A portion of Salina’s East Crawford Recreation Area will soon be going to the dogs. Salina City Commissioners Monday approved a new dog park.

The dog park will be located on two acres, south of Dean Evans Stadium, east of the southern end of the former runway. The land is in part of an area that used to be utilized for yard waste disposal.

The dog park will be privately funded, and the money has already been raised. The biggest costs include installing double gated fencing, and getting metered water to the area. There are also some terrain issues that need to be addressed.

East Crawford  was the preferred area selected after public input was gathered on three possible locations. The locations under consideration were Jerry Ivey Park, Indian Rock Park, and the East Crawford Recreation Area.

East Crawford was the preferred location, for several reasons. It is the location furthest away from homes and it is the largest location. It also is the only location that did not receive any negative feedback.

Once the park opens, it will fall under the umbrella of the Salina Parks and Recreation Department, and will be maintained by the city.

Construction is expected to begin this Spring.

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