The Lawrenceville City Council Monday approved construction bids for a new urban dog park to be added to the city’s popular event and community space.
The new park, set to be located in a passive area of the Lawrenceville Lawn at the corner of Jackson and Luckie Streets, promises to be a hub of activity and enjoyment for dogs and their owners, according to officials.
"We have received numerous requests over the years for a dog park, and we are delighted to fulfill this need within our community,” Mayor David Still said. “The chosen location, adjacent to the Lawrenceville Lawn, is ideal for its high activity and accessibility to residents."
With separate areas designated for large and small dogs, the .41-acre park will provide a safe and enjoyable environment for dogs of all sizes to play and socialize. The areas will be separated by an eight-foot-wide concrete pathway, with decorative security fencing enclosing both. Each area will feature double-gated entrances to ensure the safety of all visitors, officials said Wednesday.
To uphold the highest standards of cleanliness, the park will feature an artificial turf surface equipped with an automatic irrigation system, promoting a sanitary environment. It will also feature dog waste bins.
In efforts to recognize the importance of amenities for dogs and their owners, the park will be equipped with shade structures and benches, the city said. Open areas and agility equipment for dogs will be included, in addition to water fountains to keep dogs hydrated.
The decision to create the dog park stems from extensive research conducted by city staff, who studied successful dog parks in other communities and county parks. The need for such facilities is apparent, given that 45% of households in the U.S. own dogs, according to city official research. In addition, the City has had great interest in dog-focused events at the Lawn, like PAWfest.
The project, awarded to Zaveri Enterprises, Inc. after a competitive bidding process, will cost approximately $677,899.60, which SPLOST dollars will fund. The City Council unanimously approved the park, to be completed in one phase and is slated to open in summer 2024.
Operating hours for the dog park will include daylight hours, mirroring those of the Lawrenceville Lawn.
A proposed site plan for the park is included in the gallery at the top of this page.
