Omnium-Gatherum: The Lil' Tyrants


	Howie, a 6-year-old Jack Russell, joins other dogs and their owners during opening ceremonies for the Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park at King Farm in Rockville on Saturday. Mayor Larry Giammo welcomes residents and visitors in background. (photo by Chris Rossi⁄The Gazette)

The city dedicated the first phase of the new 28-acre Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park at King Farm on Saturday.

The dog park includes fenced-in dog runs, canine water fountains, a shade shelter and a picnic area.

Walking paths throughout the park also are ready for use.

The park is named for the King Farm teenager who succumbed to a neuromuscular disease in 2004. Jeni Stepanek, his mother, attended the opening ceremony.

Stepanek lives across the street from the park with her son’s service dog, Micah. A life-sized bronze statue of Mattie at a chess table with Micah by his side will be dedicated along with the rest of the park in 2008.

Hundreds of people attended groundbreaking ceremonies for the park.