News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Cookeville council members are barking for a new dog park to open.
Council Members voiced their concerns that the city dog park is still a year away. City Manager James Mills said a lack of manpower and not having a set plan are the reasons for the delay.
“It’s finalizing the design for it, and then we need to host some engineering work in particular to address some ADA issues,” Mills said. “That’s been the big hold up so far. We did want to use city crews to do the project, but they are tied up in some other projects now.”
Mills said the city could explore hiring crews to get the project moving faster if crews can’t finish projects they’re currently working on by their deadlines. He said it would speed the project’s process, but it would increase the cost.
The dog park addition to Cane Creek Park has been a part of the master plan for four years. Construction was supposed to begin this fall. Mills said having the dog park is important for the city.
“We get calls and requests for information on where people can take their dogs to run and play are pretty common pretty often,” Mills said. “I think there is a need for it, we don’t have a facility like this within the city.”
There is a dog park located at the Putnam County Animal Shelter. Mills said the new dog park is expected to be larger. Some park amenities include artificial and natural shade sources, water lines for drinking, and some paved areas.
