http://66.225.205.104/JR20080819.mp3
Uptown Charlotte is the center of social life for many people, but not so much for their four-legged friends. Fourth Ward resident Chris Connelly says his Labradoodle Winston doesn't get much opportunity to play with other dogs, because he must always be on a leash. Today that changes with the opening of Uptown's first and only off-leash dog area at Frazier Park. Connelly says it will be great for his dog's social life, and maybe his, too. "It's a wonderful social opportunity for all the residents who own dogs," says Connelly. "There are probably more dogs in the downtown area than there are children, so it's a great social opportunity that will affect a lot of people." Mecklenburg County spent 50-thousand dollars on the off-leash dog area at Frazier Park. Last month the county eliminated all fees and passes required to use its dog parks.