The Walnut Street Bridge will be fully reopened with a ceremony Aug. 7, and dogs will be allowed.
Officials said it has been decided to allow dogs on the popular walking bridge that connects downtown with North Chattanooga.
The ceremony will be at 2 p.m. at
the south entrance to the Walnut Street Bridge near the Holmberg Glass Bridge.
The full width of the historic bridge is now actually open after Tower Construction Company workers on Friday morning removed a fence that was down the middle.
One side of the bridge had been closed for several months as wooden planks were replaced, but it had been possible to walk the length of the bridge using the other side.
Among those taking part in the ceremony will be city leaders and “DOGood Citizens for A Dog Friendly Chattanooga” volunteers.
It will also include "responsible dog owners, as well as many agencies, businesses, and clubs who support a dog-friendly community."
Rhonda Seeber of city parks and recreation said, "In response to the continuous efforts of DOGood- Citizens for A Dog Friendly Chattanooga - the volunteer group of downtown citizens who promote safe and courteous pet practices, the city of Chattanooga and the Parks and Recreation Department is re-opening the Walnut Street Bridge to responsible dog-walkers.
"With new condo units housing close to 2,000 new residents in a three-mile radius of the city’s 21st Century Waterfront, there was an expressed need to provide more recreational areas for downtown dog owners.
"In October 2009, Ross’ Landing was opened to dog walkers. The bridge’s access this August will now make it easier for dog-owning residents and visitors to enjoy the dog-friendly areas on both sides of the river.
"The city’s Parks and Recreation Department administration, parks division, and public information personnel are working with the DOGood group to educate dog owners about responsible practices when bringing dogs into city parks and the downtown riverfront.
"Short leash requirements, a designated dog lane, waste clean-up stations, trash cans, and signage will be in place on the bridge.
"Volunteers from DOGood with green bandanas on their dogs and the City’s Park Rangers will serve as ambassadors and monitors."
DOGood Organizer Karen Roach said, “We have worked very hard to show others that our ‘family’ dogs can be included in Chattanooga’s recreation profile. Our group has received a great response from the dog owning community but, we must keep up our efforts so that the few people who do not act responsibly won’t ruin it for everyone.”
In addition to a special ‘ribbon/bandana cutting, and walk across the bridge, DOGood will have a booth with lots of dog-related information, treats, give-a-ways, and the chance to take the DOGood Pledge to help keep the city’s riverfront parks, the Walnut Street Bridge, and downtown clean, safe, and dog-friendly.
The “bridge re-opening” will be followed by a “Yappy Hour” celebration at GreenLife Grocery in the outdoor seating area from 4-6 p.m.
For more information email: Dogfriendlychattanoga@gmail.com or visit the group on FACEBOOK-Dog Friendly Chattanooga.