Moses Lake Council endorses dog park

MOSES LAKE - Despite a few hiccups, the Moses Lake City Council endorsed the concept of a dog park in the city, much to the delight of the well-organized community group.

With about a dozen supporters on hand at Tuesday's City Council meeting, two group leaders presented initial plans for an off-leash dog park across from Paul Lazier Park on Central Drive, with plans to break ground next spring. Although the city approved the concept, the proposed location may have to be reconsidered.

City Manager Joseph Gavinski said plans have been discussed previously to build a fire and police substation on the city owned parcel, something that had not been discussed with the Parks and Recreation Commission, who unanimously recommended the council approve the dog park. With the approval came the stipulation the location could be changed if not acceptable to the city.

Rick Serra, chairman for the Friends of the Moses Lake Dog Park non-profit, said about five other locations could work for the park, but the recommended location was the best fit.

"The object here is to establish the park and make it something the community can be proud of," Serra said.

The initial concept for the park, estimated to cost about $38,000 to build, will include about a 5-acre park, with separate areas for large and small dogs, CEO Greg Becker said. The goal of the project is to provide a fenced-in, off leash area for dogs, according to the group's Facebook page.

Spencer Grigg, of the city's Parks and Recreation Department, said it's not out of the question to incorporate the dog park into an established city park.

Serra said the group will meet further with the Parks and Recreation department to discuss other locations. He said once a location has been established, the group has planned for major fundraising and will approach donors to help fund the project.

Councilmember Brent Reese was also concerned about the maintenance of the park, which once completed, would be turned over to the city.

Serra said the goal of the non-profit organization is to continue to raise funds even after the park is established, in order to make improvements and possibly assist with maintenance costs.

The dog park concept was unanimously endorsed by the council.