• Shown is the obstacle course equipment with the A-frame on the right.

MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - The Meridian Township Large Dog Park now has new obstacle equipment for your furry friends.

The equipment was originally installed in Oct. 2021 by Gryffin Porter and his fellow Eagle Scouts. Porter gained approval for the project on Oct. 13, 2020 and raised over $600 on their GoFundMe page.

Thomas Porter, Gryffin's father, said thanked those who donated on their GoFundMe page.

"We were able to raise enough funds for composite decking for longevity, and couldn't have completed this project without your generous help," Thomas Porter said.

The obstacle course includes six obstacles:
- A-frame
-Stairs platform with window
- Balance beam
- Slalom posts
- Two 'place' platforms

We talked to Jane Greenway, Meridian Township's senior parks and land management coordinator, about any resident feedback she's heard about the obstacles.

"Right when it was built, people started posting on our FaceBook page about how much their dogs were having fun using [the obstacle course]," Greenway said. "It's just really good for dogs physically and mentally to interact with their owners like that."

In order to use the park and obstacles, yearly dog park fees must be paid at the Meridian Township Parks and Recreation Department, ranging from $15 - $35. Once paid, registrants can pick up an electronic key fob to enter the park.

The large dog park is located across from the Marketplace on the Green at: 1995 Central Park Drive, Okemos, MI 48864.