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Most Casper locals know of Morad Park, but nearly all Casper dog owners know it as the place to go for off-leash exploration and long walks with their four-legged friends. The park, which spans nearly 40 acres, has a lesser-known history that is rich with Casper roots, restoration, and preservation. Established in 1965, the park has undergone several phases of development and improvement and is known today as the central hub of Casper’s dog-walking community.  Photo Courtesy Theo's Legacy Facebook Page History of Morad Park The park is named for Dr. Neele Morad (pronounced more-ODD), an early and influential Casper physician who practiced medicine in the community for 68 years. Along with his practice, Dr. Morad also owned a significant amount of property in southwest Casper, a portion of which he donated to the City of Casper. That land became Morad Park, named in his honor, and sits along the North Platte River, with the Platte River Trail network running through it. Morad Park has seen decades of river restoration, river studies, and trail development, eventually becoming one of PRTT’s major access points for both the trails and the river. As a major trailhead offering ample parking, the trail runs through the park along the North Platte River for approximately one mile. In 2021, PRTT continued trail improvements within the park, creating the Morad Park to Mountain Plaza Shopping Center Trail, which provided a safer connection from the trail at Morad Park across CY Avenue to the Mountain Plaza Shopping Center and nearby neighborhoods Friends of Morad Park & Theo’s Legacy Morad Park is special to many people for several reasons, but one group has made it their gathering place to enjoy the open space, walk the trails, and strengthen community ties. Almost every weekday around noon, you can find a dog-walking group aptly named “Friends of Morad Park.” The group simply gathers to walk their dogs and spend time outside. PRTT Board Member Dean Hawks is a part of this group. “Every day, the group bands together, and it’s really something quite special. I take my dog on the mountain in the summer, but I join them nearly every day in the winter,” Dean shares. The group has grown into more than just a daily meet-up. It’s become a source of support and an advocacy group for greater trail safety awareness for dog owners. This mission was developed after one member, Erin, tragically lost her dog, Theo, in an ice accident last winter. Following her loss, Erin kept Theo’s memory alive by starting Theo’s Legacy to raise awareness about the dangers of being near the water and river ice in the winter. With support from the City of Casper, the Friends of Morad Park have also put up signs and snow fencing over the past year to encourage people to keep their dogs off the ice. “Friends of Morad Park has been integral in what’s been happening at the park. What this group has been doing is amazing. They are just simply amazing people and have been bringing a little more safety to the dog park, all in Theo’s memory,” says Dean. The group initially focused on river, ice, and winter trail safety; however, in the warmer months they have shifted to promoting other safety issues, such as cycling through Morad Park where dogs are off-leash, how to safely float the river, and proper use of boat ramps. Finally, when it comes to dogs, they advise staying off your phone, being alert, and always keeping eyes on your dog. A Thriving Dog Community Morad Park is Casper’s largest natural, off-leash dog area along the trail network. It is also a major trail and river recreation destination. However, it is no longer simply a place where people bring their dogs to walk. Theo’s Legacy and Friends of Morad Park show it’s also a community gathering place for the thousands of friends, family, and dogs in Casper who enjoy a place to explore off-leash and even build a community of their own. Morad Park has continually evolved, and will continue to do so, but it will always serve the same core purpose: giving Casper residents access to the North Platte River and open space close to home. As you enjoy Morad Park, please remember to always scoop the poop, monitor your dog and keep them close, stay off the ice in the winter, be aware of cyclists, and respect the people and space around you. 
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