'K9 Korner' proposes dog park at Barnett Park

CONNIE JO DISCOE

Regional Editor

McCOOK, Neb. — A newly-formed non-profit corporation called "McCook K9 Korner" wants to develop an off-leash dog park in McCook's Barnett Park.

Bruce Crosby/McCook Gazette

K9 Korner organizers would go before McCook's city council members sometime this spring with their plans for a dog park in the southwest corner of the rustic city park that meanders with the Republican River on the south edge of the community.

Dog park project president Kellie Soden unveiled preliminary maps of the dog park that would fence in about 1 1/4 acres in Barnett Park at a meeting of the city's parks advisory board at noon Monday.

The organization's three-phase plans include: Fundraising; two areas, one for small dogs, one for large dogs, enclosed with a 6-foot-high fence and 12-foot-wide gates; the use of the city's two existing water hydrants for dog watering and paw wash stations; pet waste stations, signage for rules/regulations, surveillance cameras and park benches, and possibly obstacles and agility equipment.

The dog park would be open and available during the regular hours of Barnett Park, from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m.

K9 Korner would lease the land from the city, provide liability insurance, and be responsible for maintenance of the dog park. The city would continue to provide mowing and the pick-up of trash dumpsters.

Kyle Potthoff, the director of the city's parks, said this area of Barnett Park is "underutilized," and offers open green spaces, trees, shade, water and parking.

Soden said the mission of the dog park is to, of course, provide off-leash areas for dogs to run and play, but to also educate dog owners about their responsibility to socialize their dogs with other humans and with other dogs and about the importance of vaccinations and keeping dogs current on their shots.

Rules and regulations would state that dogs must wear collars with current rabies tags attached; that owners cannot bring dog toys or food inside the dog park; and that young children cannot be unsupervised. Owners must remain with their dogs; they cannot "drop them off" and return for them later. Organizers are hoping that the presence of surveillance cameras would discourage the "dumping" of unwanted dogs.

The dog park is also an opportunity to remind residents that according to city ordinance, all dogs must be on leashes when off their owners' property. City ordinance would have to be amended to state that the dog park allows dogs off-leash.

Potthoff explained that while talk was of possibly creating a dog park in the 300 block of East 11th, the land was donated to the city "for city purposes," not specifically for a dog park. This Barnett Park location is much better, he said, because the East 11th site is within a residential neighborhood, it is a major water drainage area and it has no trees or shade. Potthoff said, "This (Barnett Park) location is a win-win for everyone."

Soden and Potthoff agreed that many residents are excited about the possibility of a dog park, and several are pleased that it would no longer be in their East 11th Street neighborhood.

Soden said the proposed project is supported by veterinarians Cort and Candace Mohr of Four Winds Animal Clinic and Dr. Wayne Watkins of Red Willow Animal Clinic, and by Lorrie Prestes, director of the McCook Humane Society.

Parks advisory board member Mark Friehe said that a dog park will also be attractive to people looking to move to McCook.

Anyone interested in helping with the dog park is encouraged to contact K9 Korner board members: Kellie Soden, president; Ronda Graff, vice president; Caitlin Whitehead, secretary; Sadie Muehlenkamp, treasurer; Pam Gaston, publicity and education; Bruce McDowell, ordinance, rules and regulations; Cathy McDowell and Denise Garey, grants and fundraising; and Gene Mahon, construction support.

Joyce Anderson, CPA; Bryant Books, attorney; and Michele Weimer, design/drafting, are providing support for the non-profit.