Last year, Augusta had a Bark in the Park event for dog lovers. This year the community may get a Dog Park.
City Park Board members explored a dog park proposal Monday night with two promoters for such an area.
Brenda Moore and Susie Ingold spoke to the board about canine waste removal, barking, park monitoring, confrontation, and dog obedience issues.
The Augusta City Council will have final action on whatever is recommended.
The women were encouraged to provide some information about organizing a local pet lovers organization as well as financing for park startup and the future.
During a petition signing  effort at last month’s Grasshopper Festival, Moore received 100-plus signatures in support of such a facility.
At that festival, the proposed site was on the south side of Shryock Park on Augusta City Lake.
Monday night, there was discussion about possibly establishing the dog park in the former Meadowview Acres area in northwest Augusta. This area was in the 1998 flood zone and water-damaged homes there were removed through a federal buyout program.
“There are lots of pet lovers in Augusta,” said Moore, “who have asked why Augusta doesn’t have such a park and there are many who want to get involved.
“I was holding off on the park until I got your feelings about the project,” she added.
Board Member Steve Gillies said the canine park idea makes sense, but he wants “a deeper look” at the concept.
Board Member Mike Huddleston suggested a non-profit organization be set up. He would like to see information on possible monetary pledges.
Board Member Kevin Visor said he too is interested in the concept and thinks it might be “a service to the community.”
Ingold told the board that “tons and tons of dog parks are popping up everywhere in the country.  El Dorado has such a park and this could be Augusta’s step into the 21st Century.”
Moore and Ingold have informally titled the park project “Wags & Wiggles” but indicated Monday the public might have an opportunity to submit possible names.
City Manager Bill Keefer said he is awaiting feedback from the city insurance carrier on liability coverage.
In other business Monday, the Park Board:
• Received a request to name an un-named shelter in Bill Reed Park for the late  Gary W. Dryden for “decades of service” to this community.
That request was endorsed  by the board which will send it to the Council for final action. Parks Superintendent Cy Ricker said he would work with the Evening Lions Club, which made the request, about a plaque and signage.
The Lions club has also agreed to donate up to $1,000 to Reed Park improvements.
 • Approved a request from the local  Pregnancy Care Center to use Garvin Park on Sept. 13 for the center’s annual Walk For Life.