Charlie and Lucy now have a place all their own to play, exercise and socialize with their fellow canines in Palmerton.

Several community members joined borough officials for the dedication of the Dog Park at Alley J above portions of the 800 and 900 blocks of Edgemont Avenue.

Borough Manager Donna McGarry, borough council President Terry Costenbader, and councilmen Richard Nothstein and Andrew Hollywood were in attendance.

Hollywood lauded Chris Lipfert, of Towamensing Township, who gave freely of his time to put up the dog park at the West End Recreation Association.

“I’d like to thank Chris for his dedication of material and time, to give us this beautiful donation,” Hollywood said.

Hollywood also thanked Jet Signs, McGarry and her staff, Todd Merkel, public works supervisor and his department, the Friends of the Palmerton Dog Park Committee, as well as Jesus Christ for his blessing of the park.

The borough wanted a dog park but sought the resources necessary to make it a reality until Lipfert put the dog park up for free.

He installed new fencing to create two sections, one for small dogs and the other for large dogs.

Lipfert noted there was an existing dog park about a block-and-a-half away that had a 350-foot fence which he disassembled and repurposed.

He then took that fence and installed a chain-link fence and posts to complete the job. The end result is a 500-foot fence.

Lipfert said he started the project on July 18, and finished it up on July 25.

Jean Solarczyk, of Lower Towamensing Township, brought her Scottish terrier puppy, Bentley, to the dedication.

“It’s great,” Solarczyk said. “It’s wonderful for the dogs.”

Stacy Stark and her children, Cameron and Lauren, both age 9 of Palmerton, were there too with their Dobermann, Jax.

“It’s a very nice space,” Stank said. “It’s close to home, well maintained.”

Lisa Snell Kern of Palmerton said she’s been bringing her mini goldendoodle, Buckeye, to the dog park since July.

“He loves it,” Snell Kern said. “I’m grateful to the borough for having the foresight to put it (the Dog Park) here.”

Lipfert, who has owned Lipfert Lawn & Fence in Lehighton since 2001, said it was nice to see the fruits of his labor be put to good use.

“I’m glad to see people enjoy it, and are using it,” Lipfert said.

Council in April agreed to repurpose the West End Recreation Association Field for use as a dog park.