PHOTO BY BRENNA WHITE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
NEW DOG PARK … (Left to Right) Bart Westfall, Todd Roth, Terry Rummel, Steve Humphrey, Amy Miller, and Bob Tressler celebrate the official opening of the Goldie Newman Dog Park located in Bryan, Ohio.
By: Brenna White
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
Williams County residents and their four-legged companions have a new place to play following the official ribbon-cutting for the Goldie Newman Dog Park, held on October 16, 2025.
The long-anticipated project was made possible through donations from the Bryan Area Foundation, the Williams County Commissioners, and the Northwestern Electric Cooperative.
Located at 7424 State Route 15, the new facility features two enclosed areas – one for large dogs over 40 pounds and another for small dogs 40 pounds and under. Small dogs may enter the large-dog section at their owners’ discretion. The park includes benches, tunnels, and a small obstacle course objects, creating a space designed for both recreation and socialization.
“We appreciate this great day and all of the hard work everyone has put into this great space for our animals,” stated Commissioner Terry Rummel.
“It was a lot of effort by a lot of people to say the least,” said County Engineer Todd Roth. “It’s been about a four-year project – from the initial thought of it, to clearing the land one year, to drainage in the next. The last step was to find the money.
“We couldn’t have done it without the contribution from the (Bryan Area) Foundation. In every project, you have to have someone who pushes you, moves you forward.
“Well, that was Tara Humphrey. She was a big push, and we have a bench in memory of Tara and her contributions, continued Roth. “It’s a good project – good for the dogs, and good for the people.”
According to the signage posted on-site by the Williams County Engineer’s Office, the park is open daily from dawn to dusk.
All dogs must have a valid county license, remain leashed when entering and exiting, and be supervised by their owners within the enclosure.
Owners are required to clean up after their pets and ensure appropriate behavior toward other dogs and visitors. The rules emphasize safety and shared responsibility, with visitors encouraged to “enjoy and use the park at your own risk.”
The addition of the Goldie Newman Dog Park marks a continued investment in community recreation, transforming part of the 50-acre Goldie Newman Park into a vibrant, accessible public amenity for residents and their pets.