A portion of Salina’s East Crawford Recreation Area could soon be going to the dogs. A location for a new dog park in Salina has been recommended.

For the past year, public input has been gathered on three possible locations for a proposed new dog park. The locations under consideration were Jerry Ivey Park, Indian Rock Park, and the East Crawford Recreation Area.

Animal Service Supervisor Vanessa Cowie from the Salina Animal Shelter tells KSAL News that the East Crawford location is 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.

The dog park would 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.

Cowie says that 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.

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

Cowie says that city leaders still need to approve the park before it can become a reality. It first needs to be approved by the Salina Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, and then by the Salina City Commission.

Construction could still begin this year, but Cowie says realistically it probably won’t begin until next Spring.