Peachtree Corners Councilman’s Journey to Opening a Dog Park Haven

When Peachtree Corners City Councilman Alex Wright last had a dog, he was only a kid.

Young Alex was devastated when he died and did not want to get another dog because he did not want to endure that trauma again. 

As a result, his family has never had a dog, and even though the two youngest of his four children badgered him and his wife endlessly, they always said no. 

Then COVID-19 hit. The Wrights’ youngest son, Michael, was committed to convincing his parents to get a dog. He even did a PowerPoint presentation (with music) explaining why he absolutely needed a dog. 

“I guess it was from being cooped up during Covid that my wife suggested maybe we should give in. Next thing I know we tell the kids we are going to get a dog,” Councilman Wright wrote in an email.

So, in June 2021, they got their first dog, Murphy, an Australian Labradoodle. 

“All of a sudden, we discover this whole dog subculture that we had not really paid attention to before.  All the things dogs liked to do, all the stuff you could buy them, all the people we met through walking the dog,” he explained. 

In February, Wright and his wife were at Avalon returning a purchase when they came upon a modest-sized dog park. Wright’s wife suggested having something like that at Town Green would be great. 

Dog Park Ribbon Cutting photos by George Hunter

“Later that day, I texted the City Manager [Brian Johnson] about the idea, and he really liked it.  At the time, the playground (the one that opened in August 2022) was under construction, and we were already discussing other ideas to create activation at the Town Center, so this fit right into that plan,” said Wright.

The assistant City Manager, Seth Yurman, was tasked with the nuts and bolts and worked with a contractor on location and design. 

“Can’t say enough about what a great job Seth did. We have definitely had some supply chain delays, which resulted in an opening maybe 9 to 12 months later than originally hoped for, but it is finally open,” he added.

Dog Park Ribbon Cutting photos by George Hunter

A couple more things are still left to do for the project, including installing a large sail cover over the stone entrance area. Construction of the Bone Bar is also on the agenda. This small bar will serve adult and non-adult beverages and likely…you guessed it? Treats for dogs. 

The new dog park is situated behind the CineBistro building near the Town Green. The Peachtree Corners Off-Leash Dog Park is approximately 9,000 square feet and is divided into sections for smaller and larger dogs, with natural and artificial turf areas.

Dog Park Ribbon Cutting photos by George Hunter

PTC Dog Park Rules

• The dog park is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• The dog park is CLOSED for maintenance every Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.
• Use of the dog park is at your own risk.  You are responsible for your dog and any injuries or damage caused by your dog.
• All children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
• All dogs must wear a collar with a valid license and have current vaccinations required by law.
• Please call 911 for all emergencies.
• The small dog area is for dogs 30 pounds and under.  Dogs over 30 pounds must use the large dog area.
• Dogs must stay on a leash until they are in the fenced-in areas of the dog park and must be off-leash while in the dog park.
• Professional dog trainers may not use the dog park to conduct business.
• No person shall bring more than three dogs at one time.
• Please dispose of your dog’s waste in the receptacles provided. Remind others to do the same.
• Dogs must always be under the control and supervision of their handler.
• If your dog becomes aggressive, please leash the dog and exit the park immediately.
• Gates must be closed after entrance and exit.
• Dogs under six months old and female dogs in heat are not permitted.
• Food (human and dog) and glass containers are not permitted, as are smoking, vaping and drug use.
• Cats and other animals are not permitted.
• Bikes, scooters, skateboards and motorized equipment are not permitted.
• Violation of these rules may result in a ban from the dog park.