City of Redwood Falls to install dog park at Knollwood Park in coming months

Last June, the Redwood Falls City Council authorized Parks and Rec Director Ross Nachreiner to work on a concept for a dog park in Redwood Falls.

City staff examined three sites as possibilities: Memorial Park, where the old swimming pool used to be, Legion Park, and Knollwood Park. Criteria included access to water, shelter or shade trees, parking, and whether the city currently owns or maintains that space. After examining the possibilities, Parks and Rec staff decided Knollwood Park would serve best, and would include two separate areas to keep large and small dogs separated. Estimated cost: about $40,000.

Homeowners near Knollwood Park did express concerns to the city about noise, odor, traffic, and available parking, but city staff  believed those concerns could be addressed.

The City Council had already set aside $10,000 for a dog park project, contingent on the remaining $30,000 being raised through donations. Enter Bob LaSage, who donated the necessary $30,000 to be used exclusively for a dog park in Redwood Falls.

This week, the City Council approved the Parks and Rec Department moving forward with the project. The first step would be installing 900 feet of plastic fencing as soon as weather permits.