MONROE - The city dog park is nearing completion, despite rain delays that have slowed the planned construction of the black chainlink fence around the perimeter of 2.63 acres surrounding the water tower in the north industrial park.
Monroe residents Jeff Newcomer, Ryan Ziltner and Katherine Frey organized the effort to bring the first park specifically for dogs to Monroe.
Newcomer, who is also an alderman, said he is happy to see progress being made on the unnamed park, even if it slightly slower than he anticipated.
"I think we're a little bit behind. I was hoping it would be ready by June," Newcomer said. "Now it looks like it's going to be close to the middle of June."
Still, the park is moving forward. On May 17, Newcomer met with city park board commissioners to submit templates of registration forms, liability forms and a set of rules for park enforcement. All were recommended to the common council for final approval.
Among rules are the prohibition of children, treats or food and the requirements that each dog be spayed or neutered and be current on vaccinations. Most of the materials came from Newcomer's previous experience with a dog park he frequented when he was living in St. Louis, Missouri.
"It seemed like it was very thoroughly done," Newcomer said. "As a member of that park, I never had complaints. So why reinvent the wheel?"
The fence will separate the green space into half-acre and 1.5-acre areas. The large portion will be dedicated to bigger dogs while smaller animals can use the half-acre space. Dogs considered smaller will be able to use the bigger dog space if their owners believe it is safe, but big dogs will not be allowed on the small dog side, Newcomer said.
Fencing for the project costs roughly $24,000. Once requests were put out, Director of Public Works Al Gerber said Sager Fencing Inc. of Monroe ordered parts and is awaiting dry conditions to put the materials in the ground.
Parks Director Paul Klinzing noted that with any outdoor work, spring can be hard on scheduled projects.
"With the wet weather, it's been hard to get things done," Klinzing said. "I imagine that will get put in in the near future."
Gerber said it is simply a matter of "schedule permitting" on the part of Sager Fencing.
The dog park will be the first near the city to allow off-leash dogs. Currently Forest Prairie Park, technically on city property but miles out of the city residential area near Monroe Municipal Airport, is the only city park that allows dogs. In the 2015 Monroe Comprehensive Plan, a dog park was listed as a priority for residents, which is part of the reason Newcomer, Frey and Ziltner organized the project.
Fundraising for the park has been successful. The group has received just over $30,000 of the $50,000 needed for paved parking, water spigots and seating. Newcomer added that as a way to raise more money, organizers are looking at a grand opening event as a fundraiser.
Newcomer said in order to use the park, dog owners will need to pay a $30 registration fee after the city verifies a dog's license and shots are current. Once registration is paid, the user will get an entrance code; that code will be changed each Jan. 1.
He stressed that in order for the park to succeed, members will need to police the space to ensure unauthorized users are not present. Tags will be provided with registration in order to identify those who can be present.
The city council will consider the recommended rules during a meeting on June 6.
Monroe residents Jeff Newcomer, Ryan Ziltner and Katherine Frey organized the effort to bring the first park specifically for dogs to Monroe.
Newcomer, who is also an alderman, said he is happy to see progress being made on the unnamed park, even if it slightly slower than he anticipated.
"I think we're a little bit behind. I was hoping it would be ready by June," Newcomer said. "Now it looks like it's going to be close to the middle of June."
Still, the park is moving forward. On May 17, Newcomer met with city park board commissioners to submit templates of registration forms, liability forms and a set of rules for park enforcement. All were recommended to the common council for final approval.
Among rules are the prohibition of children, treats or food and the requirements that each dog be spayed or neutered and be current on vaccinations. Most of the materials came from Newcomer's previous experience with a dog park he frequented when he was living in St. Louis, Missouri.
"It seemed like it was very thoroughly done," Newcomer said. "As a member of that park, I never had complaints. So why reinvent the wheel?"
The fence will separate the green space into half-acre and 1.5-acre areas. The large portion will be dedicated to bigger dogs while smaller animals can use the half-acre space. Dogs considered smaller will be able to use the bigger dog space if their owners believe it is safe, but big dogs will not be allowed on the small dog side, Newcomer said.
Fencing for the project costs roughly $24,000. Once requests were put out, Director of Public Works Al Gerber said Sager Fencing Inc. of Monroe ordered parts and is awaiting dry conditions to put the materials in the ground.
Parks Director Paul Klinzing noted that with any outdoor work, spring can be hard on scheduled projects.
"With the wet weather, it's been hard to get things done," Klinzing said. "I imagine that will get put in in the near future."
Gerber said it is simply a matter of "schedule permitting" on the part of Sager Fencing.
The dog park will be the first near the city to allow off-leash dogs. Currently Forest Prairie Park, technically on city property but miles out of the city residential area near Monroe Municipal Airport, is the only city park that allows dogs. In the 2015 Monroe Comprehensive Plan, a dog park was listed as a priority for residents, which is part of the reason Newcomer, Frey and Ziltner organized the project.
Fundraising for the park has been successful. The group has received just over $30,000 of the $50,000 needed for paved parking, water spigots and seating. Newcomer added that as a way to raise more money, organizers are looking at a grand opening event as a fundraiser.
Newcomer said in order to use the park, dog owners will need to pay a $30 registration fee after the city verifies a dog's license and shots are current. Once registration is paid, the user will get an entrance code; that code will be changed each Jan. 1.
He stressed that in order for the park to succeed, members will need to police the space to ensure unauthorized users are not present. Tags will be provided with registration in order to identify those who can be present.
The city council will consider the recommended rules during a meeting on June 6.