Lakeland Currents has learned Lakeland’s first dog park should be open by October or November of 2020. Among several topics, the dog park was discussed in depth this past Tuesday evening (July 14, 2020) at the monthly Parks and Recreation Board meeting. Commissioner Michelle Dial acts as the board liaison over the volunteer Parks and Recreation Board committee.
The dog park initiative began in August 2018 when the city acquired a grant for a dog park under Mayor Wyatt Bunker’s administration. The grant was given by the Randy Boyd foundation as part of the “Dog Park Dash” initiative. The dog park will be located between Zadie E. Kuehl Memorial Park (3065 Yukon Dr) and the Lakeland Pet Hospital on Canada Rd. The Pet Hospital donated almost 4 acres behind their facility to make the dog park a reality.
In an interview today with Pat O’Mara, Lakeland Parks and Recreation Director, details were provided about funding as well as existing park improvements to Zadie Kuehl. These improvements include all new playground equipment which will replace the older playground equipment. The new playground will also have mobility access for anyone disabled or in a wheelchair. A grant from Shelby County was used to purchase the playground equipment, the surfacing and the installation. Mr. O’Mara was excited to announce the construction documentation for both projects are complete and said, “those two projects will be bid out soon.” Even better, he added, “those two projects will be completed at the same time this coming fall.”
The city budgeted $200,000 in it’s current fiscal budget to help complete the parks, which will include a new parking lot close to The Pet Hospital and a path to the dog park itself. There will be fencing and areas for both large and small breeds. Mr. O’Mara also added, “our intention is to have some agility components for the dogs as well.”
Parks and Recreation board member Chad Reynolds expressed his pleasure with the project telling Lakeland Currents, “I’m very excited to watch the final stages of an inclusive, state of the art playground and a new dog park.”
The newly refurbished playground and the new dog park will be right next to each other offering individuals and families a convenient option for both.
