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NEWS
Ritter Park dog park plans approved
The Greater Huntington Parks and Recreation District released this drawing of a proposed dog park at Ritter Park.
Purchase this photoHUNTINGTON -- The Greater Huntington Parks and Recreation District Board unanimously approved the preliminary plans for a dog park to be located on land behind the Ritter Park tennis courts in Huntington on Wednesday.
The next step for the park board is to create and approve an estimated construction budget. Board member Alan Morrison said the public will have opportunities to comment on the preliminary drawings and make suggestions in the future.
The dog park is planned to be on an area in Ritter Park known as the Lion's Den, which is located on Ritter Drive across from DAR Cabin. The plans were created by Dan Bock, a landscape architect with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The proposed dog park calls for a six-foot-wide asphalt trail to wind around the main lawn area and a separate, fenced-in area for small dogs. There will also be an observation deck, drinking fountains and benches in the two-and-a-quarter acre area. The entire park will be fenced in with either a five- or six-foot, black fence.
Bock said what he initially thought was the location's two biggest hindrances, the dramatic elevation changes and vegetation, is actually its most positive aspects.
The elevation changes, Bock said, allows people to bring their pets in at the higher elevation entrance way then introduce them to park without being accosted by dogs immediately upon entering the park.
Other dog parks, Bock said, have flat, grassy areas that are fenced in. The proposed dog park, Bock said, will have a unique look and elevation changes that will be very appealing.
"Other dog parks have that prison yard look," Bock said. "This one won't."
The vegetation, which currently surrounds the Lion's Den, will help hide the surrounding fence and provide shade for pet owners. According to the plan, there will be large trees located around the main lawn, small dog area and large entranceway.
The proposed double-gated system ensures dogs can not get out of the park without their owners.
"This really isn't a park for dogs, it's a park for people with dogs," Bock said. "(The proposed location) is a good area to get people outside exercising and interacting with one another."
There are a number of other features that can be added after the land is cleared and the park is built . The second phase of the project can include a larger trail around the whole area, an obstacle course, ornamental lighting, individual dog runs and kennels for temperamental dogs.
