Between the outdoor toys for playing on, the soft grass, fencing and space to run, the 100-by-100 yard space behind the Mae Bachur Animal Shelter has all the makings of a safe and high-quality playground.

The area officially opened on a soggy Friday afternoon.

It’s a playground designed specifically for and used by the canines at the Tlingit Street shelter.

The Humane Society Yukon has been fundraising and working to develop the extension to its outdoor space for canines at the shelter through a number of initiatives, including a gofundme campaign.

“It’s a great thing that we’ve been able to put this together,” society president Brent Slobodin told a small crowd gathered in the rain for the ribbon-cutting event at the yard space.

A plaque acknowledging those who provided donations for the extension to the play yard was also unveiled as part of the official opening, with Slobodin noting the society’s thanks to those who contributed.

Among the financial support that came in was a $10,000 donation from a local woman who doesn’t want to be identified.

Slobodin also offered praise to the shelter’s executive director, Dan Moore, who came up with the idea for the gofundme campaign, which raised $1,650 for the project.

Looking at the yard, Slobodin commented: “You can see all the toys that the animals will get to play with and just the grass and the freedom to run around and get the exercise that they really need.

“They’re protected by this fence, and we should also note that all the materials that are used in here are recycled.”

While the dogs at the shelter will have exclusive use for now, Slobodin said officials are considering the possibility of having it opened one day a week next year for the general public to bring their dogs to play.

Eventually, trainers may be able to bring the dogs they are working with and use the space, he said.

“Altogether, this is a great day for us,” Slobodin said thanking Moore and the society’s board members for the efforts to make the new yard a reality.

Slobodin and Moore cut the ribbon before letting the dogs run around and enjoy the new space.

The shelter opened in November 1998.