Reading officials, residents, and plenty of four-legged companions gathered Monday morning for the grand opening of Caramel & Friends Dog Park, the city’s first official dog park, located at Schlegel Park in southwest Reading.
The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony, community remarks, and a heartfelt tribute to the park’s namesake—Caramel, a rescued pup adopted by Mayor Eddie Morán and recognized as the city’s first “official dog.”
“Moments like this don’t happen by accident,” said Jack Gombach, the City of Reading’s managing director, who opened the ceremony. “They take leadership, persistence, and belief that even the small things like a dog park can make a meaningful difference in how everybody experiences our wonderful city.”
Gombach recognized key city departments, local officials, and partners who helped make the project possible, including Public Works and members of City Council, several of whom were in attendance. He also welcomed students from the Mayor’s Summer Youth Program, who joined in the celebration as part of the ribbon-cutting group.
Troy Lipp, the region’s state dog warden, reminded dog owners about licensing and vaccination requirements. “A dog license doesn’t just follow the law—it gives your dog a much better chance of making it home safely if they get loose,” he said, warning that fines for lack of compliance can reach up to $1,000.
Humane Pennsylvania CEO Karel Minor shared background on Caramel’s rescue in 2009 from an illegal puppy mill. He credited the passage of stricter puppy mill laws, championed in part by Berks County legislators, with improving conditions for countless animals. “We’ve needed a dog park in the city forever,” Minor said. “This park will help build stronger bonds between dogs and their caretakers, especially in urban environments where green space is limited.”
Mayor Eddie Morán delivered an emotional reflection on Caramel’s impact on his life and family. “She marked me,” he joked, recounting how the dog jumped onto his lap and urinated on him the day they met. “Obviously, that’s all it took to win me over.”
Caramel, now 16, was credited with offering untrained therapy and comfort to Morán’s son with special needs. “She’s become very, very attentive to Daniel’s needs. That’s irreplaceable,” he said. “She made our household complete.”
The mayor thanked City Council for approving the project in April, as well as Doug Lamb Construction – concrete pad and sidewalk ($11,780), ProMax Fencing – dog park fencing ($50,813), and R. Smith Paving – court removal, topsoil, walkways ($88,000), for completing the park well under budget at just over $150,000.
Morán announced that additional improvements are planned, including an agility course, shaded areas, and other amenities. “I’m hopeful this won’t be the last dog park in Reading,” he said.
The park, which includes separate areas for small and large dogs, will eventually have designated signage, but for now, the space is open to all. A set of fire hydrants—donated by the Reading Area Water Authority—add a whimsical and practical touch.
Before the ribbon was cut, Mayor Morán reminded attendees of one important rule: “All dogs that use this park must be licensed and vaccinated against rabies. That’s not just common sense—it’s the law.”
As the ribbon came down and tails began to wag, Morán concluded, “This park is a gift to our community—and it shows what’s possible when people come together to build something good.”