The city of Fort Oglethorpe has finally locked down the location for its much-anticipated dog park.
Thanks in part to a land donation from DBJ Realty, the coming park will be located on a 2-acre stretch of land that sits in front of Fort Oglethorpe City Hall.
While 1.25 acres of the land were already owned by the city, the remaining 0.76 acre, which sits just west of the city-owned property, was donated by the Cleveland, Tenn.-based realty company.
City Manager Jennifer Payne-Simpkins said the city has been evaluating multiple potential sites for the dog park, looking for a location that was in close proximity to Fort Oglethorpe's existing multi-use trails, that had parking readily available, and was close to restroom facilities. With parking and restrooms available at city hall and walking trails nearby, the chosen site is ideal, Payne-Simpkins said.
Another benefit of the chosen location is its proximity to the police department, she added.
"It's built-in security," said Payne-Simpkins.
The park will also be close to the Public Works Department, making it easier for the city's recreation staff to do maintenance work on the property.
"They're right beside it," Payne-Simpkins said. "It's convenient and we think it's the ideal location, we really do."
Planners hope to have an official groundbreaking on National Dog Day, which falls on Aug. 26 this year.
"What was an idea a couple years ago is now almost a reality, so I appreciate [Payne-Simpkins'] work on that," said City Councilwoman Rhonda James.
The city already has set aside $15,000 for the project in a restricted fund, which Payne-Simpkins said will go a long way to getting a fence installed on the property.
"We want to go ahead and get started," she said. "It might not be complete for six months or a year after that, but we'd like to go ahead and get it started."
Payne-Simpkins encourages those interested in advancing the project to purchase personalized pavers that will be used to create a walkway in and around the park. The funds will allow the city to add more features and obstacles for the park, she said.
"The dog park is limitless," Payne-Simpkins said. "The more resources the community provides, the more we'll build."
To learn more about the project or to purchase a paver, visit fortogov.com/dogpark.
Email Myron Madden at mmadden@timesfreepress.com.