Dog park opens at Scott Published April 29, 2015 By Airman 1st Class Erica Crossen 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Team Scott opened a dog park for families and their furry companions April 24 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The 375th Civil Engineer Squadron installed the dog park, spanning about an acre and a half, in Warrior Park. The construction was completed through the additional help of Scott Alliance, and R & W Builders contractors. Col. Kyle Kremer, 375th Air Mobility Wing Commander, said this wing-funded, quality of life project has been a long time coming. In fact, the idea had been in the works since 2009 because of feedback from Scott members indicating this would be a positive addition. With additional funds awarded to Scott from the Air Mobility Command's 2014 Installation Excellence Award, 375th CES added agility equipment, such as weave poles, teeter totter, crawl through tunnel, and pole jumps. The park has a separate area for small and large dogs. The park also includes human and canine water fountains and shaded pavilions in an effort to make the experience of using the dog park a more pleasant one. "You can come out with the whole family, including the pets, because they are part of our family as well," said Kremer. The goal is to make Warrior Park a family destination with a variety of activities to do. This new amenity joins the existing softball fields, picnic, and playground area. Staff Sgt. Crystal Lechner, 375th Force Support Squadron, said she's glad this dog park is so close to home. "It's a good stress reliever. It's good to come out here and relax with your pet, to just have some down time. The yards in housing are very small, so being able to bring them out here without a leash to let them run is just wonderful." Lechner said it's difficult to let your dog get exercise in during the busy week, especially if it's a larger breed, and this park enables her to let her dog run off extra energy. "Nobody likes to be pulled on a leash. So coming out here, they also get to interact with all types of dogs, helping them to be more loveable, friendly, and social." Dog park rules: 1. There are breed restrictions for those bringing animals to the park as well as for those living in privatized housing. AFI 32-6001, Family Housing Management, specifically prohibits dogs of any breed (including a mixed breed) that are deemed "aggressive" or "potentially aggressive." Specific breeds include: Pit Bulls (American Staffordshire Bull Terrier or English Staffordshire Bull Terrier), Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, Chows, wolf hybrids, or other dogs demonstrating dominant/aggressive behavior. Exceptions must be submitted in writing to the 375th Mission Support Group commander through the appropriate channels and will be considered on a case-by-case basis. 2. With respect to the dog park, all people and dogs who enter and use the dog park enter at their own risk. Park users agree to fully comply with posted rules and take full legal responsibility for any action of their own dogs. Using the park constitutes acceptance of the rules listed below: a. Hours are from dawn to dusk. b. Dog waste will be cleaned up immediately. c. Dogs must be current on their vaccinations. d. Keep dogs leashed outside the fenced area. e. No children under age 12 unless accompanied by an adult. f. Supervise your dog at all times. g. Remove dogs exhibiting aggressive or overly dominant behavior Immediately.h. No female dogs in heat. i. No puppies younger than 4 months. j. Only dogs and their owners/companions allowed in this area. k. In case of an emergency, call 911.