PHOTO #1: The new dog park within Riverside Park will include exercise equipment, a walking trail and separate fenced areas for large and small dogs.
PHOTO #2: This map shows the location where the new dog park will be built in Riverside Park.
PHOTO #3: Disposable bags are available at DeLeon Plaza so residents can pick up after their dogs. These bags will also be available at the new dog park.
The public is invited to celebrate the start of construction on the Riverside Park dog park 2 p.m. Dec. 7 at the intersection of Young Drive and Memorial Drive.
The groundbreaking will be open to in-person attendance and will be livestreamed on Facebook at City of Victoria, Texas – Government. Representatives of the City of Victoria and the Parks & Recreation commission will speak at the event.
The creation of a dog park is one of the goals outlined in the Parks & Recreation master plan. During the community input phase, residents were surveyed about the types of facilities they’d like to see, and a dog park was the most popular write-in choice.
The dog park is scheduled to open in May 2023.
About the park
Features of the park will include:
- Separate fenced areas for large and small dogs
- Dog agility equipment
- Drinking fountains for humans and dogs
- Smaller fenced-off areas for dogs who need a break
- Additional parking nearby
- Disposable bags so visitors can pick up after their dogs
As part of the development of the project, Parks & Recreation staff have considering rules and practices in other dog parks and having conversations with other recreation professionals to ensure that Victoria’s dog park is similar to dog parks that have been successful in other communities.
While the dog park is under construction, Parks & Recreation will be finalizing the rules that will be posted at the park. The rules that staff are considering include bans on aggressive dogs, dogs in heat and young puppies that are susceptible to illness.
Remembering Izzy Drane
The City partnered with local Girl Scout Izzy Drane on this project. Izzy, who passed away this year, had been raising funds and collecting sponsorships for dog agility equipment within the dog park as part of her Girl Scout Gold Award project.
One of the fundraising initiatives that Izzy started was to allow residents to dedicate a brick at the dog park in honor of a pet. Girl Scout Troop #9565 and Izzy’s family are continuing this fundraiser in her memory. To make a donation or purchase a brick, visit https://form.jotform.com/213536887304158.
Parks & Recreation is working with Izzy’s family, her Girl Scout Troop, the Parks & Recreation commission and Luck Design Team to memorialize Izzy and her contributions to this project.
Additional funding for the dog park is being provided by the Victoria Sales Tax Development Corporation.
Stay connected
Residents who have questions about the project should contact Parks & Recreation at 361-485-3200 or parks@victoriatx.gov.
To learn more about Parks & Recreation facilities and programs, visit www.victoriatx.gov/parks.