The city of Jacksonville plans to convert a small park along North Main Street into Downtown’s first dog park.
The city’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department is expected to receive $400,000 to convert the half-acre Main Street Pocket Park east of the Main Library into a dog park.
The city estimates the conversion will cost about $352,500.
Costs include $180,000 to install 20,000 square feet of synthetic turf, $63,000 for fencing and gates and $42,500 to install 8,500 square feet of rock and mulch.
Other work, including pavers and stairs, irrigation, a drinking fountain and five pieces of agility equipment for dogs, is estimated at $67,000.
The half-acre park along Main Street between Duval and Monroe streets is open from dawn to dusk. In recent years, it has been a gathering point for the homeless.
The project is part of Mayor Lenny Curry’s $161 million Capital Improvement Program budget, which City Council is reviewing. The council Finance Committee evaluated the project, along with other CIP projects, during budget hearings in August.
City spokeswoman Tia Ford said the need for a dog park is directly related to the fact that “more residents, many who own dogs, are moving Downtown.”
According to the “State of Downtown” report released in July from Downtown Vision Inc., about 4,800 residents live between the Downtown Northbank and Southbank and more than 900 residential units are proposed or under construction.
“The property is central to the Downtown residential district,” she said of the park’s location.
The park is within walking distance for residents of 11 East Forsyth and The Carling apartment buildings, as well as for those planning to rent one of the 100 apartments being built-out in the Barnett Bank Building.
Ford said if the project is approved along with other budget legislation in September, further design and construction would take 12-18 months.
She said no fees are planned for patrons.
