Wheeler Dog Park has reopened. Photo of dogs out for a stroll by Walker Evans.

Columbus Recreation and Parks Department announced this afternoon they have reopened Wheeler Dog Park, located at 725 Thurber Dr W. The off-leash fenced-in dog park has been closed since Friday, July 24 when the death of a puppy sparked public concern that something inappropriate had been happening in the park.

Columbus Public Health was asked to conduct an investigation. The investigation included an on-site environmental inspection, an inspection of water from the park water pump, and a necropsy on the deceased puppy with early results pointing toward pneumonia as the cause of death. No environmental concerns and no significant findings were discovered.

“We support the reopening of the park based on the initial findings of our analysis,” said Jose Rodriguez, Director of Public Affairs and Communications for Columbus Public Health in a statement.

Wheeler Dog Park is open 7am to 11pm daily. For more information, visit Columbus.gov.