The new, revamped Rotary Dog Park will open officially in the Cranberry Community Park on Sept. 24 with a ribbon-cutting “unleashing” event scheduled for 10 a.m. that day. Julia Maruca/Butler Eagle

When Shawna Francis moved to Cranberry Township with her beloved Yorkie four years ago, a dog’s-eye view of Cranberry was a lot more limited than it is today.

Dogs were not permitted in most areas of the township’s parks, and the Rotary Dog Park, one area where they were allowed, wasn’t in great condition.

“Up until North Boundary was made dog friendly, (the dog park) was the only place you were allowed to take your dog, and the big dog side was pretty good, but the small dog side was terrible,” she said.

Francis formed the Cranberry K9 Connection group, a volunteer organization dedicated to “enhancing and improving the dog community in Cranberry Township.” Volunteers with the group encourage people to be good dog owners, pick up dog poop in public parks, and educate the public about responsible dog ownership and care.

Now, four years later, after working with the township and through a contribution from the Cranberry Rotary Club, a new amenity for dogs and dog owners is finally ready to open its gates.

The new, revamped Rotary Dog Park will open officially in the Cranberry Community Park on Sept. 24 with a ribbon-cutting “unleashing” event scheduled for 10 a.m. that day.

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