As per Delta County Parks and Recreation policy, pets are allowed at county campgrounds but must be kept on a six-foot leash and under a handler’s immediate control at all times. The new exception is within the dog run.

In order to allow animals to release some energy, the camp host, Mike Baker, had reportedly been wanting a dog park on the grounds for a while. When Heather LeDuc — who was appointed parks manager almost exactly one year ago — heard about the idea, she was all for it.

“I love dogs do much … that is a fantastic idea,” LeDuc said. “I took it to our Parks and Recreation Board, and they loved it, too.”

It was during the winter that the board approved a proposal.

The new dog run at Pioneer Trail Park in Delta County's Wells Township features a waste station, student-made benches, and plans to add canine agility equipment. (R. R. Branstrom | Daily Press)

The area that was prepared is 32 feet by 125 feet, surrounded by a five-foot chain-link fence and with a double-gate system common at dog parks to allow controlled entry.

At 4,000 square feet, the area is much smaller than dog parks tend to be, hence why Delta County is referring to this new enclosed space as a “dog run.”

However, the plan is for the place to eventually become better furnished. While wooden benches hand-made by students at Gladstone High School have already been added, the next item to be brought in is to be a dog agility ramp.

“We’re gonna add pieces to it to make it a little bit more fun and different,” LeDuc explained. “It’ll take a while to get all the pieces in there that we want — because they’re very expensive, actually — but we’re gonna put a little bit at a time.”

Two other dog parks are in the area, and although neither have dog agility equipmentm they each have their draws. The Escanaba Dog Park, right near the Delta County Airport, is quite large; the Wells Community Dog Park on North Eighth Street (adjacent to the Township Hall) has two areas so that small and large dogs may be kept separate.

Though the new run at Pioneer Trail Park is primarily to provide a convenient amenity to families staying at the campground, it is also open to the public. Soon, a sign will be installed at “Baker Barkway” — a playful name for the dog run honoring the camp host.

To help raise funds for additional canine gym equipment for the dog run, the office building at Pioneer Trail Park is selling items like dog bowls, treats and bandannas.