Sandy Springs dog lovers liked the plans to improve the Morgan Falls Dog Park though they didn’t like hearing that funds have not been allocated to make the upgrades.
Residents had a chance on Saturday afternoon to take a look at the proposal at a public information session in the park. They’ll get a second chance to view and discuss the proposal at the dog park on Sunday, Feb. 18, from 1 to 3 p.m.
The vision for the dog park came from the public, Recreation and Parks Assistant Director Steve Ciaccio told Rough Draft. They identified the need for additional shade structures for dogs and their owners, he said.
Other proposals for the dog park include adding a fountain for dogs and humans as well as a dog washing station, Ciaccio said.
He said the improvements will have to come before the Sandy Springs City Council for funding consideration.
Residents who stopped by the pop-up tent where Ciaccio and a city consultant were answering questions about the proposed upgrades confirmed they were eager for upgrades.
City resident Steve Mercanti brings his mini-golden doodle to the park often but is concerned about drainage issues and said the grass is in poor shape due to the sloping terrain.
“I live close by, so we come a lot and we really like it. So, we’re excited and looking forward to the changes when they happen,” Mercanti said.
Resident Katherine Bennett said hundreds of people visit the dog park each week and was surprised that the city hadn’t made improvements a higher priority.
“It’s a shame because a lot of people consider their dog part of their family,” she said, noting that she takes her two rescued dogs to both Morgan Falls and Brook Run Park in Dunwoody.
“I’ve been asking for a while for drinking fountains. I think that would be a necessary improvement,” Bennett said.
She also wants more shade and to see the park’s fence line expanded closer to the sidewalk in front of the large and small dog areas.
“The park is often muddy due to drainage issues, but it sounds like the city is finally tackling that,” she said.
Ciaccio confirmed that residents have shared concerns about the dog park staying muddy, particularly in the large dog area.
The city has an immediate plan that’s separate from dog park improvements to fix a drainage ditch uphill from the large dog area.
