City Manager Mark Watson says there could soon be a ribbon-cutting for the new dog park at Big Turtle Park in west Oak Ridge. The entrance to the dog park is pictured above in this Oct. 25 photo and so is the fencing that was then under construction.
The city is about to have a “soft opening” for the new dog park at Big Turtle Park in west Oak Ridge, and there could soon be a ribbon-cutting, an official said Tuesday.
Construction has been under way since this summer at the city’s first dog park, which is being built with help from a $100,000 donation from Radio Systems Corp. through Legacy Parks.
The park will include a “gorgeous entrance” and fenced-in fields for large and small dogs, and it will allow dogs to socialize and build community through resident interactions, Oak Ridge City Manager Mark Watson said during a “State of the City” presentation at Lunch with the League on Tuesday.
Watson said he didn’t yet have specific dates for the soft opening or ribbon-cutting.
The dog park will include fields for large and small dogs.
The donation from Radio Systems Corp., maker of the PetSafe Brand, was announced in February.
Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks Director Josh Collins said then that the donation helps achieve a long-term community goal. Money had been the primary obstacle to building the dog park, a project that’s been in the works for about four to five years.
The project has its ardent supporters, and there is a Facebook page called “We want a dog park in Oak Ridge!”
Matt Reedy says
Thanks John! Fence fabric is up now. Our parks crew is building benches and signs are in manufacturing. Doggie bag dispensers will be installed shortly as well. Thanks to PetSafe, our first park will be fully operational very soon!
johnhuotari says
You’re welcome, Matt.
Angi Agle says
While visiting Virginia recently with our pup, I had the opportunity to visit four or five dog parks. I’ve seen great ones and pretty bad ones, but ours looks like it will be excellent! Can’t wait!
Ellen Smith says
I know (because people told me) that dog owners were frustrated by the delays in establishing this dog park, but the delay does mean the city recreation and parks staff was able to take advantage of other communities’ “lessons learned” on how to design and operate a good dog park.
Nan Perkins says
GREAT! Driving to K’ville a real hassle. Thanks
Anne Garrison Ross says
Neely Ross is looking forward to the opening!
Andrew Howe says
Hot diggitty! I’m excited to run around with dog friends in the new park!
Very sweet. 🙂
Lauren Biloski says
Thank you PetSafe and Oak Ridge for putting in the park! We were there this weekend and it was so much fun. It was really nice to not have to drive all the way into Knoxville to let the dogs run around.