By BOB SHRALUKA
The pavilion is constructed and the fencing is up, so the next step to establishing a dog park in Decatur is setting up a crowdfunding source to provide additional funds.
The pavilion and fencing are the initial steps in providing the dog park at the site of the former Evergreen Assisted Living facility off Mercer Ave. at the edge of the city.
Lights which already existed at the site are being readied for use.
Arnold Lumber Co. constructed the pavilion at a cost of $10,750. R&C Fence Inc. of Fort Wayne erected the fencing at a cost of $37,200. There are two fenced sections, which will be for small dogs and large dogs.
That mostly used up the monies in this year’s city budget for the dog park, so fundraising is in the near future.
The Patronicity program is likely to be established. Community Coordinator Jamie Gephart says she is hoping to get it up and running for this summer.
The state program has been used by Decatur in the past. If a project is accepted, Patronicity will match the amount of funds raised locally.
City officials are hoping to have the dog park in operation yet this year.
When it’s completed, current plans call for the fencing and pavilion, benches, working lights, a marked parking lot – and even a fish stocking of the existing pond.
Officials also hope to be able to revamp the softball diamond to the north because it is all in the Kekionga Park area.
