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Some local business owners have given back to the community in the form of a dog park.

David and Janis Williams, who own and operate Elkhound Ranch Kennels, a dog boarding and training facility in Kansas City North, had a portion of the property turned into an off-leash dog park. The park is at 9205 N. Brooklyn, near Maplewoods Parkway and Missouri Highway 152.

David Williams said the couple contribute to local charities annually, but this year, because of inspiration from Dave Ramsey, radio personality and financial coach, to live a debt-free lifestyle, the Williams were able to give back more than usual and had the dog park built as part of their gift to the community.

"We’ve already received so many thank-yous from the community," he said. "All the customers over the 30 years (of operation) have been so nice to us to do business with the Williams family that we’re doing this as a thank-you."

The fenced, grassy area that has been designated as the dog park is approximately 10,000 square feet, or the size of a very large backyard, Williams said.

"We have only done this for the community," Williams said.

He said the park already draws a number of visitors on weekends when the weather is cooperative and could comfortably fit 20 dogs or more.

The public is able to visit the property seven days a week from dusk until dawn free of charge. No breed restrictions have been made for the park, but Williams said people should not bring dogs that express aggressive behavior.

Williams has established a list of rules that are posted at the park to protect pet owners, dogs and his business.

Some of the rules state that dogs must be current on all vaccinations and licensed, puppies under 4 months are not allowed, owners must stay in sight of their dogs at all times, and no persons under the age of 16 are allowed without an adult.

Williams and his staff do not regularly monitor the park and the visitors are warned to use the facility at their own risk. He has also posted warnings that the land is unimproved and people should be aware of tripping, falling hazards and other obstacles that come with the land.

There are bags and waste containers for the disposal of waste, which owners are asked to pick up.

Williams said the response from the community has been nothing but positive. There are no off-leash dog parks in the Northland although talks of such facilities are in the works.

"We’ve heard how many people are so frustrated with driving south of the river to go to the dog park. We thought, ‘Well, we’ll do this for them,’" he said.

For more information, call 734-2526.

Staff writer Meagan O’Donnell can be reached at 389-6606 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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