Dedication of Karen A. Nelson Memorial Dog Park

DEDICATION OF KAREN A. NELSON MEMORIAL DOG PARK AUGUST 5TH

Racine – Racine County Executive Jim Ladwig today announced the formal dedication ceremony for the recently completed Karen A. Nelson Memorial Dog Park. The event will occur at 6:30 PM on Friday, August 5, 2011 at the park, which is located on Northwestern Avenue, just south of Rapids Drive, in the City of Racine.

Said Ladwig, “This is a wonderful tribute to a remarkable woman and a much-needed amenity for the many Racine County citizens who love to experience the beauty of our community with their pets.”

The park is named for Karen A. Nelson, who died in April 2010. A successful businesswoman, Ms. Nelson was very active in the community, especially with Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast and the Greater Racine Kennel Club. At the time of her passing, she was finishing her third term as a Racine County Supervisor, representing the section of the City of Racine in which the park is located.

The dog park is part of the county’s Quarry Lake Park, completely fenced off and separated from the lake itself and the activity areas around it. Access to the fenced dog park area has been designed to prevent animals from getting outside the enclosure; for that reason, dogs do not need to remain on leash. The dog park is equipped with amenities for the dog owners, including a dispenser for clean-up bags.

Ladwig credited his predecessor, former County Executive Bill McReynolds, with the idea for the park. He also commended Public Works Director Dave Prott and his staff for developing the idea and making it a reality. Ladwig especially thanked County Supervisor Monte Osterman for donating the granite sign that marks the facility.