Florence Announces Exciting Plans to Construct Dog Parks for the Local Community
Residents of Florence, South Carolina, have been granted their long-time wish as the city announces plans for dog parks for the first time in years. Locating these parks at McLeod Park, Levy Park and downtown, the city is listening to its dog-loving citizens and acknowledging their requests for safe spaces for their furry friends to play.
“We’re just excited to be able to provide this. I know the community has been asking for this for a long, long, long time,” exclaimed Victoria Nash, Florence parks, recreation and sports tourism director.
The city approved a budget of approximately $200,000 for these projects. To meet the needs of its canine citizens, Florence has been lacking active dog parks and residents had to seek alternative open spaces for their dogs, including the Florence Soccer Complex and around the Pee Dee Regional Airport.
McLeod Park – A Walk Down Memory Lane
Situated in a residential area off West Palmetto Street, McLeod Park used to be the site of a dog park that has since faded away. Reviving this space, a fenced-in area spanning 3,000 square feet is to be filled with equipment for dogs to enjoy. The completion date of the park depends on the contractor’s schedule.
Downtown – A Fresh Addition
Further adding to the exciting developments from Florence, plans to construct a downtown dog park are also in the works. The park’s location remains a mystery as the city still needs to identify the perfect spot. This project is in its early stages with plans being finalised once the location is determined.
Levy Park – A Facelift
As part of the $18 million redevelopment of Levy Park in East Florence, a dog park will be incorporated, adding a new dimension to the area.
The primary aim of these parks is to promote community engagement and socialization. The city expects that these parks will provide a secure place for people to enjoy the outdoors with their dogs and connect with their neighbors.
Jayne Boswell, president of the Florence Area Humane Society, expressed her excitement for the new parks, suggesting they offer space to exercise pets, particularly helping those looking to adopt dogs but without ample space of their own. These parks also position Florence attractively, making it a potential choice for people considering relocation.
“It’s kind of like people. If you’re cooped up in a house your whole life, you don’t have the same social abilities as if you can get out in the sunshine and the wet grass. I just love the idea,” she said, acknowledging the positive impact of such amenities on dogs’ health through free roaming and socialisation.
It is important to note that three new parks will be established in Florence, not two as previously announced. For the city of Florence, this development is a significant step towards assuring the welfare of its dog population and their owners, making ‘man’s best friend’ a priority.
