NEWS

City delays dog park

Hayden Kull
Reporter

Zanesville - City Council delayed a Monday vote for land within Riverside Park to be used as an off-leash dog park.

Jay Bennett

The park was at third reading before being delayed so city officials could further investigate the proposed land for the park and other options.

Public Service Director Jay Bennett said the proposed dog park would be between 3 and 3 1/2 acres. He said the size of the park was determined after months of analysis found the park would need to be at least 3 acres to make an effective space for dogs of different sizes so large and small dogs can be separated in case they don't play well together.

City Council President Dan Vincent said the vote was delayed so council members and city officials could look at the proposed area as well as other locations.

Vincent said residents have reached out to him to voice concerns that the dog park would hinder other activities in the park, such as flying kites, because the park would be in a flat area.

"You would be adding an asset of the dog park to the community, but you would be taking away an asset that’s been used for years,” Vincent said.

Bennett said other city properties were considered for the dog park, but the area in Riverside Park was thought to be the best location because parking is available, the proposed area drains well and it would be easy for community members to access.

Bennett said the city is looking for private donations to assist with the park, and anyone who wants to donate can do so through the Muskingum County Community Foundation. The city has $20,000 in this year's budget to assist with the park. Bennett estimated the fence for the park would cost $15,000; other money and donations would be used for trails, trees, water fountains and other amenities.

The vote on the park has been delayed until June 13. City officials will use that time to look at the possibility of making the park smaller, moving it to a different location or going forward with the proposed area.

hkull@gannett.com

740-450-6772

Twitter: @haydenkull5