Two years ago, I was in the Parthenon Park on the west side of Nashville and found something I had never seen. Adjacent to the park, or probably part of the park, was what I found to be a dog park. The dog park looked very similar to the people park. There were trees to provide shade and an area with benches for people to sit and visit or watch their dog play. A bubbling fountain provided easy access for the dogs to have water to drink.

It was a beautiful day, and there were many people there with their dogs. The dogs were unleashed and running free, some alongside their masters. Some of the dog owners were visiting in the bench area or reading a book while their dogs played freely. Some were throwing balls or Frisbees for their dogs to fetch and catch. The entire park was fenced, and the gates were sturdy and self-closing to keep the dogs from getting outside. The park probably contained three or four acres, and much of the terrain was hilly. I was very impressed with this place.

I found that there was another dog park on Nashville’s east side, and I visited it. This park was very much like the first one, but its area seemed smaller. Both parks were very clean, mowed, and well-kept. There were surfaces in the park other than grass. There were concrete walks and gravel or dirt areas for the dogs to run and play. The dogs could not get outside the fence, and they were allowed to run freely in both parks.

The owners were required to have a leash for each dog, and the dog had to be on a leash coming into and going out of the park. No owner could have more than two dogs in the park at the same time. There were poop scoop dispensers available for the owners to pick up after their animals. If the owner leaves the premises for any reason, the dog must be leashed and taken from the park at the same time. There were signs with rules prominently posted for the users of the park.

The Park Department of Nashville allows dogs in its regular parks, but they must be leashed and under the control of their owners. These dog parks are set aside so the dogs can run free, but I suppose any person may use the park, even if they do not have a dog with them. The Park Department forbids two types of dogs from being brought into the park, pit bulls and dogs having characteristics of the pit bull breed, and female dogs in heat. Dogs that become aggressive inside the park must be leashed and taken out of the park.

I would like to pursue the possibility of establishing a dog park in Athens. We have a large number of citizens who own dogs and provide excellent care for them. I see many of these people in our parks and areas of downtown with their dogs on a leash. I think we could find a nice, spacious corner somewhere in our city, maybe two acres, that would be available and lend itself to becoming a dog park for Athens. It should not be in an isolated area, but open, visible, and safe for citizens, especially those who are elderly or handicapped, and their dogs.

A dog park promotes recreational benefits for people and their dogs. It gives both a place to socialize and exercise. People benefit in a physical manner when they take their dogs out to walk and play. A dog park would be a part of our efforts to make our city green and healthy. It would provide the same benefits as our walking trails, green way, and sidewalks. I also think it could provide a place for dog owners to memorialize and honor their pets through the placement of tiles and bricks on a walkway or a patio built around a fountain. It could host local dog shows, and become a place where youngsters could be taught responsibility toward their pets.

We need dog owners that would be willing to see such a project come into being. I would like to hear from interested people who would like to be involved in establishing a dog park for our community. Send an e-mail to mayordan@athensal.us, or call the mayor’s office at (256) 233-8730.

Contact Athens Mayor Dan Williams at mayordan@athensal.us.