Enterprise dog park project gaining momentum

An effort two years in the making is getting new life, as a group of Enterprise residents continue to raise funds and make plans for a dog park to be located in Johnny Henderson Family Park.

In May 2012, Enterprise City Council members approved the plan to establish a community dog park if funds to do so were raised by the dog park committee.

The city agreed to provide the land, water hook-up and maintenance to the property.

In the two years since, the group had raised about $3,000, but after the committee reorganized and beefed up fundraising efforts, they now have raised an additional $23,000 within the past two months through foundations and private donations.

Jane Fletcher, president of the dog park committee, said that's enough get things rolling to purchase the fencing for park.

Committee members met with Enterprise council members during a June 12 work session to discuss the desired dimensions and location for the park.

Fletcher requested that the city provide an additional 40 feet to the original site plan.

"We're pleased with what you have given us. We're very grateful, but for the large dogs, we're going to need just a smidgen more," Fletcher said, addressing the council.

Committee secretary Brian Swenson provided a presentation about the benefits of having a dog park available for residents.

"We want a place where residents can take their dogs and exercise them off-leash," he said.

Swenson said a good dog park would help make Enterprise more appealing to people moving into the area.

With a high number of apartment and townhome residents in Enterprise, Swenson said it would provide a public place for those residents to exercise their dogs.

"Dog parks are the fastest growing segment of public recreation facilities," he said, adding that the number of pet-related businesses in Enterprise shows just how pet-friendly the city's residents are.

The city currently supports six dog-grooming businesses, four veterinarian clinics, three pet supply stores, a dog day care, an animal shelter and obedience instructors, he said.

"We have a huge population of people with animals or who care about animals," Swenson said.

If the council approves the additional 40 feet of space, Fletcher said she'd like to begin as soon as possible to get the fencing up.

Once that is finished, as money is raised, she said other features would be added such as water features, trashcans, lighting and shaded areas.

For more information about the Enterprise dog park or to learn how you can help, visit its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/EnterpriseBarkPark.