The grand opening of the Chocowinity Community Dog Park brought animal-lovers and their furry friends out to the town’s recreational complex Saturday, Sept. 28. According to dog park board director, and retired veterinarian, Stan Cohen, approximately 50 people, with as many or more dogs turned out for a social visit in the fenced in park with two separate sections: one for dogs weighing 30 pounds or less; one for the larger breeds.

Cohen and Chocowinity Mayor Jimmy Mobley cut the ribbon to officially open the park, while organizers served refreshments and gave away pet gifts donated by Merial Drug Company and PetSmart.

A surprise for Cohen was the dedication of another plaque to him and his wife, Lois. The plaque reads: “Thanks to Dr. Stan & Lois Cohen the visionaries and inspiration for our Chocowinity Community Dog Park.”

“What was really great was that all the dogs were left off lead in their area to play, about 30 small and 20 large, and they all played without any incident,” Cohen wrote in an email.

The park is located at the Chocowinity Recreational Complex on N.C. Highway 33 just east of town. Hours of operation are from sunup to sundown 365 days a year.