MONROE - The city dog park has reached its final stage, and now organizer Jeff Newcomer said the last pieces needed before it officially opens are the signs, which should be in place within the next three weeks.
A site of just under three acres, Monroe Dog Park would be the first of its kind close to city homes. The fenced-in area is split into two areas under the water tower in the North Industrial Park. One side allows smaller dogs, while the other primarily is for large dogs, but smaller dogs can be allowed in if the owner feels the space is safe. All dogs will be allowed to roam free without the restrictions of a leash.
Months in the making, the dog park became a focal point of discussion during sessions to identify needs and wants within the 2015 Monroe Comprehensive Plan. Newcomer and fellow dog lovers Ryan Ziltner and Katherine Frey came together to conceptualize the plans before approaching city officials with the idea. Newcomer said the park likely will be open by the end of August.
"It's pretty cool, once you drive out and see everything in place," Newcomer said. "This has been quite the long process. It's quite the roller coaster and we're really excited."
City law prohibits pets from being allowed in any of the 14 municipal parks throughout Monroe. The current dog park is on city property but outside of the proper Monroe area, located a few miles west of the city near the Monroe Municipal Airport.
Cement pads for custom benches were poured out Wednesday and Thursday. Newcomer said the trio marked the occasion by pressing three pairs of hands and three pairs of paws into the material before it dried.
Newcomer said it had been a learning process for himself, Ziltner and Frey, who spent time raising the funds to make the project possible. The group has spent nearly $40,000 so far. They also hope to evaluate their funding options to possibly pay for a new parking lot of roughly eight stalls and even add in water fountains at a later time.
"The support has been phenomenal," Newcomer said. "Raising that amount of money in that short of time speaks volumes to the community support we have."
The gate to the park will be enforced with an annual code. Users must apply for a dog park license through the city at a cost of $30 for one dog and $5 for each additional dog.
Applications must include proof of current vaccinations and proof of a dog license current to the community in which they reside. Applicants will also be required to sign a liability form. Dogs considered dangerous or aggressive, such as those likely to or have already intentionally caused damage to other animals or people, will not be allowed in the space.
The Monroe Common Council approved the park and fees during the July 5 meeting.
A site of just under three acres, Monroe Dog Park would be the first of its kind close to city homes. The fenced-in area is split into two areas under the water tower in the North Industrial Park. One side allows smaller dogs, while the other primarily is for large dogs, but smaller dogs can be allowed in if the owner feels the space is safe. All dogs will be allowed to roam free without the restrictions of a leash.
Months in the making, the dog park became a focal point of discussion during sessions to identify needs and wants within the 2015 Monroe Comprehensive Plan. Newcomer and fellow dog lovers Ryan Ziltner and Katherine Frey came together to conceptualize the plans before approaching city officials with the idea. Newcomer said the park likely will be open by the end of August.
"It's pretty cool, once you drive out and see everything in place," Newcomer said. "This has been quite the long process. It's quite the roller coaster and we're really excited."
City law prohibits pets from being allowed in any of the 14 municipal parks throughout Monroe. The current dog park is on city property but outside of the proper Monroe area, located a few miles west of the city near the Monroe Municipal Airport.
Cement pads for custom benches were poured out Wednesday and Thursday. Newcomer said the trio marked the occasion by pressing three pairs of hands and three pairs of paws into the material before it dried.
Newcomer said it had been a learning process for himself, Ziltner and Frey, who spent time raising the funds to make the project possible. The group has spent nearly $40,000 so far. They also hope to evaluate their funding options to possibly pay for a new parking lot of roughly eight stalls and even add in water fountains at a later time.
"The support has been phenomenal," Newcomer said. "Raising that amount of money in that short of time speaks volumes to the community support we have."
The gate to the park will be enforced with an annual code. Users must apply for a dog park license through the city at a cost of $30 for one dog and $5 for each additional dog.
Applications must include proof of current vaccinations and proof of a dog license current to the community in which they reside. Applicants will also be required to sign a liability form. Dogs considered dangerous or aggressive, such as those likely to or have already intentionally caused damage to other animals or people, will not be allowed in the space.
The Monroe Common Council approved the park and fees during the July 5 meeting.