Warner Robins Sniffs Out a Spot for A Dog Park | News

Some people in Warner Robins think Fido needs a new place to play.

The city is working with a community group to find the money and the right spot for a dog park.

It's in the planning stages, but the city hopes to have something to bark about by year's end.

At the Wellston Trail on Thursday, a "Yorkie-Poo" named Max kept his owner Jodi Daley moving on their morning walk.

Daley said, "He loves other dogs, too. He loves to play and fetch."

She says finding a place to let Max loose in the city, besides her backyard, is impossible. Leash laws prohibit pet owners from letting dogs off leashes in the city limits.

Daley said, "When they are cooped up in their homes and not socializing with a lot of dogs, they tend not to be as social or as friendly with people."

That's where the idea for a dog park comes in.

According to City Council member Paul Shealy, they are looking at a spot on Spruce Street, next to a picnic area off the Wellston Trail.

It's a grassy, tree-lined space on city owned property.

The Wellston Trail and parking area is located off Corder Road and runs to Fountain Park off Kimberly Road.

The lot also sits in a neighborhood where a dog park may raise some questions.

Paul Shealy says he has already gotten a few calls from people who live in the neighborhood. They have asked if a dog park would have posted hours of operation, fencing, and provisions to keep people from abondoning dogs at the park.

Shealy says people who live in the neighborhood should receive a letter in the next couple of days with more information. He says they also plan to update the topic at their next council meeting, which is Tuesday.

He said the Warner Robins dog park may include features similar to Macon's dog park. It offers a fenced-in area with separate runs for big and small dogs, playground equipment for pups and rules for their owners.

Daley suggests a posting warning people not to leave dogs unattended.

She said, "If somebody happens to drop a dog off and leave, they need to see that happen and maybe take note and call the proper authorities."

Shealy and Debra Jones with Keep Warner Robins Beautiful estimate building a dog park would cost about $10,000.

Shealy said the city could likely provide maintenance, along with the help of a citizen committee to oversee fund raising and day-to-day operations.