Phase 1 construction of new dog park at Sunset Park approved by city council

Dog owners in Newton will have a new park to bring their furry companions to run and play, and it will be even closer than the facility at Westwood Golf Course.

Newton City Council members approved the more than $55,000 Phase 1 construction of the new dog park at Sunset Park. The project is paid for in part by a $20,000 grant from Prairie Meadows Casino, Racetrack and Hotel and portions of the $1.6 million park bond referendum that passed in mid-September.

Des Moines Steel Fence was awarded the contract with a total bid of $55,755, consisting of $43,810 for the base bid of standard fencing and $11,945 for an add-alternate to upgrade all fencing to black, PVC-coated materials. Five contractors sent bids to the city. Staff estimated the project to cost $53,300.

Phase 1 of the dog park is expected to be completed by May 12, 2023.

According to the minutes of the Newton Park Board meeting that took place in November, Phase 2 construction will add concrete at entrances, initial sidewalk connections and water stations. Phase 3, presumably the final phase, will add shelters, additional paths and other amenities.

Council member Randy Ervin told his fellow officials that he was asked by a resident of Newton Village if the city intends to “mess with our sledding hill.” Ervin assured him the hill would not be affected by the new dog park, which the council member described as being up by the wooded area.

“That is sacred ground,” council member Evelyn George said. “It will not be touched in any of the proposed changes to Sunset Park.”

In the park bond referendum promotional material describing the dog park amenities, it states the facility will have separate areas for both small and large dogs and allows for future park improvements. Also included in the materials was a concept illustration that may differ from final construction.