Price Tag Released For Proposed Vernon Dog Park

VERNON, CT — A dog park proposed for a town-owned parcel in Vernon would cost more than $50,000 to build, according to the latest report by the committee overseeing the project.

The matter was to be discussed Tuesday at the Vernon Town Council meeting.

In the report, the committee identified the original targeted parcel — the Saxony Mill property at the corner of Regan and West streets — as "the only suitable parcel of existing town-owned
property for this type of development."

Mark Boyer, a local Eagle Scout candidate, has agreed to contribute to the efforts as part of his Eagle Scout project, according to the reort.

The dog park would consist of a two-area, fenced-in park with one side for large dogs
and the other side for small dogs with the definitions to be determined by the committee, according to the report.

The park would not feature any buildings or electric service to start off. The supply line for a
drinking fountain would installed during construction with the water costing about $500 per year, according to the report. The park would be maintained through private donations and fundraising efforts, according to the initial plans.

The initial cost of the project is estimated to be $54,000. No exact town funding source has been identified.

Optional costs for added amenities could cost $7,000. Any of the amenities could be added at any time with no extra cost. Sponsors could pay for added equipment, according to the report.

The Committee consists of:

• Steve Wakefield, deputy mayor
• Julie Clay, town council
• Brian Motola, town council
• Mark Boyer Jr., Eagle Scout candidate
• Mark Boyer Sr., resident
• Marty Sitler, parks and recreation director

The parcel in mind is a municipally owned, flat, seldom-used tract at the intersection of West and Regan Streets next to Saxony Park, a small enclave designed for passive recreation.

The park would also feature a clean-up area for dog waste, officials said.