March 22, 2025 – Many tails were wagging on Saturday, March 22, as dog owners celebrated the grand opening of the Letterman Dog Park. The park, the second dog park in Clovis, was alive with excitement as furry friends and their families gathered for the ribbon cutting on Saturday morning.
Nestled within the existing Letterman Park on Villa Avenue, this expansive nearly-30,000-square-foot space boasts separate fenced areas for small and large dogs, lush trees, rolling grass, cozy benches, and even drinking fountains tailored for both humans and their four-legged companions. It truly offers something for everyone!
Dogs of all shapes and sizes joyfully explored the grounds, relishing the cool morning while making fast friends with other pups. From huskies to corgis to labs – and every adorable breed in between – the air was full of wagging tails and happy barks.
Cradling an adorable puppy in her arms, former mayor and current city council member Lynne Ashbeck added a special touch to the festivities, sharing her excitement with the crowd. She mentioned her own dog, Kevin, who wasn’t quite ready to join the fun but promised to bring him by in the future. “It’s a great day to have this here,” she beamed. “Thanks for supporting our community, thanks for loving, working with, and taking care of us.”
The celebration didn’t stop there either. The city of Clovis and Miss Winkles Pet Adoption Center joined the fun, spreading joy with dog-friendly treats, mini bundt cakes, and offerings from Vornita’s catering, which offered smoked tri-tip mac and cheese and taquitos.
As guests savored the goodies, local therapy dog owners Blair Redfearn and Terry Horak shared heartwarming moments with their cherished pups, Ruger and Clayton respectively.
Serving in schools, hospitals, and beyond, Ruger and Clayton are truly four-legged ambassadors of kindness, bringing smiles to everyone they meet – including those who delightedly met them at the park’s opening.
The organization they are part of, the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, is the organization Redfearn and Horak are partnered with to bring the pups to these locations or wherever people might need them. “It’s a great organization,” Horak stated. “They provide insurance and guidance, and also leads on where we can take our dogs.”
Clayton, a Cream Golden Retriever, spreads joy as the therapy dog for Clovis East Area schools and often visits Old Town Clovis. Ruger, a charming Springerdor, brightens lives at Saint Agnes, Fresno State, and various schools and hospitals.
The dogs offer comfort and companionship to those in need, whether that’s easing moments of crisis or simply lifting someone’s spirits on a tough day. While Ruger and Clayton enjoyed their time in the sun, other four-legged buddies enjoyed the new space as well. Rottweilers and Great Danes roamed around, chasing each other around the yard before their owners packed up for the day.
These furry friends and all the others in Clovis are sure to enjoy more visits to the Letterman Dog Park this spring as the weather gets warmer. Make your visit today at 908 Villa Avenue!