News

Dandridge Looks at Dog Park

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By: Steve Marion - Staff Writer
Updated: September 7, 2017

Dandridge Council will explore the potential for a dog park at the Field of Dreams Recreation Complex.

Meeting in work session Tuesday, the group heard a presentation from Alli Gantte, who is researching the availability of state grants and other sources for funding. She said she is willing to work on the applications, which are due next April.

The group will consider the first step in the process — authorizing an overall concept plan for future expansion at the Field of Dreams — using the services of engineer Matt Hatfield. A vote on a concept plan will be placed on the agenda for the regular session next Tuesday.

Gantte said Sevierville recently obtained about $100,000 in grant funding for a dog park. State grants are available from Tennessee Parks and Recreation for recreation projects (up to $500,000 with a 50 percent match), and trail projects (up to $250,000 with a 20 percent match). Other organizations are also offering grants for dog parks.

Town Administrator Melissa Peagler said she often receives citizen requests to consider a dog park, skate park, or splash pad. The town’s waterfront plan includes space for a dog park, but it would be in a later phase.

Asked about how dogs would mix with other activities at the park, Public Works Director Gregg Gann said the dog park could be added on the west side of the wet weather creek that divides the property. The area already has parking and could be fenced for safety, he said.

In other discussion on Tuesday, Council:

• Placed on next Tuesday’s agenda a vote on providing state retirement benefits to members of Council. Last month, a representative of the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS) provided preliminary information about potential Council retirement packages. Depending on the option chosen, the benefit could provide a Council member with, for example, eight years service a monthly benefit between $56 and $174, Council was told. Participants would be eligible at age 60 and must have five years service to be vested. The cost of the program would be added to the monthly amount paid to TCRS for other town employees participating in the system.

• Placed on the agenda for next Tuesday selection of a bid for paving of Cline Road. Gann is recommending the low bid of $111,180 provided by Harrison Paving. The budget currently includes $90,000 for the work, so the additional funds would have to be taken from fund balance if the bid is approved.

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