Coalhurt opens town’s first off-leash dog park

By Lethbridge Herald on September 23, 2025.

Coalhurst CAO Karleen Betterridge prepares to toss German Shepherd DukeÕs conch while Biscuit the Cocker Spaniel (owned by deputy mayor Deborah Florence) waits to muscle in on the fetching action at CoalhurstÕs first Off-Leash Dog Park, which opened Monday in the northeastern part of town.

Joe Manio
Lethbridge Herald
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Although the “dog days of Summer” officially ended Sunday with the last day of summer, on the first day of fall Monday, the Town of Coalhurst officially cut the ribbon on a new off-leash dog park on the northeast corner of town.

The enclosed four-acre park’s features include areas for large and small dogs and a one-kilometre walking loop.

“I think people have been using this area as an informal dog park for a long time, but having it formalized in a way that’s structured so you can actually let the dog run free without having to worry about…I think it’s great to have that opportunity for the dogs and people to meet together,” said Coalhurst councillor Jesse Potrie.

Off-leash dog parks provide significant benefits, including crucial socialization and confidence-building for dogs, physical exercise that promotes health and reduces problem behaviours, and mental stimulation through interaction with new environments, people, and other dogs. 

For dog owners, they offer opportunities for their own exercise, social connection with other owners, and the chance to build a greater sense of community.

The project was approved by council in August of last year, with funding allocated from the Wetlands Enhancement budget. 

Construction began in July, including the installation of perimeter fencing, pathways, waste stations, parking improvements, and hydroseeding. Snow fencing has been installed to protect the seeded areas so grass can properly take root before next spring.

“While the dogs are playing, the owners also get to chat and talk,” said Potrie. “So I think it’s a very good thing for the community. Whether you have a dog or not, it’s a great chance to come out and meet people and really enjoy the outdoors.”

Although divided into separate areas for large and small dogs, small dogs who get along well with large dogs are welcome to use their area. Resident Lori Harasem was there with her small dog Frankie, a 10-year-old Pomeranian mix.

“I think it’s wonderful to have a place where our dogs can run around and have some fun and explore safely… a real win-win for our community as we continue to add amenities and don’t have to drive to Lethbridge for everything,” she said.

Dog aficionados who understand the temperaments of small dogs half-jokingly say that separating dog parks into separate spaces is more for the protection of the larger dogs.

“My little dog thinks she’s a big dog, so I think that that’s actually really excellent to give that option to dog owners and dogs into which field they can go into to play, “ said Harasem.

Although the off-leash dog park is fully-operational as far as its intended purpose, dog parents may want to bring their own lawn chairs to sit on and umbrellas to shield themselves on sunny days. Improvements to the park (including benches) have been added to the 2026 budget. 

The park will be available for use by residents and their dogs year-round, winter notwithstanding.

“I think it’s an amazing addition to our community, and a wonderful use of the Wetlands Enhancement Budget,” said Coalhurst deputy mayor Deborah Florence, who was there with Biscuit, her three-year-old Cocker Spaniel. “We are super-proud to have this in town for our pups and their families.”