Join Baltimore City Recreation and Parks and Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake as they open the City’s newest dog park Saturday, Dec. 15, 11 a.m., next to DiPietro Ice Rink. Two tennis courts in Patterson Park have been converted into a fenced dog run that includes separate areas for small and large dogs. Elements of the dog run include artificial turf mounds, boulders, asphalt, trees, benches and water fountains.

The turf used is more durable than grass and it is antimicrobial. Its design also makes it easier to clean. The asphalt is painted with poly-acrylic coating that has reflective qualities. This will help keep the surface cooler as temperatures rise in the summer.

The planning and design of the dog park was presented to the community at a meeting in December of 2011 in the Patterson Park Recreation Center. Dog park construction was completed in November 2012. The Patterson Dog Park Association is responsible for the daily maintenance of the park.