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Plans For Evansville Dog Park Delayed As Some Groups Express Concern

WKU Public Radio

At first glance, an area of land near the state hospital in Evansville seems like a perfect place for a dog park. 

But not everyone’s on board with the proposed location.

Denise Johnson, executive director of Evansville’s Parks and Recreation department, says the 6.7 acres is well suited for a dog park.

“No. 1 there’s shade.  And you’ve already got very large trees that are 120 years old or less – but very large.  You’ve got great shade, and you’ve got a level surface to start with,” said Johnson.

She also says there is plenty of parking, it’s easily accessible by car and they’ve already worked out a deal with the state to acquire the part of the land that doesn’t already belong to the city. 

But Johnson says plans for the dog park are on hold right now. 
Some concerned Evansville residents say the increased traffic will be bad for the area – interfering with those who run there. There are also concerns about how the dog park would affect a nearby Special Olympics ball field and residents at the state hospital. 

“I’ll gather with the mayor and the administration and we’ll talk about it,” said Johnson. “Then more than likely, we’ll have meetings with concerned citizens – not everybody – but those who represent all the groups who are concerned about it.”

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