A new dog park is being built in downtown Statesboro and is expected to have a soft opening on June 1.

The dog park will be constructed at Cherry Street along the Blind Willie McTell Trail and will be a new addition to the city of Statesboro’s Blue Mile project.

While the park will have its grand opening in October, the park is planned to be accessible to the public by June.

“We are still in the starting stages of planning and constructing the park, so nothing is set in stone yet,” Elena McLendon, Downtown Statesboro development authority office manager and event coordinator, said.

The 1.7 acre park is expected to have playing space for dogs, sheds for owners to sit under for shade, water available for the dogs to drinks, as well as two designated sides for large and small dogs.

Recently visiting a local dog park in Athens, McLendon learned building a local dog park can cost up to $300,000.

“We need help from the public to help build the park up, as of right now we need to raise $50,000 dollars to help fund the park, however once all the planning is finalized we may need more, anyone who is looking to donate to fund the park or help with clean up days are all welcomed,” McLendon said.

Lisa Barrett, who became a new resident of Statesboro this past January, said she I had to rehome her pet six months after moving to Statesboro.

“Our beloved pet could not adjust to living in a tiny apartment with nowhere to exercise,” Barrett said.

Statesboro has never had a dog park for local residents. Barrett believes the new park would greatly benefit the community.

“On my Street alone, there are eight dogs who have nowhere to run and play,” Barrett said. “Not only would having a dog park be a tremendous benefit for our town’s dogs in getting the exercise and social interaction they need, it would build even more camaraderie amongst our pet owning community.”

If you would like to donate to the new dog park, The Humane Society of Bulloch County is sell engraved bricks with dog’s name for $100 a brick. For more information contact Humane Society representative Kania Greer, PhD, at kagreer@georgiasouthern.edu.