OTTUMWA, IOWA -- For Thursday's Facebook story of the day, viewers wanted to know if Ottumwa city leaders are pleased with the city's dog park?
The park opened up in September of 2009 and has been heavily used by dog owners. The 2 and a quarter acre park was funded fully by volunteers, not city tax money. The city is planning on adding another acre for agility training.
There are some restrictions. Ottumwa does not allow pit bulls; so they are banned. All dogs must have proper tags and all vaccinations to enter. Owners must make sure they behave and have to clean up after them. There is no on-site supervisor, so park users must enforce the rules to each other.
Parks and Recreation Director Gene Rathje said it has passed even his expectations.
"We've all been surprised at how much its been used and how successful its been. Even in winter, there are people out there in the snow."
"A lot of people didn't know what to think about a dog park. What do you need a dog park for? But if you look in the national park recreation association trends, the most popular facility being installed all over the U.S. right now are dog parks. So it was the right thing to do. And its being heavily used."
The idea is spreading in other nearby cities. Fairfield residents are saving money for a park to host their "Dog Days Out" event held every Sunday.
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