New small-dog off-leash area at Pine Nursery

As part of ongoing construction at Pine Nursery Park, a new off-leash area designated specifically for small dogs is now open in the Bob Wenger Memorial Off-Leash Area, the Bend Park and Rec District said Friday.

Fully fenced, the approximately 17,500-square-foot space features both turf and natural areas and is located at the off-leash area’s northwest corner by the parking lot and pickleball court complex. It is accessible via Purcell Boulevard or Yeoman Road.

Bob Wenger Memorial Off-Leash Area is the third of Bend’s seven off-leash areas to have a section just for small dogs. The district’s other small-dog parks are at Ponderosa Park in southeast Bend and Riverbend Park in the Old Mill District.

For park users, a small dog is defined as under 25 pounds and less than 15 inches at the shoulder.

“Often times, when small dogs are separate from larger dogs, they can have a better off-leash experience,” said Jan Taylor, community relations manager. “We’re pleased to now have small dog parks throughout the community and offer those additional park features and benefits for park users.”

To view a map and list of all seven off-leash parks in Bend, visit www.bendparksandrec.org.