Dog park proposed in Jacksonville

Text Size: A | A | A

Print this Article Email this Article

Backers of a proposed dog park on land immediately adjacent to Jacksonville city limits were asked Wednesday to come back to a city committee with a more developed proposal.

Businessman Alan DeBoer has offered use of a one-acre site on the eastern side of town for the park. Backer Ellee Celler told the city's Parks, Recreation and Visitor's Services Committee that she is looking for little city outlay.

"It's very minimal city involvement, but the water would have to come from the city," said Celler. "We don't expect the city to pay for the fence. We plan to do fundraising to support the park."

The land is next to city tennis courts and a play area at East D Street and Beverly Way.

City water service cannot be extended outside city limits, but a spigot could be placed at the boundary line to serve the dog park, said Rick Shields, city parks coordinator. Shields said cost of the installation to a city line in the area would be $1,600 to $1,800.

A locking system with pass code would be installed on gates to the site to allow only individuals signed up to use the park, said Celler. A plan showed both a large dog area and a small dog area. There would be double gated entries for both areas.

Committee members questioned whether a county permit would be needed to establish the park on land zoned for agriculture uses, potential city liability and ability of city police to respond to problems on land not in city limits.

— Tony Boom, for the Mail Tribune

Print this Article Email this Article