City, county dog exercise area to break ground in Bay View

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- A new off-leash dog exercise area is coming to Bay View thanks to a partnership between the City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County. The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for Wed., July 31 at 10 a.m., at East Lincoln Avenue and South Bay Street.

“We are proud of this joint effort between the City and County in bringing a dog exercise area to the Bay View neighborhood,” said County Executive Chris Abele. “We’ve brought together an under-utilized city-owned lot, the need for a place where residents can bring their dogs to play, and the County’s experience in developing and operating dog exercise areas.”

“As an off-leash dog park, this city-owned property will become a true asset in the Bay View neighborhood,” said City Alderman Tony Zielinski. “For years, I’ve heard from residents having a need for such a facility.”

The City will pay Milwaukee County to develop and operate the new dog exercise area.

Currently, dog owners in Milwaukee County are served by five dog exercise areas operated by the Milwaukee County Parks Department.

“The Parks Department has been successful in operating Granville, Runway, Currie, Warnimont, and Estabrook DEAs,” said Milwaukee County Board Chairwoman Marina Dimitrijevic. “Patrons of the Bay View DEA will use the same permit system in use at these other dog exercise areas. Bay View’s dog owners will now have a place for their dogs to frolic and play. It’s good for dogs and dog owners, and it’s good for the neighborhood. This shows what can be done when the City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County partner to improve neighborhoods.”

DEA Permits allow admission to any of the Milwaukee County dog exercise areas. The annual permit fee for a Milwaukee County resident with one dog is $25, and each additional dog is $5. Discounts are available for seniors and persons with disabilities. Non-resident fees are slightly higher.

Rules and regulations of the dog exercise areas are enforced by Milwaukee County Park Rangers.

For more information, visit countyparks.com