If you go ...
• Park license application requirements: Proof of updated rabies and Bordetella vaccinations, a municipal dog license
• Park cost: $15 for first dog, $2.50 for additional dog until Dec. 31; on Jan. 1, annual fee of $30 for first dog, $5 per additional dog
• What it includes: Security gate access code, user ID tag
• Applications: Forms can be printed from the city website or picked up at the westside fire station
• Info: City Clerk Carol Stamm at 329-2524
MONROE - Despite setbacks in the form of rain delays and low supply of certain necessary materials, the Monroe Dog Park officially opened Monday.
Organizers Jeff Newcomer, Ryan Ziltner and Katherine Frey saw the result of their work come together over past months, though Newcomer was quick to credit city parks and recreation employees for their aid in making the park possible.
"This was a lot of planning and hard work by a lot of people," Newcomer said. "It feels really good. I guess all I can say is it's about time."
The space, 2.63 acres of land surrounding the North Industrial Park water tower, was identified by the trio during a Plan Commission meeting last year. Following their presentation, members of the commission allowed a rezoning of the space.
Outlined by dark chain fencing, entry to the park is separated by two gates. Once a dog owner types in the code provided with a park license purchase, they are faced with a door to either the large or small dog area. Small dogs are those designated as less than 30 pounds, while any dogs above that weight are required to use the large dog area, though small dogs can be allowed to the other side of the fence at an owner's discretion.
An endeavor to create the first park space that allows dogs within city limits began during discussions about the 2015 Monroe Comprehensive Plan. It was popular among citizens who attended, especially the prospect of allowing dogs off-leash. This prompted a team effort by Frey, Newcomer and Ziltner. Once a location was chosen and approved, community support kicked in to raise up to $50,000 for the project.
Some items of planning still need to be realized, but funding has not reached the goal amount. For instance, Newcomer said 10 parking stalls could be paved later. Now the area sits as grass for cars to use. Money flowed in quickly to begin work, like placing the fence and other items like trash receptacles in the park. The campaign to raise money began in December. By late February, Newcomer said half the necessary funds were secured.
"Seeing this project start from the ground up has been great," Ziltner said. "It really means a lot to me. The feedback has been fantastic and everyone is really excited. It'll be fun because my dog can play in my yard every day, but with this I can see other dog owners and we can see other dogs."
Ziltner said even when he called his veterinarian to gain proof of vaccinations for his 3-year-old Golden Retriever Willow, which are required by the city as a part of the park license, she was excited to see the park had been realized for Monroe and surrounding residents to use.
Newcomer agreed with Ziltner regarding the social aspect of the park. When living near St. Louis, Missouri, Newcomer said his 7-year-old dog Ruby, an Old English Bulldog, had the chance to spend time with other breeds and frolic through the grass, which has been missed since his move back to Monroe.
"I know my dog just loves to run around and play with other dogs," Newcomer said. "That's why we did it; dogs need that social time as well."
Though September was not the ideal month to open the park, it was an impressive feat to have everything completed within a year when they likely thought it would take two years to raise the money and open the park, Ziltner noted. Some setbacks like a rain delay in May were cause for concern by Newcomer, but he said the group was thankful for public patience as everything was sorted out.
Because they want people to begin using the park immediately, the city arranged for the annual license, which provides a door key code and a tag identifying the dog as a park user, to be given at half the cost. Any new applicants can procure a license through City Clerk Carol Stamm, currently housed at the westside fire station in Monroe, for $15 and $2.50 for each additional dog.
On Jan. 1, 2018, the annual membership price will be $30 for the first dog and $5 for each additional dog.
Organizers Jeff Newcomer, Ryan Ziltner and Katherine Frey saw the result of their work come together over past months, though Newcomer was quick to credit city parks and recreation employees for their aid in making the park possible.
"This was a lot of planning and hard work by a lot of people," Newcomer said. "It feels really good. I guess all I can say is it's about time."
The space, 2.63 acres of land surrounding the North Industrial Park water tower, was identified by the trio during a Plan Commission meeting last year. Following their presentation, members of the commission allowed a rezoning of the space.
Outlined by dark chain fencing, entry to the park is separated by two gates. Once a dog owner types in the code provided with a park license purchase, they are faced with a door to either the large or small dog area. Small dogs are those designated as less than 30 pounds, while any dogs above that weight are required to use the large dog area, though small dogs can be allowed to the other side of the fence at an owner's discretion.
An endeavor to create the first park space that allows dogs within city limits began during discussions about the 2015 Monroe Comprehensive Plan. It was popular among citizens who attended, especially the prospect of allowing dogs off-leash. This prompted a team effort by Frey, Newcomer and Ziltner. Once a location was chosen and approved, community support kicked in to raise up to $50,000 for the project.
Some items of planning still need to be realized, but funding has not reached the goal amount. For instance, Newcomer said 10 parking stalls could be paved later. Now the area sits as grass for cars to use. Money flowed in quickly to begin work, like placing the fence and other items like trash receptacles in the park. The campaign to raise money began in December. By late February, Newcomer said half the necessary funds were secured.
"Seeing this project start from the ground up has been great," Ziltner said. "It really means a lot to me. The feedback has been fantastic and everyone is really excited. It'll be fun because my dog can play in my yard every day, but with this I can see other dog owners and we can see other dogs."
Ziltner said even when he called his veterinarian to gain proof of vaccinations for his 3-year-old Golden Retriever Willow, which are required by the city as a part of the park license, she was excited to see the park had been realized for Monroe and surrounding residents to use.
Newcomer agreed with Ziltner regarding the social aspect of the park. When living near St. Louis, Missouri, Newcomer said his 7-year-old dog Ruby, an Old English Bulldog, had the chance to spend time with other breeds and frolic through the grass, which has been missed since his move back to Monroe.
"I know my dog just loves to run around and play with other dogs," Newcomer said. "That's why we did it; dogs need that social time as well."
Though September was not the ideal month to open the park, it was an impressive feat to have everything completed within a year when they likely thought it would take two years to raise the money and open the park, Ziltner noted. Some setbacks like a rain delay in May were cause for concern by Newcomer, but he said the group was thankful for public patience as everything was sorted out.
Because they want people to begin using the park immediately, the city arranged for the annual license, which provides a door key code and a tag identifying the dog as a park user, to be given at half the cost. Any new applicants can procure a license through City Clerk Carol Stamm, currently housed at the westside fire station in Monroe, for $15 and $2.50 for each additional dog.
On Jan. 1, 2018, the annual membership price will be $30 for the first dog and $5 for each additional dog.