By Cindy Schroeder
Enquirer staff writer

COVINGTON - More than a year after it was proposed, Kenton County is getting its first paw park.

The fenced-in, 2-acre site in Pioneer Park where dogs can run off-leash and socialize with one another will open July 17.

The park will be open from sunrise to sunset, same as the regular park times.

"I'm just really happy for all the people who helped support this and for all the dogs," said Villa Hills resident Tom Biedenharn. Since last summer, the dog lover has devoted much of his time to rallying support for what will be Northern Kentucky's second paw park.

Fort Thomas in neighboring Campbell County opened its paw park May 5. The park's been so busy evenings and weekends that the city added 10 parking spaces a couple of weeks ago, said Don Brindle, director of Fort Thomas parks and recreation. Supporters of that paw park and major sponsors will be recognized at a dedication at 7 p.m. Monday.

This week, crews are installing fencing and anchoring park benches at the Kenton paw park. Earlier, concrete was poured for the double-gated entry area.

Biedenharn said signs listing rules for the Kenton paw park will be erected by its opening this month. A grand opening with special activities for pets and their owners will be 2 to 6 p.m. Aug. 8.

As with other paw parks, Kenton County's would require all dogs to have a county dog license and updated shots, Biedenharn said. Animals will be removed at the first sign of aggression.

Kenton County's free paw park would be the fifth in Greater Cincinnati and one of about 600 nationwide. Other local paw parks are in Cincinnati's Mount Airy Forest, Highland Hills Park in Fort Thomas, Schappacher Park in Warren County's Deerfield Township and West Chester Township's Voice of America Park in Butler County.

Anderson Park District also plans to open a paw park on a 4-acre site within Kellogg Park in August, and Boone County officials are talking about starting a paw park on a 4-acre site in England-Idlewild Park in Burlington.

For information on the Kenton paw park, contact Biedenharn at (859) 341-4455, or visit www.kentonpawpark.com.

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E-mail cschroeder@enquirer.com