This isn’t your common fluff piece, and that’s thanks partially to the dozen canines who confirmed up earlier this week for the official ribbon slicing of the brand new canine park at Sunset Park in Newton. Interviews with a few the four-legged fluffballs had been unsuccessful, however the extreme tail wags stated sufficient.
With the rolling hills, shaded timber, water fountains and sections for each small and huge breeds, the dogs of Newton have one thing to bark about.
Newton Mayor Mike Hansen stated when he lived nearer to the downtown district that he all the time thought Sunset Park could be a pleasant place for residents to deliver pets, particularly when the town has pushed to maneuver extra residents to the downtown space with flats and upper-story dwelling above businesses.
“By god, our community supported us with our 2022 bond referendum and can’t thank the community enough for that,” Hansen stated throughout the ribbon slicing ceremony. “…This beautiful park on the north side of our downtown here is a testament to what we all can achieve when the community comes together.”
The thought to ascertain a brand new canine park began as early as 2020. Discussions between workers and members of the Newton Park Board at the moment felt dogs and their homeowners may make the most of a extra centralized canine park on the town because the solely different facility is west of metropolis limits close to Westwood Golf Course.
Brian Laube, neighborhood providers director for the City of Newton, stated to park board members again then that the introduction of extra downtown dwelling — particularly the brand new residence buildings — had contributed to the town’s efforts so as to add a brand new canine park. Two years later, it was included on a $1.6 million park bond.
The metropolis funded the venture with a number of the bond proceeds and a $20,000 grant from Prairie Meadows Casino, Racetrack and Hotel that was acquired this previous summer season. Other bond proceeds are going in the direction of pickleball courts, enhancements at Maytag Pool and a brand new clubhouse on the golf course.
In a press launch from the City of Newton on Aug. 2, workers stated the canine park might be a wonderful amenity for your entire neighborhood but additionally for close by pet-friendly retirement communities like Park Centre and Newton Village, the renovated mixed-use space at Legacy Plaza and newer residential models close by.
“The dog park is not just a place for dogs to run and play, but it’s about fostering a sense of community here, folks, and encouraging residents to be active and promoting social interaction in the great outdoors,” Hansen stated. “Our dog park is an amenity for our city.”
