The Hugh Rogers WAG (Whitefish Animal Group) Park is continuing its growth with the grand opening of a new pavilion earlier this month.
The shade pavilion, built by Jerry Croskrey and designed by architect Dia Sullivan, is one more step toward the realizing the grand vision of the park. Well-maintained asphalt paths already circle the five-acre park, which features benches, a drinking fountain for dogs and plenty of room to play.
Patrons to the park said they enjoy the wide-open spaces, the views of Big Mountain and its proximity to the city.
“I’m here just about every day,” said Ellie Quintia while keeping an eye on her yellow lab Dudley. “If you can’t get out to the woods to hike (your dog) it’s a great alternative to bring them here.”
A great place for dog lovers to socialize, patrons not only know many of the fellow visitors but are often on a first-name basis with their pets too.
Future plans include a berm and obstacle course, more paved pathways and a pond expansion with bridges and a beach.
The park is free to the public and is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. The park asks that you display valid license and rabies tags and pick up after your dog.
How to get there: From downtown Whitefish, travel east on Second Street off U.S. Highway 93. The entrance to the park is on the south side of the road about a mile from the Highway 93 and Second Street intersection.