Oskaloosa Bark Park

Dog Park (file photo)

Oskaloosa Bark Park development is underway at Edmundson Park in Oskaloosa according to members of the Oskaloosa Bark Park committee. The site, just south of Edmundson Pool, will be receiving fencing and other improvements to accommodate an approximate 1.5-acre off leash dog recreation park to serve Oskaloosa and Mahaska County. The park will be open year-round.

The committee received formal approval from the Oskaloosa City Council on Oct. 20 and plans are moving forward. The committee is currently halfway to their goal of $35,000 in order to complete the initial build to open. Oskaloosa Bark Park hopes to open yet this fall depending on weather and contractor availability.

The committee is offering an opportunity for interested persons to sponsor a fence post with a donation of $25 or more. Checks may be made out to: City of Oskaloosa, with Oskaloosa Bark Park in the memo. Checks may be mailed to the Oskaloosa Bark Park committee at 201 High Avenue East, Box 120, Oskaloosa, IA 52577. If wishing to sponsor a fence post, make a note on the check or enclose in an envelope. The city is considered a 501c3 organization for tax purposes.

Oskaloosa Bark Park committee members urge Mahaska community members to follow the project on their Facebook Page/ Oskaloosa Dog Park. The most recent information will be placed on the page.

Fencing and concrete work will begin as soon as the contractors are able to schedule, but indications are that will be in December. Amenities such as benches, waste stations and other items are currently being ordered. If anyone or an organization would like to put money toward a specific portion of the project, such as the parking lot, sidewalks, tables, benches or other items, please contact one of the members or R.D. Keep, team leader, 641-660-6310.