Plans for Guttenberg Dog Park move forward

By Caroline Rosacker

Fund-raising for a handicap accessible dog park in Guttenberg can now move forward following city council approval of a site adjacent to the wastewater building off of Dekalb Street  at the regular city council meeting on May 8. 

Chamber/Community Vitality Director Brandie Tomkins brainstormed the idea in late 2022 and sent out a plea for donations in January 2023. 

The original dog park location was denied by the city council, placing the project on hold until a suitable location could be secured. 

Phase I

"We have finally agreed on a location," said Tomkins. "I am excited to move forward with this project." 

Depending on funding, the dog park will be approximately 25,000 square feet. Phase I will include installing a four- foot high fence (average height for dog parks) with a separate unleashing area for dog owners to take their dog off leash before making contact with other canines occupying the area. 

"Eventually we will divide the expansive area creating a separate space for smaller dogs and larger dogs," she explained. 

Memorial tables and benches

Tables and benches for dog owners to rest are being considered but they are not high priority. Tomkins suggested since Ingleside Park has very little space for memorial benches and tables, families might consider making a donation towards a bench or table at the dog park in memory of a family member or beloved pet. 

Currently the dog park fund has $2600 in donations and will need $15,000 total to complete phase I. 

Dog park maintenance

"The City owns the property. Kluesner Sanitation will pick up the trash and city workers will replenish the dog waste bags, mow and weed the area, and maintain the gravel parking lot in the winter, " she listed. 

Rules

As part of phase II Tomkins hopes to install a sandpoint so pet owners can offer water to their dogs. She is currently working on rules and regulations for local and out-of-town users. "There will be a QR code for pet owners to scan that will offer a questionnaire about your dog, and a basic release of liability," she commented. 

There is no mandatory fee to use the dog park but dogs should be registered with the City and must have up-to-date vaccinations and clean health records. "There is an option for visitors to pay the $10 registration fee, but is not required to enter the dog park," noted Tomkins. 

There will be a prompt at the main entrance for individuals who don't have, or aren't carrying a cellphone and a list of qualifying dog park donors. 

Donations accepted

At this time Tomkins is depending on in-kind donations and grant opportunities, and does not have any special fundraisers scheduled. "We will see how it goes. There may be some community events held to raise money," she told The Press. 

All donations are appreciated, and donors who give more than $250 will be recognized at the site of the new dog park. 

Sponsorship levels are: • Dog's Best Friend: $250-$499

• Raising the Woof: $500-$999 

• Top Dog: $1,000-$4,999

• Leader of the Pack: $5,000+

Please send donations to: City of Guttenberg

      502 S. First St., P.O. Box 580

      Guttenberg, IA 52052