Fundraising by Friends of Lake Panorama for a dog park kicked off in September 2020, after the LPA board unanimously approved the plan at its August 2020 meeting. The park is located at the corner of Sage Trail and RV Road.
Construction on the park is nearly complete. Most of the work was done last fall, with Bryce Arganbright of Arganbright Construction installing a 6’ high chain link fence 400’ long and 150’ wide. There are two sections, one for small dogs that are less than 15-inches at shoulder height, and one for large dogs that are least 15-inches at shoulder height.
A single entrance is protected by a keyless lock. Once inside this gate, users can choose a second gate to either the large dog or small dog areas. Arganbright was able to get a shelter for this area built last fall before cold weather set in. By the end of April, he plans to finish work on the shelter, pour a concrete pad for the entrance, and install the remaining fence and gates.
Crushed rock along the inside perimeter of the fence provides a walking path, a weed barrier and will keep dogs from digging near the fence. The LPA maintenance staff recently installed a gravel parking lot on the east side of the park. Some additional rock may be needed there as the ground firms up.
Last fall, Brandon Brehmer donated his time to seed and fertilize the fenced-in area. Despite the dry fall, seed germination did occur to get a turfgrass base started. Brehmer will be overseeding and fertilizing again this spring, as soon as the soil temperature is warm enough for grass seed to germinate. Timely rains will be needed to get a turfgrass stand that can withstand the expected dog and human traffic. Opening of the park is planned for 2022, and is dependent on how quickly the turfgrass establishment is complete.
Two sugar maple trees were planted last fall, donated by Larry and Heather Isom, who own Isom Tree Farm. If additional trees are desired, the Isoms have offered to donate one tree for each tree purchased, which could be planted in fall 2022.
The LPA has ordered two picnic tables, and will be placing one in each of the two sections of the park. Water lines were run last fall for two dog water fountains that will be mounted on concrete near the park entrance, one on each side.
Four bag dispensers for picking up pet waste will be installed this spring, with two near the park entrances, and two in the far corners of each section. Two pet waste receptacles will be attached to the concrete pad within each side of the park.
A set of rules for responsible use of the dog park has been adopted, and will be posted on a sign at the park entrance. A sign recognizing donors of $500 or more also will be posted at the dog park. The facility will be open to LPA members and their guests. Once a date for the park opening has been set, members will be able to call LPA Security to get the code to the main entrance gate.