MIDDLE SMITHFIELD TOWNSHIP -- A new park is giving dogs in the Poconos something to bark about.
With tails wagging, dogs scampered and seemed to be having a ball. Their owners say this dog park in Middle Smithfield Township is their new favorite spot to stretch their legs in the Poconos.
"I think it's really great some of the amenities, the poop bags and all. They have a water pump here on the grounds," said Fred Maffia of Bartonsville.
Maffia travels nearly 20 miles three times a week to enjoy this spot. It unofficially has been open for a few months and celebrated a grand opening on Monday.
Cindy Kazura says she visits every day, giving her dog Duke a safe place to play.
"Dogs do run after deer, they get hit by cars, so this is a nice place to just let your dogs run."
The township says this is an upgrade to the Judy Putek Memorial Park where the dog park used to be. It was about a $25,000 investment over two years, supervisors say.
"Once the fence is up, it's just a matter of maintaining the grass, some little things that they need for the dog park, but really, it's not a significant annual expense," said township supervisor Mike Dwyer.
Middle Smithfield Township's new dog pens include one if you have a big dog, bigger than 35 pounds, and one if your dog is a little bit smaller.
The dogs aren't the only ones barking about the new park
"Besides the dogs socializing, there's a lot of people socializing, my dog as well as I made some nice friendships."
"Parks is one of the things that builds community and this is a great success so far."
The fence from the old dog park now has been donated and will help build yet another dog park in Barrett Township in the future.