KAHULUI – Mayor Alan Arakawa and the county Department of Parks and Recreation last week announced the official opening of Central Maui’s first leash-free dog park at Keopuolani Park.

The grand opening and blessing will take place at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 16. The public is invited to attend with their dogs.

The dog park features two fenced areas – one for large dogs and another for dogs less than 25 pounds. The accessible drinking fountain has two fountains for people and one ground-level fountain for dogs. The park will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The dog park can be accessed from Kanaloa Avenue by turning into the park on Keopuolani Parkway. The parking lot is located near the perimeter of the YMCA property; a crosswalk leads to the dog park.

Volunteers are being recruited to help support the new park and educate the community on proper dog park etiquette. Call Sue Kiang at 270-7329.