With woofs and wagging tails, plenty of pups got the chance to sniff, explore and experience Manhattan’s Dr. Scott Dog Park, now open for full-speed zoomies and puppy play dates.
The ceremonial ribbon-cutting and a few brief words from Manhattan Parks Executive Director Jay Kelly, Manhattan Park Board President Bridget Hope, Mayor Mike Adrieansen, and Kate Gooding set off opening day on a great note as a crowd of two- and four-legged visitors waited with excitement to enter the park.
“This has been a long time in the making,” Kelly said, acknowledging all the work that went into bringing the park to fruition. Hope echoed Kelly’s comments.
“There was massive teamwork between the two municipalities, and you should not take that for granted, because it doesn’t happen in a lot of communities,” he added.
Although the heat was unrelenting at the ribbon-cutting event on July 14, visitors cooled off at water stations and enjoyed cool treats from event vendors. Kona Ice sold shaved ice to people and offered free pup cups for the dogs.
Tonie’s Treats offered canine cooling stations, complete with a fan, water mister, and water bowls, along with plenty of bandanas and treats for sale. Mobile MakeRovers offered free nail trims inside their mobile grooming salon.
Cache Creek Animal Rescue had a table set up next to Mel’s Pet Sitting Services, and Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee was there with iced coffee drinks in addition to pup cups. Bosco’s Marketplace and Feel So Good Canine Massage were also there.
Lynn Meadows, of Manhattan, brought her four-year-old English Mastiff and rescue dog, Mango, to the park.
“I’m thrilled to have something local. This is incredible, and you know most of the people because you see them walking around the neighborhood,” Meadows said.
“It’s a small community with big-time facilities,” she added.
Kate Gooding, who grew up in Manhattan, saw to it that her late husband, Dr. Scott Becker, a veterinarian who loved animals, would not be forgotten and donated $20,000 toward the park’s construction. At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Gooding explained the funds came from Becker’s friends and family, many of whom were present at the event.
“Legacy is the love that outlives us. It’s the ripple effect of a life lived with purpose, kindness, and heart. Scott’s legacy isn’t only carved in a park sign, it’s imprinted in every animal he healed, every client who trusted him, every person who felt his love and loyalty, and now, in every dog running free on 1.5 acres because we refuse to let his light fade,” Becker said at the event.
Kate Gooding cut the ribbon at the dog park named for her late husband, Dr. Scott Becker-photo by Stephanie Irvine.
Stella, a four-year-old pittie, got to check out the park with her mom, Jen Vermette. Vermette, a good friend of Becker and Gooding, had traveled from Lockport to see the park.
“It’s absolutely amazing to do this in Scott’s memory. There couldn’t be a better way,” Vermette said.
Another four-year-old, a pug named Tootsie Pop, will get the chance to run freely. Owner Mary Lehmann shared her excitement, explaining they don’t have a fenced-in area for her dog to run in the townhomes.
The dog park occupies the greenspace on the Metra property at 15601 West Sweedler Road — thanks to a bright idea and an intergovernmental agreement with Metra, the Manhattan Park District, and the Village of Manhattan.
“Bringing a dog park to Manhattan has been an idea I’ve had for many years,” Adrieansen explained, but said it seemed impossible to find the right location with parking, water, and electricity at a cost that wasn’t prohibitive.
“Our Public Works Superintendent, John Tyk, had a brilliant idea to see if we could ask Metra to use this property,” Adrieansen explaineas to how they got the project in motion. Adrieansen expressed gratitude to the staff and boards of the park district, village, and Metra, and acknowledged the sponsors who contributed financially to the park.
Adrieansen also thanked Earthrise Energy, Dynasty Utility Services, Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, Grand Prairie Animal Hospital, Girl Scout Troop 75599, Furiends Pet Pantry, and Dr. Kate Gooding for their generous contributions.
Tyk was there with his 19-month-old berniedoodle, Maggie, excited to see the reception. Hope was there with her pup, Dino, as was former trustee Ron Adamski with his dog Gizmo. Several board members from the village and the park district also were present for the occasion.
Juan and Ivonne Serrano were there with their three dogs: Shadow and Rex, both labs, and Tank, a rottweiler. They were excited to have the space for their large dogs to run and play.
Parking is available in the Metra lot, and it’s also conveniently situated right next to Wauponsee Trail, with trail access near the park. There are two separate sections inside the dog park, one for large dogs and another exclusively for dogs 30 pounds and under. Each has a water station with a hose and a water fountain and a park bench with a shade canopy.
The Manhattan Park District manages registration, and park access is regulated by bar code. Sign-up is available through the park district’s app. Those wishing to utilize the dog park will need to register their dog by submitting current vaccination records, along with a signed waiver and release. The annual registration fee is $40 for residents and $50 for non-residents.
Four-legged friends begging their humans for a visit can take advantage of discounted dog park registration for the remainder of 2025, since the park opened halfway through the year.
Stephanie Irvine is a freelance writer.