Dog park dedication April 26th
Optimist Park is going to the dogs or at least part of the park is.
On April 26, officials with the City of Milton and Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners will dedicate the new dog park.
Back in February, members of the Milton City Council approved an agreement with Santa Rosa County concerning Optimist Park, which is located on Old Bagdad Highway.
The agreement would allow the park, which is located behind the Parkmore Plaza Shopping Center, to host Milton Parks Department baseball and softball games as well as plans for a new dog park.
In January the Santa Rosa Board of County Commissioner transferred the rights concerning operations and management of the park to the City of Milton.
Milton at one time had a dog park located at the north end of Russell Harber Landing, but after the city made further improvements to the park dogs were no longer permitted.
“As we developed the north end of Russell Harber Landing we had to shut down that dog park due to the number of people using it,” said John Norton, Parks Director for the City of Milton. “The dog owners were still in need of a place to take their animals to run and play, which this park fills that need.”
In the plans revealed concerning Optimist Park there will be two areas – one for small breeds and a second for larger breeds.
Since the Milton City Council approved the park in February new equipment has been put into place such as signage, fencing, and items for the dogs to run through and around on.
“We had been holding off until the agreement was official but as soon as it was approved we started working on the park,” said Milton City Manager Brian Watkins.
The grand opening will be at 10:30 a.m. at the Optimist Dog Park with hot dogs and lemonade for those in attendance as well as treats for the city’s four legged friends who attend.
Last year the City of Milton approached Santa Rosa County concerning the park with an emphasis on utilizing the ball fields for the Community Center and Parks Department programs.
“The City Manager and the (Santa Rosa) county worked together on this project with the idea of using Optimist Park as a place for not only our sports needs, but as a way to fix the issue concerning the dog park,” Norton said. “I am pleased with how the city and county worked together to see this happen for those who wanted a park to take their dogs.”
Watkins also reflected back on the need and use of Optimist Park for the new dog park facility.
“We thought, ‘Boy that would be a nice area,’” Watkins said of the grassy area at Optimist Park.
Prior to the dog park dedication the City of Milton will conduct an Arbor Day tree planting ceremony at 10 a.m.
Dog Park Rules:
1. All users of this facility do so at their own risk.
2. The dog areas are for dogs ONLY, their handlers and those accompanying them. No other animals or use is allowed.
3. All dogs must be under handlers control at all times and no dog may be left unattended.
4. All handlers must be 16 years of age or older.
5. All handlers must have possession of a dog leash at all times.
6. A handler is limited to a maximum of two dogs.
7. No handler may leave a dog unattended.
8. All children under 15 years of age must be under constant adult supervision.
9. All dogs must be licensed and have current vaccinations and must wear identification tags.
10. Puppies, aggressive dogs or female dogs in heat are prohibited.
11. Handlers assume all risk related to use of the dog park and assumes legal responsibility for any damage or injury caused by their dog(s).
12. Only dogs under 25 lb. may use the SMALL DOG area.
13. Spiked, choke and prong collars are prohibited.
14. All handlers are required to clean up their dogs waste and dispose of it in the pet waste station near the entrance.
15. Wheeled vehicles, except wheel chairs or other handicap devices, are prohibited.
16. Leash your dog upon entering and leaving the dog park.
17. Santa Rosa County and the City of Milton shall not be liable for any injury or damage caused by any dog within the park.
FOR ASSISTANCE OR QUESTIONS CONTACT THE
CITY OF MILTON PARKS DEPARTMENT @ 984-5466
THIS DOG PARK IS A JOINT EFFORT BETWEEN
SANTA ROSA COUNTY AND THE CITY OF MILTON
