Enterprise Recreational Complex may be more canine-friendly if a new organization of dog lovers and the city can reach an agreement on a dog park.
Elaine Roberts and other members of the “Enterprise Dog Park Committee” met with the Enterprise City Council Wednesday during a work session to discuss using some current park land to allow free roaming for the animals.
The proposed area is located across the driveway from the main area of the park. The area would have two sets of fencing and two separate areas – one for smaller dogs and one for bigger animals.
The idea for the park came from Roberts’ travels around the country.
“My husband and I are retired, and we have two dachshunds and we travel. In the first year, they both gained 3 pounds each because they had nowhere to run,” she told The Enterprise Ledger.
The park would allow dogs to roam without leashes and play.
Roberts and the other members of the committee addressed concerns from the council and city attorney Rainer Cotter during the meeting.
“The thing that comes to mind is what keeps the dogs from fighting each other?” Cotter asked.
Roberts said dog owners will be responsible for policing the area and mentioned that rules will prevent aggressive dogs from entering the park at all.
Vicki Davis of the committee added dogs that are allowed to socialize with other dogs often become less aggressive.
To prevent issues with children, Roberts said children under 16 would not be allowed in the area. It may also decrease the amount of dogs in other areas of the park, where children may be exposed to them, Roberts said.
District 2 Councilman Tommy Johnson asked if dogs would be allowed in other areas in the complex if the dog park was built, to which Mayor Kenneth Boswell responded that would be something that needed to be discussed with Enterprise Parks and Recreation Director Billy Powell.
To fence the area alone could cost about $16,000, and additional costs will include garbage cans and watering the area, Roberts said. The committee is working with the Enterprise Chamber of Commerce to establish themselves as a nonprofit organization to be able to raise money for the project.
Boswell seemed to support the idea of a dog park.
“This presents an opportunity if that is an opportunity you want to pursue,” he told the council.
Persons wanting to support the park should contact Roberts at 347-1426 or 464-1852.
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