By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
An effort approaching two years – and a dream of many Decatur residents for much longer – came to fruition Wednesday when Paws & Play Dog Park officially opened its gates.
Mayor Dan Rickord, who set the pace for the dog park long requested by so many residents, made the announcement at the city council meeting the night before the opening.
The park’s name was selected in a local contest.
Dog owners who want to access the area at the former site of the Evergreen Assisted Living facility – roughly across Mercer Ave. from Adams Memorial Hospital – need to register their animal at Riverside Center.
There is a $30 annual fee per household and proof that the dog has been vaccinated is required to obtain access to the dog park. Three dogs is the limit per family.
The facility will be open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Rules for the dog park are posted at the site. “And there are bags there so please use them,” the mayor asked the public.
The city park board will oversee the park and handle any enforcement questions.
At an earlier meeting, Mayor Rickord praised the efforts of Operations Manager Jeremy Gilbert (who oversees the parks department), Community Coordinator Jamie Gephart, and City Attorney Anne Razo to get the dog park in operation. “It hasn’t been an easy process,” he said.
GONE FISHIN’: The pond beside Paws & Play has been stocked by the city with 100 bass, 500 blue gill and 500 crappies.
It’s become a popular spot in warmer weather.
The new residents of the pond are the ones to toss back.
“We’re asking everyone to catch and release,” Rickord has said. “They’re mid-sized and they need time to grow. So we’re asking for catch and release through 2024.”