New dog park coming to Polson

Residents will soon have a new park to enjoy in Polson, although it will be the second of its kind in the city.

Late last month, Pat Nowlin, director of parks and recreation for Polson, told city commissioners during a presentation that a dog park will be located near South Bayshore Drive after receiving almost two acres from the Morehead Trust.

Nowlin said during a phone call Tuesday morning that an overall pricetag is unknown for the time being since the project will be completed “in pieces.” The new dog park will join Travis Dolphin Dog Park, located at 5 Kerr Dam Road.

During the Aug. 7 City Commissioners’ meeting, City Planner Mark Shrives said that features will be added over time as monies are budgeted into the Parks Department each year for the park.

Nowlin told commissioners in July that a $1,000 grant from Northwest Farm Credit Services was awarded to the city for the Rural Community Project.

The funds will be used to help construct the grounds of the proposed dog park.

At first, a fence will create a perimeter and as time goes on, more features will be added, Nowlin said.

Travis Dolphin Dog Park does not have an area to play fetch away from other dogs. The new park will allow for that, he added.

“My idea is to have three fenced-in lawns so you can throw a ball or Frisbee with your dog” and not be interrupted by other dogs, he said.

In the coming weeks, Nowlin said he would like to schedule public meetings for residents who live near the proposed project site, to get feedback from community members as well as explain the plans for the park.