“The Friends of Carbondale Dog Parks group was formed to develop plans for a dog park to benefit the health of dogs and to also provide opportunities for pet owners to better connect within the community,” City Manager Gary Williams said.

He said city staff has been working for the organization to submit a grant to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) requesting $33,650 in funding. The city’s support and passing of a resolution will benefit this grant opportunities and future ones, Williams said.

Friends of Carbondale Dog Parks member Jane Adams said the grant is for fencing around the perimeter of the park and an interior fence separating small dogs from larger dogs.

The site at Parrish Park will be adjacent to the LIFE Community Center and will be about two and a half acres in size.

Adams said Tuesday the organization is grateful for the city’s contributions, including putting in a water line and an entrance concrete pad.

“The city’s support for this has been tremendously gratifying,” she said.

A conceptual drawing by Thad Heckman shows the separated parks between small and large dogs with obstacle courses, water fixtures and agility course for the animals.

Adams said the organization is close to creating a banner that will show the public exactly where the park is going to. 

"We will hopefully this time next year have a functioning and beautiful dog park," she said.