Time to paw-ty: Monona Dog Park ready to open
Once signage goes up, the city of Monona anticipates the dog park will open this week. The dog park is located along Bulldog Boulevard, next to the Monona Family Aquatic Center, and includes separate areas for large and small dogs. Parking is available on site, but there is no water yet, as fundraising efforts continue. (Photo by Audrey Posten)
By Audrey Posten | Times-Register
The Monona Dog Park is slated to open this week. Fencing for the anticipated project was completed last week, and once signage goes up, Monona City Administrator Barb Collins said people—and their pets—are welcome to utilize the space along Bulldog Boulevard, next to the Monona Family Aquatic Center.
The dog park has long been a vision for Monona, which city registration records show has over 300 dogs.
“We were looking for projects people would like to see,” Collins said. “We’ve had an issue with dogs getting out, mostly because they like to run. We thought, if they had a place to run, they wouldn’t try to escape their homes as much.”
A dog park is also a great way to safely socialize pets and allow pets and their owners to hang out with friends and family.
Dog parks in other communities have been well received. Billing clerk Sophie Landt said the feedback in Monona has been no different since plans were announced.
“There’s been a lot of positive feedback of people excited about the dog park,” she shared.
The city partnered with MFL MarMac’s MORE authentic learning class last spring to develop plans, and last fall received a $25,000 grant from the Upper Mississippi Gaming Corporation to cover most of the fencing. Fundraising continues, however, to cover approximately $25,000 more for the overall project.
“The fencing was the most expensive part,” Collins said, “but the city put in cement and water to it. To put in the water line alone was $6,000.”
A water fountain that can serve both people and dogs, and has a hose hook up to spray down the dog park entrance, will cost between $6,000 and $7,000. Three pup waste bag dispensers with garbage cans come in around $2,000.
“It all adds up,” noted Collins.
The city will plant trees in the dog park thanks to a grant.
“The trees aren’t huge, but they should be fast growing to offer some shade down the line,” said Collins. “We’ll have picnic tables so people can sit. We’re also considering some agility courses so the dogs can do something different.”
A Monona Dog Park fundraising brochure is circulating now. It lists multiple donation levels: chihuahua, beagle, bulldog, labrador and great dane. Those who donate by June 30 will be included on a thank you board.
“People can do memorials, whether it’s for a pet or a person, or just a donation. We also have an option for businesses to do an advertising option,” Landt stated.
The Monona Dog Park will include a shared gated entrance where the water fountain will eventually go. There will be separate areas for big and small dogs.
The small dog area is “the same length, just not as wide,” Collins said.
Graveled parking is on site, as well as a cemented area for handicap parking.
Collins said the dog park’s location should keep the sound of excited barking away from homes. It’s also easily accessible from the Butterfly Trail.
“Some people can’t walk their dog on the trail because it’s got too much energy. Now, they can run it off a bit here, then go on a walk,” she said. “Even if somebody is not taking their dog to the dog park, but walking by,” they can use the water fountain when it is installed.
City officials also hope dog park users will patronize the pool concession stand when it opens for the season. Food and drinks can be purchased at the entrance, where you pay admission, without having to go through the pool area.
“You’re more than welcome to bring it over to the dog park if you forget your water or you just want a snack,” said deputy city clerk Amanda Donlon.
“We’re hoping to advertise that more for walkers or dog park users,” Landt added.
The dog park is not just open to Monona residents, but neighboring communities as well. No special registration is required, however, dogs living within the city of Monona must be registered with the city. All dogs must be up-to-date on vaccinations and be healthy. Aggressive dogs are not allowed.
Owners are asked to leash their dog before entering the gated area, be respectful and also pick up after their dog. Dogs must be with someone at least 16 years old and a child 13 years old and younger must be with an adult.
Find more information at https://cityofmonona.org/things-to-do/dog-park, and follow the city of Monona Facebook page for updates.
Collins is excited to see the dog park open.
“It’s just a good thing for the community,” she said.
