Groundbreaking Ceremony for City’s First Ever Dog Park
McAllen Parks and Recreation Department Host Groundbreaking Ceremony for City’s First Ever Dog Park
McAllen, Texas (May 20, 2009) – The City of McAllen Parks and Recreation Department hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the Rio Grande Valley’s first dog park located at 5th Street and Tamarack on May 23, 2009.
“The City Commission is excited to see this park because of its multi-use. It would be used for a regional storm water detention facility (RDF) and a recreational area for our citizens and their dogs to enjoy the outdoors. The dog park adds to the city’s efforts in providing more quality of life amenities to attract new and young professionals to our area,” said Mayor Richard Cortez, City of McAllen.
The Dog Park is an “off-leash” park where dog owners, who may not have a yard, such as apartment dwellers, can take their dog for exercise and socializing, inside a fenced in area. Well-exercised dogs are better neighbors that are less likely to create a nuisance. The Dog Park creates an opportunity for the dog owners to socialize with other dog owners and get a little exercise themselves.
“We look forward to opening this facility to provide thousands of McAllen residents who own dogs and have little space for exercise and social interaction a high quality park for this activity,” said Larry Pressler, Director of the McAllen Parks and Recreation Department.
Approximately two years ago half the land for this project was donated by the Shell Exploration and Production Company to expand the City’s existing park. The renovated park will feature a new parking lot, shade structure, signage kiosk, trees, landscaping, fencing, lighting and a perimeter walking trail.
This new multipurpose four acre park will prove to be a win-win situation for dog lovers and local residents alike as it will also serve as a storm water detention facility. The new Dog Park will provide flood protection for roughly 50 homes in the surrounding area.
“During a heavy rain, storm water will drain into the park until the remainder of the storm water drainage system in that area of town has run down, then the water in the Dog Park will drain back into the drainage system within a few hours,“ said Larry Pressler.
Construction for this $330,000 project is scheduled to begin later this month with final completion estimated for September 1, 2009.
For more information regarding the McAllen Dog Park groundbreaking ceremony Saturday morning, please contact the McAllen Parks and Recreation Department at 956-681-3333.