By Joe Bachman

Members of the community have proposed the opening of a new dog park that would be located on the South Wood County Airport grounds.

Rich Wood gave a presentation on Thursday evening regarding the potential of a new dog park, which would be located in the area of Rangeline Rd. in Grand Rapids by Alexander Field. The proposed 26 acre land is vacant, but the property is owned by the Airport. Wood stated that the property would have to be fenced, and proposed other additions, such as picnic tables, sheltered areas and trails for walking and running.

The reason behind this proposal comes from some consensus that the current dog park in Wisconsin Rapids is too small, and that the land is too swampy and wet in spring and summer months. Moon referenced the dog park in Rome, Wisconsin, as an example of a well run dog park that many people utilize.

Mayor Zach Vruwink stated concerns regarding the current existing dog park in Wisconsin Rapids, and if would have to be closed down if a new one is built, as well as costs that would obviously come into effect. This presentation is an effort in its preliminary stages to gain more community support for a new dog park.

“One of the things I like about this, is that this is airport land, which is owned by four municipalities,” said Moon, I like that because it’s not just a Wisconsin Rapids thing, but Port Edwards can say they have a dog park, Grand Rapids can say they have a dog park — it’s a central Wisconsin Rapids community dog park.”