Level Plains opens Glenn Howell Memorial Dog Park

Dizzy and Dora Seem were the first four-legged visitors through the gates when the Glenn Howell Dog Park officially opened for business Saturday, Feb. 26.

The four-month-old American Bulldog Pit Bull mixes are the “fur-nieces” of Level Plains City Councilman Greg Aldridge who worked with Level Plains Councilwoman Melinda Achman to make the project a reality.

The 90-feet by 120-feet park is located near the Obetus J. Waters City Park, next to the Level Plains Community Center on Z Street.

It is appropriate that the new dog park is located next to the community center because it was while

Howell served as Level Plains Mayor from 9980-1984 that the center was built, said Level Plains Mayor Ronnie Thompson.

“This park has been a long time coming,” Thompson to those gathered for the official ribbon cutting. “We have a lot of people to thank for this.”

Thompson credited Eldridge and Achman for spearheading the dog park project and thanked city water department personnel for setting the park equipment up.

“Level Plains is growing. There are so many new apartments going up on Freedom Drive,” Thompson said. “There are so many people in our little community that don’t have a place to take their dogs and we see them walking along Dale County 1. We’re hoping this will provide a safe place for them to bring their dogs to play.”

Thompson said the land that houses the dog park cost the city $3,000 and the fencing cost $10,000. He said the city had saved money to pay for it. The play equipment, including a red fire hydrant, was donated. “It’s not a real fire hydrant in case anybody is wondering,” Thompson said, laughing.

Phillip “Glenn” Howell, 85, passed away July 12, 2021. His wife of nearly 66 years, Shirley, cut the ribbon at the grand opening ceremony. “This is quite an honor,” she said. “Glenn loved dogs and he loved Level Plains. He was born and raised here. This was his home.”

Thompson said that the park is open from sunrise to sunset. Children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult at all times while they are at the dog park. A maximum of three dogs per owner will be permitted in the park at one time. All dogs using the park must have collars with current rabies tags. Puppies younger than 4 months old are not allowed in the park.