The first, larger layout for a proposed dog park at Big Turtle Park would be closer to the Oak Ridge Turnpike. (Submitted images)
A city committee has drafted two possible designs for a dog park at Big Turtle Park in west Oak Ridge.
The proposals were presented to the Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks Advisory Board on Thursday by Bridgett Ellis, a parks board member and chair of the Dog Park Committee.
The parks board will fine-tune construction and maintenance costs for the dog park by the end of the year, and members could pick one of the two concept plans presented Thursday, said Josh Collins, Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks director. Then, advocates will have to start looking for money.
That’s been the primary obstacle to building the dog park, a project that’s been in the works for about four to five years, Collins said.
He said the park is well-supported by many people. During Thursday’s meeting, Oak Ridge City Council member Chuck Hope said the dog park could have sponsorships, and people in the community might donate, Collins said.
“I think there’s a fair amount of grassroots support for it,” Collins said.
The second, smaller layout would be located closer to the back of the park and near a parking area.
He said the cost of the dog park would depend upon its size, but expenses could exceed $50,000 for such items as water fountains, park benches, and hundreds of feet of fencing.
The two proposals presented Thursday both include a large area for all dogs and a smaller area for small dogs.
One layout that would be closer to the Oak Ridge Turnpike would be larger, Collins said. Since it would have more fencing, it would cost more, Collins said.
But there are pros and cons to each site, he said. For example, the second location closer to the back of Big Turtle Park would be closer to parking spaces but would require the city to run a longer water line.
Collins said any recommendation developed by the Parks Board would still have to be considered by the Oak Ridge City Council.
oakie99 says
Good article explaining the location with great maps that are readable. It describes the project well as I was concerned about its proximity to the children’s playground and how they would be separated. That explains the necessary cost.
John Huotari says
I’m glad you found the article useful. Thanks for reading.
Ck Kelsey says
A dog park is a huge undertaking and is way out of the league for this town.This is not NY or Sf ,thankfully.
BBunch says
Yeah, I could definitely see how the city that “built” the atomic bomb could have trouble building a simple dog park…oh wait…no I can’t. It’s a dog park; fence and land. I think our wonderful COR workers can handle this “huge undertaking”. It’s been a long time coming and would love to not have to go to Pet-Safe village in Knoxville, but would love for this park to have a pond for the dogs to swim.
Ellen Smith says
I attended the Parks Board meeting where the two locations were discussed. Oak Ridge is benefiting from dog-park-operating experience in Knoxville, where PetSmart (which is based there) has financed construction of dog parks. Knoxville dog park staff have provided advice based on the lessons they have learned about managing different sized dogs, parking, and conflicts with other park users, as well as how to keep grass alive in the dog park so it won’t become a muddy mess. The long wait to get a dog park has been frustrating to Oak Ridge residents, but it’s good to know that we’ll probably end up with a better park as a result of the wait…
johnhuotari says
Thanks for letting us know about the Knoxville connection, Ellen.