Pets and owners alike are enjoying Paw Print Park

Tony DiNicola

Paw Print Park permits sold 2006-2009

Tony DiNicola

Paw Print Park map

Photo by Dan Lassiter

Dale Gackstatter of Janesville waits for his dogs Paige, left, and Ellie to retrieve a ball he launched while playing with them at Paw Print Park on Janesville's south side.

Photo by Dan Lassiter

Jim Langan of Janesville pries a tennis ball from the mouth of his Weimaraner Mixie while hitting balls with racquetball-style at Paw Print Park.

Lorie Markus

JANESVILLE — Every dog has its day.

But some are luckier than others.

For Molly, a 6 year-old golden retriever, every day is hers. That’s because she gets to visit Paw Print Park, the dog park that is part of Prairie Knoll Park on South Oakhill Avenue.

“We love the park,” said Molly’s owner, Eileen Bellard of Beloit. “It’s been a Godsend for Molly and a good social thing for us. We’re here almost daily unless there is a blizzard.”

On a recent mild and sunny day, Molly couldn’t wait to get out of the van and play. She was as excited as her playmate Lucy, a dachshund owned by Bellard’s daughter and son-in-law.

The two barked and pulled Bellard toward the entrance gate of the 17-acre, fenced-in dog park as she kept a tight grip on their leashes. Others joined in the fun as the two hot-dogged around on the iced-crusted snow, mud and wet grass.

There was Leo, a 2-year-old rescue dog owned by Janice Jimenez of Beloit.

“We come every day and usually make two laps around the park,’’ Jimenez said.

Leo loves not having to wear a leash, and he enjoys socializing with other dogs in the park, Jimenez said.

These lucky dogs and their owners aren’t alone. Since the park opened in 2005, hundreds of local and area residents have taken advantage of it.

Although park permits were not issued that first year, they have been ever since. In 2006, 616 park permits were bought. That number peaked at 1,012 in 2008 and dipped to 992 in 2009.

“I suspect the economy had something to do with it. I don’t think popularity waned, said Lorie Markus of Janesville. “I think fluctuation (in the number of permits sold) was due to what people were spending their money on. Keep in mind, last year with GM we lost some families and people cutting back so they could have money for essentials.”

Markus was one of a core group of people who helped raise $45,000 for dog park construction. This included costs for site changes, and installation of the parking lot and fence on land the city donated to the group.

Many who use the park weren’t surprised by the park’s emerging popularity.

“I think people have really embraced it,’’ Markus said.

Sue Puntney, who helps monitor the dog park, agreed.

“There are 50 to 60 people a day, in the winter, which I think is quite a bit,” she said. “It’s even busier in the summer when there can be 30 to 40 dogs here at one time.’’

Markus said dog park organizers saw a need for the park.

“Janesville is the ‘City of Parks.’ But that was the one kind of park we didn’t have,’’ she said.

Today, it’s one of the most popular parks in the city, she said.

Colleen Rooney of Beloit can see why. She and her 3-year-old German shepherd, Lady Nitro, are regular visitors.

“Big dogs have to run off leash,” to get the appropriate exercise, Rooney said. “When (Lady Nitro) goes home, she’s calm.”

Teri Lokrantz of Janesville, Rooney’s play date partner, agreed. She and her 2 ½-year-old German shepherd, Kain, visit the part at least once a day.

“The freedom makes them more trainable and better around kids,” Lokrantz said of the dogs. “(Kain) starts whining and jumping in the car when he knows we’re coming.”

Carrie Ryan of Janesville said the park is a good thing for many reasons. Her 1-year-old chocolate lab, Tula, can attest to that.

“She loves other dogs, so it makes me happy seeing her play around,” Ryan said of Tula. ““Every time I come, it’s a different mix of animals and people.”

Park organizers think they barked up the right tree when they created Paw Paw Print Park five years ago, and they appear to be right.

It seems everybody has a doggone good time.

For licenses and permits

Pet owners and animals who use Paw Print Park must buy a pet license before March 31. Cost is $8 for animals that are spayed or neutered or $13 for those not spayed or neutered.

A $10 late fee will be charged after March 31.

A Paw Prink Park permit costs $15 for the first dog and $5 for each additional dog. Cost for dog owners who are 60 or older is $10. Permits cannot be purchased without a valid 2010 dog license.

Both licenses and permits can be purchased at the Janesville Municipal Building, 18 N. Jackson St., or online at ci.janesville.wi.us/petlicenses. Those who prefer not to buy a permit can pay a $2 daily admission fee at the park.

Call (608) 755-3073 with questions.