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.
