May 10, 2006 Contact: Sue Baker
For Immediate Release 738-2000, ext. 6205
WARWICK – Mayor Scott Avedisian announced that his proposed FY07 budget will include funding for the creation of a second dog park adjacent to the existing facility in City Park. The mayor’s decision came after residents requested that the city consider an additional area for small dogs, which can be overwhelmed by the rough-and-tumble playfulness of their larger canine pals.
“The dog park is being used constantly, and we’re very pleased so many are enjoying it,” Avedisian said. “Since we’ll be able to construct a second area at nominal cost, it only makes sense to make the investment to ensure the continued well being of our residents and pets who use the park.” Although a final cost estimate is still being worked on, Avedisian said the city will use some surplus material, municipal employees will do the construction work and that the two parks will share one side of fencing to keep expenses at a minimum.
The current park, which officially opened December 13, is a 33,000 square-foot, fenced-in facility and features a spacious grassy area, a shady tree-filled section and several fire hydrants for the city’s four-legged residents. There is a small “holding area” adjacent to the main park gate, where residents can safely unleash and leash their dogs, as well as several benches and bleachers for pet owners to use while their pooches play.
The bulk of the project’s cost – less than $3,000 – was to purchase fencing. City crews did the labor, and items such as bleachers and fire hydrants were surplus material from the departments of Public Works and Parks and Recreation.
Residents who advocated for the dog park’s creation, and others who also now use it, have agreed to regulations similar to those in place in other facilities, among them cleaning up after their own pets, regular cleaning and maintenance of the park and ensuring that no animal be allowed into the facility if it demonstrates rough or aggressive behavior.