Dog Lovers Upset Over Closing Of Popular Dog Park

DENVER (CBS4)- Some dog owners are upset over the City of Denver's plans to close a popular dog park. The Dog Park at Josephine Gardens will close on Monday. Dozens gathered Saturday afternoon to show their support for a replacement property.

"Every day, twice a day," said dog owner Sonya Radatz.

"It's an awesome dog park," said dog owner Keith Kranz.

Radatz and Kranz are just two of hundreds who are not happy with the closing of the park near East High School.

The city is closing the one acre, off-leash dog park to use the space for a new recreation center.

"I have border collies and they need to be exercised all the time so this has been great having this here," said Radatz. "Before this was here we took them over to Stapleton's dog park but that's a good 10 minute drive away and the one that's down in Fuller is not big enough for my dogs. They need a lot of running room."

Kranz and his 1-year-old dog Tater are regulars at the dog park.

"I come all the way down here from Golden for this dog park," said Kranz.

Rally organizer Dennis Fitzpatrick is petitioning the city for a replacement park that would be located nearby.

"A comparable dog park. There's plenty of space in the city. It costs so little to put up a dog park. All they need is the space. They can take the fence for the current dog park and just put it up," said Fitzpatrick.

Denver Parks and Recreation did not comment on whether they are considering a replacement park for the neighborhood.