MARION - Marion Park District officials may be putting the bark in park as they consider the idea of building a dog park in the community.
District officials posted a survey on the district's Facebook page Monday to gauge public interest in a dog park for Marion residents and their pets.
Questions on the survey include whether or not the respondent would support the expenditure of funds to pay for the park, how many dogs they own, and how often they would use the park.
Director of Parks and Recreation Jack Reed said that the idea for the park was floated as a part of a series of capital projects being examined by the Park District board.
"That's where we came up with the idea to put a poll on Facebook, to see if there is interest, and what type of interest there is, and to give the board a better handle," Reed said. "We thought it was the quickest, easiest and best way to get the word out."
Since Monday, at least 20 people have responded, with a quarter of respondents showing no interest in the dog park.
A preliminary estimate done by Reed found that a dog park would cost at least $20,000, including fencing, possible lighting, and other amenities.
The closest dog park to Marion is located in Herrin, and draws visitors from around the area. Chelsea Garrett of Carbondale, said that she would bring her Brindle Pit Bull, Mopar, to a park in Marion if one was constructed.
"I love Marion, I'm there quite often. I'd totally go there," said Garrett, who brings Mopar to a dog park at least three or four times a week.
Garrett's friend, Breanna Patrick of Herrin, sees the need for dogs to socialize together, like Mopar and her Blue Heeler/Terrier mix, Bandit.
"It's good for them to interact with other dogs, because then they're less aggressive to them," Patrick said. "It's good for them (dogs) in general. Dogs could get out with the family and have a good time, instead of just being stuck at home."
Due to the size or location of the parks in Marion, Reed said that the two most likely options would be Ashley Park, on the other side of the creek, or the far side of Russell Street Park. Reed did point out that a problem with placing the park at Ashley Park is the lack of shade, as a result of a derecho that swept through the area in May of 2009. At Russell Street Park, however, there is an abundance of trees to provide shade, as well as a pavilion.
Reed called the east side of Russell Park "probably the most under-used part of any of our parks."
"There's open area and there's park land, where a dog park could probably be established," Reed said.
Pyramid Park was taken out of the running by the recent installation of a frisbee golf course, while the soccer complex was eliminated for a lack of shade, and Ray Fosse Park was counted out for a lack of space.
As the dog park is still in the very early planning stages, Reed said that he and his department would examine whether or not such a venture is needed to meet certain requirements, as well as being ADA-compliant.
"That would be the first thing that I would consider," Reed said.
According to the American Kennel Club, the "ideal" dog park should include: at least an acre of land surrounded by a four-to-six-foot high chain link fence with double-gated entry, cleaning supplies, shade and water, benches and tables, possible separate areas for small and large dogs, and adequate drainage with frequent mowing.
"There are a lot of people who own dogs, and a lot of people like to go to parks and take their kids and have a good time, so you can take your dogs with you if someone actually has a dog park," Patrick said.
Reed assured that the Marion Park District has the funds for a dog park as a result of retiring a few bonds and lowering interest rates.
"The board just hasn't firmly decided on all of the expenditures," he said.
The board is still mulling over a series of capital projects, including repairing the Russell Street tennis courts, resurfacing the ballparks at Ray Fosse park, a walking trail at Ashley Park, and an inclusive playground at Ray Fosse Park.
"It's just a matter of finalizing what we want to do, and going from there," Reed said.
The survey will remain on the Marion Park District's Facebook page for a few weeks. Those who do not have social media, or want to speak to officials of the Park District directly, can do so by contacting the office at 993-3940.
The next meeting of the Marion Park District Board is Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. at the Boy Scout Cabin.
