Canines and their companions in Arlington have a reason to bark in celebration as the city breaks ground on its first dog park, Downtown Arlington Doggie Depot. The ceremony, which took place on May 15, marked the start of construction for the park slated to open this September on the corner of North Mesquite Street and East Main Street.

Arlington Mayor Jim Ross, who also heads the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation, expressed his delight at the groundbreaking event. "The Arlington Tomorrow Foundation is delighted to help support The Doggie Depot. This gated space, near Arlington’s new Dream Park, will be a safe and attractive spot for residents and visitors to play with their pets while they are out enjoying the many restaurants, shops and cultural events happening throughout our vibrant Downtown," said Ross, in a statement, as per the City of Arlington, Texas.

The Doggie Depot project received financial backing from the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation and additional support courtesy of the Project for Public Spaces Community Placemaking Grant funded by GM, which also chipped in another $75,000 for the implementation. General Motors Arlington Assembly communications manager, Tom Read, highlighted the significance of the park for the community. "Celebrating this groundbreaking is important as the Doggie Depot will bring a beautiful and useful public space to the community,” Read said, as cited by the City of Arlington, Texas.

Downtown Arlington Management Corp. President and CEO Maggie Campbell expressed a collective eagerness for the park's opening. “We are so eager to get this park open for all the Arlington pups,” Campbell said. “It’s filling a void our furry friends are needing in Downtown”, as per the City of Arlington, Texas.