COEUR d'ALENE - The ecstatic yips could be heard a block away.

At long last, gaggles of critters - fluffy, sleek and tubby alike - could frolic uninhibited on Monday at the grand opening of Central Bark, Coeur d'Alene's first off-leash dog park.

More than 200 people and 150 canines were there to socialize on the lush 2 acres, fenced beside Northshire Park off Atlas road.

As leashes were removed, the natural order of the dog world took over. Towering Great Danes and skittish dachshunds alike were well tempered, eager to engage in some good humored sniffing.

"We were apprehensive it would be chaos, but they're all getting along," said Paul Caraway, cradling his Japanese Chin in one arm. "This is wonderful. It's long overdue. It's really good to let them socialize."

Bob MacDonald, member of the Kootenai County Dog Park Association that instigated the project, was thrilled to see people enjoying the park three years in the making.

"It's been outstanding. I think there was a pent up demand we didn't really know about," MacDonald said, watching more dog owners lead their animals inside the gate.

There's nowhere else in town folks can take their dogs off a leash, he pointed out, and animals crave that extra freedom.

"You'll notice dogs while on leashes can be aggressive, they have a different attitude," he said. "Off the leash, there's a standard pecking order, and they get along."

Open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., the park is a puppy paradise. A fire hydrant sits in one corner, and bags and receptacles are provided to take care of dog waste. There are even doggie drinking fountains.

On Monday, dogs of every thinkable breed were mingling and romping, some chasing toys and others investigating new friends.

Their human parents, meanwhile, socialized on their own.

"I've been waiting and waiting and waiting for this park," said Kim Hushman, who works at GoodDog pet boutique.

She was eager to chat up customers, and observed that the park was a great social spot for people, too.

"Dogs are the common denominator," she said, after letting a little girl pet her Pomeranian, Lucy.

Owners have long awaited a place where their dogs can just be dogs, Hushman added.

"Walking on a leash is invading non dog lovers' territory," she said. "This way, you have an open space. You can bring your dog and know it's an OK place to be."

Amanda Miller laughed as her labs galloped back and forth across the lawn, tongues flung to the side.

"I've never seen them too excited to play fetch before," the Coeur d'Alene woman said.

Miller added that one dog is a little nervous and could use some more pooch pals.

"I think this is good because I can be here while she's socializing," she said. "When I drop them off at Doggie Daycare, I have no idea what's happening."

The KCDPA raised roughly $20,000 in donations to build the park, MacDonald said.

The land belonged to School District No. 271, which entered a no-cost lease agreement with the city of Coeur d'Alene.

The city will be responsible for maintaining the property, MacDonald said.

Members of the City Council and the KCDPA tore a paper leash for the opening ceremony on Monday.

"Clearly, an urgent need is being met," said council member Mike Kennedy, taking in the crowd. "This has been a top priority for the Parks Department for a long time. We had a number of stutter starts that didn't work out, but this time we had the right mix of people, partnerships and volunteers."

Kennedy can't wait to bring his own yellow lab, he said, adding, "This will be the best fertilized plot of land in the county."

Mike O'Brien and his two small children watched his weimaraner Dodger trundle across the lawn.

After helping build the park fence with The Coeur Group volunteer organization, he was glad to see so many show up.

"It's great to see a community effort come together," he said, adding that the only other off-leash park is on the state line. "A lot of people donated their time, money and materials to make this come together."

O'Brien, general manager of the Holiday Inn Express, added that Dodger could use a place to run, too.

"He doesn't get much exercise sitting behind the desk at the Holiday Inn," O'Brien said. "We'll probably come here every day at lunchtime."

Courtesy is expected at the park.

Rules are listed by the front gate. There's a limit of two dogs per person, and owners are expected to pick up their dogs' waste. No aggressive animals are allowed.

The park is free.

The KCDPA still has about $5,000 in donations leftover, MacDonald said.

He hopes to open another small off-leash park soon, and maybe in the next few years move to a permanent spot between Ramsey Road and U.S. 95.

"There will be a deluge. We'll have to open up another one quickly," he said. "We're just getting started."