Special thanks to the staff of The Vig Fillmore for hosting a HUGE Get Your PHX in September. Co-owner Tucker Woodbury made a special appearance to tell us about the massive renovations they undertook at The Vig Fillmore. General Manager Logan Purser and  Cesar Crampton put together a great show for us, with drink samples and food samples from  Executive Chef Jorge Gomez.

In October, we are celebrating something that has been a long time coming: a public Dog Park at Margaret T. Hance Park.  As the City’s first urban dog park, it was the subject of over two years’ extensive engagement by the central Phoenix community and AZ Dept. of Transportation regarding its location.

Through the process, a group of involved citizens formed, Friends of Hance Dog Park, to harness the community’s interest in the park, liaise with the government stakeholders and enhance the park for the users and neighbors.

Once construction began in May, Friends of HDP engaged the active support of the four historic neighborhood associations, local home owners, the Hance Park Conservancy and even the dog park’s construction contractor, Valley Rain, to make improvements to the City’s budgeted design.

In the few months leading up to the opening, Friends of HDP has implemented over $10,000 in improvements to the parks.  As ongoing stewards, Friends of HDP has “adopted” the dog park and is organizing monthly clean-up events.  Members of Friends of HDP will be on hand to discuss upcoming special events and activities, and how individuals can become involved.

We’ll have folks from the Parks department on hand to discuss the unique history and design of this park.  Designers included a gabion-style rock wall, which was built with the type of river rock that underlays the downtown area, as well as plexiglass panels and picnic tables orientation designed to integrate the park with the surrounding historic neighborhood.

The Hance Dog Park GYP is sponsored by Noble Beast, a natural pet supply store on Camelback and 10th Street. Locally-owned and operated since 2007, the shop specializes in personalized pet nutrition consultations and carries a variety of natural, organic and holistic foods for dogs, cats and chickens.

Noble Beast also carries a wide assortment of natural supplements and remedies, as well as treats, toys, beds and accessories.  Owners Alison and Marsha are proud to partner in the community and host animal rescue fundraisers, puppy play dates, educational lectures, doggie dental clinics, obedience classes and holiday events. Pets are always welcome at Noble Beast. Healthy nutrition at great prices!

The Dog Park Grand Opening is scheduled for Saturday, October 5 from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.  Regular park hours will be 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., every day unless closed for wet weather or maintenance.

Oh, and see below for more photos and don’t forget to RSVP on Facebook so our kind hosts can plan ahead.