The Cochrane and Area Humane Society officially opened two new private off-leash dog parks just north of Cochrane on Friday, celebrating a milestone more than a decade in the making.
The two parks, Sadie’s Nature Park and Paws in the Park, offer a combined 9.6 acres of outdoor space for dogs and their people to enjoy, while also supporting animal rehabilitation.
“It’s a monumental day,” says Tracy Keith Harvie, executive director of the Humane Society. “It’s really a win-win for everybody.”
She says the initiative responds to a growing need in the community, especially following the pandemic.
“We’re seeing a lot more anxious dogs, and I think more anxious people too.”
“This beautiful space out here with the mountains and nature, it’s pretty relaxing.”
The project began over 10 years ago, when CAHS started searching for land to support shelter dogs through outdoor enrichment and behavioural rehab.
Early support came from Kendra Watt, who purchased the land and allowed the shelter to use it until they could raise the funds to buy it themselves.
In 2023, a major donation from the John Bowlen Legacy Fund through the Calgary Foundation made that purchase possible.
Additional help from Ginette Biegen, the Carol and Dave Byler family, and a dedicated steering committee brought the vision to life through planning, fencing and infrastructure.
“These parks give dogs a chance to just be dogs,” she says.
“We’re seeing great things happen behaviourally. It’s really making a huge difference in their adoptability.”
More than 80 shelter dogs are already using the parks every month, with fewer behavioural incidents and more successful adoptions reported.
The parks also generate about $9,500 a month in revenue to help fund shelter operations for all animals, not just dogs.
“Those dollars go back to help cats, bunnies, it’s really a win all around.”
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The parks are available for public booking, offering a private, safe alternative to busy town parks for dogs with behavioural needs or poor recall.
So far, community response has been overwhelmingly positive.
“The only complaint we hear is that the parks are fully booked,” she laughs. “It’s been nothing but positive.”
To learn more or book a visit, head to www.cochranehumane.ca.