The Fabulous Fernie Dog Park – 10/10

Juno is a three and a half year old Labradoodle who lives in Summerland in the BC South Okanagan region. She is a regular blogger whose influence continues to grow throughout the canine and dog-loving community.

A big woof-out to the folks who designed and maintain the fabulous dog park in Fernie BC, a mountain community just a short distance from the BC-Alberta Border. Recent travel close to the BC-USA border along Highway 3 introduced me to a number of great rest, romp, and play parks, but Fernie wins the highlight, paws down.

Using a scoring system based on a worship-experience assessment system, I have developed my own critical structure which I will demonstrate below. Enjoy.

ONE Was the park easy to find?

The Railyard Dog Park was easy to find using Google Maps which directed me to an informative and up-to-date website. Given its industrial past the park is located on land once used to manage rail traffic. The Canadian Pacific main line passes by the park.

TWO Was the park clearly identified by signs or other means?

Upon arrival signs were dog-friendly and appropriate. Signage indicated the park had a good reputation amongst the canine community. It is obviously well used and is kept tidy by community staff and volunteers.

THREE Was gate entry easy and secure?

Gates in many parks are often insubstantial, especially when temporary fencing is in place. The Fernie Park is blessed with sturdy fences of wood and metal. Entry points are equipped with strong and well-designed latches which would require considerable strength and resilience to force or break. I felt safe and secure there.

FOUR Was provision made for both larger and smaller dogs?

There are separate areas for larger and smaller dogs but on the days I visited, everyone played together. There is more than enough space for all sorts and types of dogs. Dogs manage diversity well.

FIVE Was the environment pleasant for dog owners?

The park environment was beautiful to explore. There were benches for weary owners. Especially in the afternoon, the effulgent greenery dazzled this particular none-to-the-ground eye.

SIX Were most dogs friendly?

Yes. There were no unhappy campers. Typical of most dog parks, some dogs dive in immediately for ruff and tumble play. I just danced around, encircling the busy commotion, occasionally barking, and always, defending my squeaky ball. We had a blast!

SEVEN What were the neighboring properties like?

The park is proximate to the CP mainline so I enjoyed the long train. We used to see these same trains when living in Kamloops so the playtime had a nostalgic “at home” feel. A number of derelict cars, trucks and industrial equipment were stored just over the fence. A bit messy for sure, but with the mountains in the background, everything looks beautiful in this Alpine town.

EIGHT What made you feel like you were in doggie-heaven.

Everything, just everything. Life seemed in perfect balance during both morning and late-afternoon runs.

NINE Was water available, and was it cold and tasty?

Yes, more than enough for one and all. Cool, fresh, flowing Rocky Mountain liquid gold.

TEN Would you return to this park?

Definitely. Can’t wait.