PORTSMOUTH — It opened for a few preview days over the winter as a trial run, but the Portsmouth Dog Park is now ready to welcome four-legged friends on a daily basis starting this Sunday, May 7.

A ribbon-cutting is scheduled for 1 p.m.

The off-leash, gated park is located at 50 Smith Road inside Melville Park. You can access the dog park from West Main Road by Bradford Avenue, which is next to Melville Elementary School, continuing past the campground to Smith Road. Turn right on Smith Road and the dog park is on your left, just past the Melville Park entrance. There is off-road parking for about 10 vehicles.

You can also get there from Stringham Road (at the traffic light at Dunkin’ on West Main Road), continuing past the Navy housing. Take a right on Sullivan, left on Bradford and right on Smith. 

The park features separate areas for large and small dogs, and observation walkway between areas, three dog waste dispensers, benches, a community bulletin board, a patio with engraved memorial pavers and full handicapped access.

In the future, there will be fresh water for both dogs and people, lighting from 4-8 p.m. during the winter months, a separate agility exercise area and restrooms adjacent to the nearby bike path.

The second batch of 9x9-inch memorial pavers at the park have been installed, and they can still be ordered at $75 each up until June 15. After that date, the patio will be completed.  Paver forms are available at the Town Clerk's Office at Town Hall, the Portsmouth Free Public Library or by e-mailing bunnym@cox.net.

No tax dollars were used in the construction of the dog park, which was made possible through private grants and donations.

Anyone who would like to participate in the ongoing maintenance, funding for upgrades or expansion of the dog park is welcome to join The Friends of the Portsmouth Dog Park by contacting Bunny Miller at 401/693-0709.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/portsmouthlovesdogs.