Joplin Dog Park Proposed
By: Gretchen Bolander
Updated: April 19, 2010
Joplin dog owner William Stewart thinks a dog park is a great idea. "You can't let them run like you should. I like a dog being able to run and do what she wants instead of being on a leash all the time."
And Stewart may not have long to wait. Joplin Bark Park Committee organized earlier this month, working toward building a space just for dogs. Committee member Kelly Maddy said, "See what we need to do to make this a reality. We're getting different proposals together, different locations as far as what it would take to get water, lighting, etc... to a current park or another location so there's lots of work still to do."
The group plans to raise funds privately and ask for materials donations to make up the difference. They haven't yet chosen a location and are hopeful the city might be interested in sharing existing park land. According to Maddy, "With other parks like in Jefferson City and some other places around the country, what they've done is they've started with the bare minimum getting fencing donated, get gates donated and get a water source for the dogs."
Joplin city officials say it's still too early to commit to the plan but add they're interested in talking to the group about its plans. Parks and Rec Director Doug Joyce said, "It's certainly on the table as a viable option. Hopefully the dog park supporters will come to the meeting, explain their idea what they would like to do." The meeting the city will host next month - looking for ideas for improvements throughout the Joplin park system.
Joplin resident Judy Tesh hopes that will help make the dog park idea a reality. "It's a great way to socialize dogs and a great way for them to have their own spot."
You can learn more about the Bark Park Committee on their Facebook site - you'll find a link here.
And Stewart may not have long to wait. Joplin Bark Park Committee organized earlier this month, working toward building a space just for dogs. Committee member Kelly Maddy said, "See what we need to do to make this a reality. We're getting different proposals together, different locations as far as what it would take to get water, lighting, etc... to a current park or another location so there's lots of work still to do."
The group plans to raise funds privately and ask for materials donations to make up the difference. They haven't yet chosen a location and are hopeful the city might be interested in sharing existing park land. According to Maddy, "With other parks like in Jefferson City and some other places around the country, what they've done is they've started with the bare minimum getting fencing donated, get gates donated and get a water source for the dogs."
Joplin city officials say it's still too early to commit to the plan but add they're interested in talking to the group about its plans. Parks and Rec Director Doug Joyce said, "It's certainly on the table as a viable option. Hopefully the dog park supporters will come to the meeting, explain their idea what they would like to do." The meeting the city will host next month - looking for ideas for improvements throughout the Joplin park system.
Joplin resident Judy Tesh hopes that will help make the dog park idea a reality. "It's a great way to socialize dogs and a great way for them to have their own spot."
You can learn more about the Bark Park Committee on their Facebook site - you'll find a link here.
