Vernon Dog Park Opening Anticipated For Next Month

VERNON, CT — Vernon's new dog park should be ready for canine frolicking in about three weeks, municipal officials said.

A sign for the Saxony Dog Park is now up, as are fire hydrants, tires and a tunnel obstacle. A parking area is set up on Regan and West streets. Town officials were not sure about enforcement with dogs, but will be asking humans to respect social distancing.

The Vernon Town Council in January approved plans to build the dog park on a flat parcel of municipal land — the Saxony Mill property. It has a $61,000 estimated price tag and sponsors and donations could offset the public contributions from the general fund, town officials said.

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

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 (weights will be posted), according to a report on the plans.

The park would be maintained through private donations and fundraising efforts, according to the initial plans.