The City of Pickering is pleased to announce that residents will have a place to run their dogs off leash.

The City of Pickering and Toronto and Region Conservation have worked together to construct leash free areas in Grand Valley Park located on the Third Concession, west of Valley Farm Road. You may know the site as the south trail head for Seaton Hiking Trail. There are two designated leash free areas within the park. The main area will be located at the bottom of the hill, in the clearing. For those with mobility issues, a smaller area is also open, adjacent to the recently expanded parking lot.

"As chair of the Pickering Animal Services Committee, I am pleased to introduce the City of Pickering's very first leash-free dog park,” said Bill McLean, Regional Councillor, Ward 2. "Through ongoing community consultation, I am proud that we were able to establish the perfect location where dogs and their owners can be free to play, run around, and have fun.”

"I wish to commend staff for their hard work in establishing Pickering's first leash-free dog park,” said Thomas J. Quinn, Office of the CAO. "This new park will be of tremendous benefit to the community, as it balances the needs of dog owners while respecting the concerns of nearby homeowners.”

"I am pleased this leash-free park has finally come to fruition, as it has been an important community project for all Members of Council,” said Mayor Dave Ryan. "Pickering is recognized as one of Canada's most liveable and sustainable municipalities and this new park will serve to strengthen this reputation.”

Further work is proposed within the park and Seaton Hiking Trail, landscaping at the entrance and seating inside the leash free areas are among the enhancements. Dog owners and their faithful friends are invited to experience the new leash free area at Grand Valley Park at the official opening.

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The Leash Free Area at Grand Valley Park officially opened on Tuesday, June 15, 2010