SUDBURY -- Greater Sudbury’s third off-leash dog park has opened in the South End, beside the Gerry McCrory Countryside Sports Complex.

The park joins ones in Minnow Lake and Azilda, and opens after several other sites in the South End were rejected because of neighbourhood concerns.

The York K9 Club raised $3,500 for the park, with the city contributing $46,400. The volunteer group will be responsible for maintaining park cleanliness and ensuring users follow the park rules and etiquette, the city said in a news release this week.

“On behalf of our dog walking community, I want to thank the York Street K9 Club for initiating this project and for taking on an active role in the operation of the new off-leash dog park in the South End,” Ward 9 Coun. Deb McIntosh said in the release. “These volunteers have worked hard to make this park a reality for our community and we will continue to work together to ensure the park is a great success for everyone.”

The South End Dog Park features two fenced enclosures joined by a walking path. One 14,864 square-foot enclosure is reserved for small dogs that are less than 25 pounds and less than 15 inches tall. Another is 38,911 square feet and is reserved for large dogs that are heavier than 25 pounds or taller than 15 inches.

There's a double-gated entry/exit at each enclosure for safety, as well as garbage bins and mutt mitt dispensers. The site has 10 parking spaces, including two spaces reserved for accessible parking. Portable washrooms are currently unavailable due to COVID-19 guidelines, but will be on site at a later date.

"Off-leash dog parks provide a dedicated area for pet owners to exercise and socialize their dogs in a controlled area," the release said. "Parks in Greater Sudbury operate year round from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m."

For locations and hours of local dog parks or for volunteer groups looking to explore the potential for any new off-leash dog park, click here to learn more.

Due to COVID-19, park users are reminded to wash or sanitize their hands before and after use, and maintain a distance of two metres from others.