Let the Doggies Run - MonRover Park, Monroe Ohio

With the demise of BMX racing at Monroe Crossings park, the fenced area that contained the track is available for use. The city has spent $12,500 for the fencing and is now removing the dirt hills to flatten the 2 acre space.

Several people, including Public Works, have approached us, a local non-profit animal welfare organization, to gauge interest in reusing this for a dog park, MonRover Park, & form a committee.

Some residents of the adjacent subdivision are currently using this fenced area as an unofficial off leash park for their pets. The nearest dog park is Wiggly Field, 12 miles south at VOA in West Chester.

Dog parks are a popular amenity that offer diversity, year round use, low maintenance, and attract profitable animal related events to the city. Portions can be leased to dog training clubs, host agility events & offer room to exercise working animals such as canine officers & therapy dogs.

The most expensive requirement for a dog park is the land & fence - the former BMX track offers both, along with a picnic table & fenced bleacher area. There is also a large paved parking lot, restroom/concession area & state of the art playground equipment & multi acre soccer fields. Basic items that are needed is additional fencing to separate small dogs from the large dogs, a double gated entry, signage, some bench’s & landscape items such as trees.

Funding would be attained via a combination of major sponsorship, corporate & private donations, fundraising & assorted grants. Just last year, Nutro Foods gave away $500,000 for the development of a dog park.

We have held our first committee meeting & have interest from the community.