SALAMANCA — A place for friendly canines and their owners to visit and play is now open in the heart of the city.

Officials from the Seneca Nation of Indians and City of Salamanca gathered Friday to cut the ceremonial ribbon and open Finn’s Dog Park on Sycamore Avenue. The $23,000 dog park project was a collaborative effort between the city and Nation — the first of many anticipated by leaders from both entities.

“It’s great to see everyone in the community come together to make this happen,” said Josh Becker, a Nation Tribal Councilor who helped spearhead the project. “This set the standard for MOUs (memorandum of understanding) between the Nation and the city and of collaborating.”

The park is named in honor of Finn, the Australian shepherd of Angela Redeye-Steckman, one of the first people to suggest the Nation and city consider building a dog park in Salamanca.

Becker said Redeye-Steckman often shared that she and Finn would travel to the dog parks in Ellicottville, Olean and even the Buffalo area.

“I talked to her and said I think we could probably do something in the city of Salamanca for dogs, and I think we can get this dog park done,” he said. “So I started talking to the mayor and city council and our council about seeing if this was a possibility. Everyone was supportive.”

The Seneca Nation was responsible for all construction materials necessary for the infrastructure of the roughly half-acre dog park, with any provided in-kind services by either entity mutually agreed upon by the Nation and the city. Volunteers gathered Friday morning to help complete the final touches for the park.

“I’m always glad when we can work together with the Nation,” said Salamanca Mayor Sandra Magiera. “We both want to live here together. We have the same goals in mind after meeting together. We want better for this community and everyone who lives here.”

Becker thanked both the Nation and the city’s public works departments for their work on the park and both the Tribal and city councils for supporting the project.

“We were able to come together. We were able to do an MOU between the Nation and the city to get this done, and it’s kind of been the template for some of the other things we have going on,” he said.

Friday’s festivities also included music from DJ Slim, and the Salamanca police and fire departments served as grill masters for the picnic held after the ribbon cutting.

Seneca Nation and City of Salamanca officials cut the ceremonial ribbon Friday for the grand opening of Finn’s Dog Park on Sycamore Avenue.

Both Salamanca and Seneca officials said this project was just the beginning for several potential collaborations.

“It’s a small project, but hopefully they’ll get bigger as the projects go on,” Magiera said. “I’m proud to say I’m one of the mayors who gets to work with the Nation, and I’m proud to see this dog park and work together.”

“This is the first time we’ve got something like this accomplished, and I think we have a lot to look forward to in accomplishing many more projects,” added Councilor Tina Abrams.

Several other Tribal Councilors also expressed excitement for the project and thanked Becker and Redeye-Steckman for bringing the idea to their attention.

“When I first heard about it, I thought we’re barking up the wrong tree, but there ain’t no bones about it. This is a paw-sitive initiative,” said Councilor Rickey Armstrong Sr., garnering a large laugh from the attendees.

Councilor Maurice John Sr. added, “We can always say the city has not gone to the dogs, because there are a lot of people who love dogs.”

Now that construction of the park is complete, the city will have the sole responsibility to operate and maintain the dog park and ensure it remains suitable for public use.

“Let’s keep this place nice so these dogs and their families can enjoy this park for years to come,” said Councilor Christian Reiller.

“It gives the dog an opportunity to socialize and play and have a safe space,” said First Lady Nicole Seneca, speaking on behalf of President Seneca, who was unable to attend. “I want to thank everybody for all the work you did to bring this together.”

Seneca Nation Tribal Councilor Josh Becker (left) reveals Finn’s Dog Park will be named after the Austrian Shepherd of Angela Redeye-Steckman, who first suggested a dog park be established in the city.