Carmel dog park approved

CARMEL, Ind. (WISH) - Carmel is about to get something it doesn't have.

Tuesday, the Carmel-Clay Park Board approved the city's first dog park.  It is the most talked-about feature of the new Master Plan for "Central Park North."

The dog park will cover about two acres of land near 116th and Rangeline Road. Construction could begin by fall -- with opening scheduled for next year.  It will be the first dog park in Carmel. Two more dog parks are anticipated. Lessons from developing the first will help the city design the others.

Michael Klitzing, the Assistant Director for Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation, said the vote for the new Master Plan was unanimous.  It will create "an entirely new trail network" in the area, Klitzing said.  He also described plans to enhance the trees in the area, to develop a more forested, park-like setting.

Other amenities will follow over the course of five to ten years.  He estimated the cost for the entire Master Plan to be in the range of $3 million.

Phase One is likely to be a third of that total. Klitzing said a lot of that money will be spent on infrastructure -- parking, restrooms and the like. The dog park is a minor part of that expense, since most of that will be clear space and fencing.

The first step for the board, now, is to select a firm to prepare the plans for Phase One of construction.