Woof-Land Dog Park established in Madison

Posted on Monday, June 7, 2010

By: CHUCK CLEMENT, Staff Reporter

The city commissioners approved the establishment of a new dog park during their Monday meeting, creating the Woof-Land Dog Park in northwest Madison.

According to Mayor Gene Hexom, a committee had selected three names out of numerous submissions that were given to city officials, suggestions that had about equal support as a final choice. Woof-Land Dog Park was selected by lot from the other two proposed names, Wiggly Field and Bark Park.

Hexom said that he received one query about the park's hours of operation. Heath VonEye, city public works director, told the commissioners that Madison's parks were considered closed from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. During the off hours, persons in the city parks can be cited for trespassing.

Hexom and Commissioner Karen Lembcke started a discussion about whether the dog park should open at 6 a.m. for those canine owners who walk their pets during early morning hours. The commissioners finally decided to keep the dog park's hours of operation the same as the other city parks and make any changes only if needed.

The commissioners also approved the specifications for the demolition of the downtown building on Center St. that was formerly occupied by Rosebud Manufacturing.

The city has signed a purchase agreement with Inter-Lakes Community Action Partnership to sell the city-owned lot to the nonprofit agency. ICAP wants to construct new offices and a Head Start preschool on the site.

The city will advertise the demolition contract, and officials will open the submitted bids at 10 a.m. on June 21.

©Madison Daily Leader 2010