In a poignant gesture to honor a fallen four-legged law enforcer, the City of Lawrenceville has dedicated a new urban oasis for man's best friend named HYRO Park, after the distinguished K9 officer that served its police department for seven prolific years, as reported on the city's official website. Set to welcome pooches and their humans from August 9, 2024, the dog park is located snugly next to Lawrenceville Lawn and was unveiled in a dedication ceremony attended by city officials and the police department's top brass.

The dedication of HYRO Park comes after the city lost its beloved K9, HYRO, with Mayor David Still remarking, "After the loss of K9 HYRO, it seemed the most natural option to name the park after him," citing it as a lasting memory for citizens to cherish as they take advantage of the park's amenities. The Mayor's words were complemented by the hope of the park fostering remembrance and community spirit, as reported by the City of Lawrenceville. At the event, attended not only by elected officials but also by numerous community members, City Manager Chuck Warbington and Lieutenant Jimmy Inlow, alongside Officer Sean O’Brien and family, recounted the heroic deeds of their four-legged partner and friend. HYRO was immortalized by a memorial plaque celebrating the canine's years of vigilant service.

HYRO, the Czech-born K9, joined the Lawrenceville Police Department in 2018 and boasted an impressive track record with 233 missions, 87 arrests, and significant drug seizures all to his name—statistics that Mayor Still, Chief John Mullin, and Officer Sean O’Brien, HYRO's handler, shared as a testament to the dog's impact on public safety. As Officer O’Brien and his wife Nikki revealed the memorial plaque, the narrative of Officer HYRO was not just as a dog, but as an integral part of both the Lawrenceville Police Department and their family, a clear indication of the deep bonds formed with these often-unsung canine heroes.

Much more than a standard dog run, HYRO Park was tailored with attentive features such as artificial turf with an automatic irrigation system promoting cleanliness, dog waste bins to maintain hygiene, shade structures, benches for rest, agility equipment for play, and water fountains to keep canine companions refreshed—all underscoring the city's vision as espoused by City Manager Warbington. He emphasized alignment with the community's values, stating, "Our walkable community is cherished by dog owners who enjoy our scenic pathways and parks." The residents' enthusiastic reception to the upcoming dog park evokes the intrinsic value of pet-friendly spaces, contributing to a stronger community bond, as stated on the city's official website.

Funded with $677,899.60 in SPLOST monies and constructed by Zaveri Enterprises, Inc., the city put significant effort into researching and laying the foundation of HYRO Park to meet the dog ownership need, considering that nearly half of U.S. households include a dog companion. With its gates opening during daylight hours starting August 9, 2024 to complement Lawrenceville Lawn's operations, this park is destined to be much more than a mere congregation point for pets—it's a tribute, a community cornerstone, and a nod to the integral role that animals play in the fabric of societal safety and camaraderie.