Dog Park Completion Delayed

The city's first dog park isn't quite ready for the grand introduction to resident's canine friends, but officials say it shouldn't be long now.

The city hoped to have the dog park ready for use by Thanksgiving, but a delay in the delivery of equipment needed to put the finishing touches on the park has put the project back on hold. Once the equipment arrives, Parks and Recreation employees will begin the installation immediately, officials said.

"We are running a bit behind," City Administrator Fox Simons said. "We have confirmation that the equipment wil be shipped on Jan. 13."

The addition of the dog park is part of a broader plan to revitalize Hagood Park and is just one of several projects taking place at the West End neighborhood park. The city has completed a new play structure for children. In January work is expected to begin on a sand volleyball court, horeshoe pits, and the parking lot will be graded and graveled.

The dog park is separated into a small dog area and a large dog area and will feature play structures for the dogs, water fountains, and eventually shade structures.

The latest project at Hagood Park was originally projected to cost the city $35,000, but Simons said it is currently running under budget and may end up costing around $27,000.

"The fence cost $15,000 and we estimated it at $35,000, so we're getting out a whole lot cheaper than we had planned."

An opening date for the park has still not been set, but Simons said he hopes it will be sometime in late January.