Miamisburg aims to let pets run free, expand recreation with dog park

The city is planning to build an outlet for dogs and their owners with a complex at the 42-acre Community Park.

A dog park is targeted for the outdoor recreation facility on First Street, proposed to be a 2-acre site expected to cost about $100,000 and funded through donations, sponsorships and grants with the help of Miamisburg Community Foundation, said Kelsey Whipp, the city’s parks and recreation director.

“When you live in a city it’s not often you get to let your dog run off leash and then play with other dogs,” she said. “ So it’s the social piece and being able to relax with your dog and he can run every inch of the park.”

MORE: Driver faces OVI charge after Miamisburg school bus hit

The city is in the process of ironing out details with the MCF and how much funding is in hand isn’t clear, according to Tony Carpenter, parks and facilities superintendent.

Whipp said work on the park is set to begin this fall with a targeted opening date of next spring. The park is being designed as a phased project with the initial part to include fencing, drinking fountains and shade areas, Carpenter said via email.

Other amenities that have been discussed include agility features, obstacles for dogs, additional sitting areas and shade areas for both dogs and their owners,” he added.

MORE: Popular gathering sites to change names

MCF President Greg Bell said the organization is not “directly funding” the park, but is assisting as part of an effort “to act as a catalyst for the funding of charitable, cultural, educational and recreational purposes for the people of Miamisburg.”

He said donations can be made to Miamisburg Community Foundation, P.O. Box 147, Miamisburg, OH 45343. The city is “actively looking for appropriate grants and sponsorships,” according to Whipp.

The concept for the park grew out of feedback from a community survey as a part of the city’s strategic plan and a large turnout at a Bark in the ‘Burg event in June was a contributing factor, Whipp said.

DOWNLOAD OUR MOBILE APPS FOR LATEST BREAKING NEWS

FOUR MORE QUICK READS

MORE: City program to focus on blight near downtown

MORE: Miamisburg adding more patrol officers this year

MORE: Miamisburg schools seek voter approval for levy renewal

MORE: Dayton defense firm plans move to Miamisburg


AKC dog park recommended features:

• One or more acre of land surrounded by a four- to six-foot high chain-link

fence.

• Cleaning supplies, including covered garbage cans, waste bags, and pooper-

scooper stations.

• Shade and water for both dogs and owners, along with benches and tables.

• A safe, accessible location with adequate drainage and a grassy area that is

mowed routinely.

• If space allows, it is preferable to provide separate areas for small and

large dogs.

• Signs that specify park hours and rules.

• Parking close to the site.

About the Author