Tuscaloosa’s first dog park is still on its way toward completion, but the Will May Memorial Dog Park at Sokol Park already has visitors daily.

Tuscaloosa Park and Recreation Authority broke ground on the new dog park in October 2013, and Becky Booker, public relations and marketing manager for PARA, said the board is pleased with the work that has been completed.

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“The fence has been up for a couple months, and we have everything in place right now,” Booker said. “We have some pavilions and benches ordered to finish everything up.”

Sokol Park, one of Tuscaloosa’s largest parks, already hosts various activities. With 200 acres, it has plenty of room for the new dog park.

“It was easy for us to pick Sokol Park,” Booker said. “It was a very practical choice. Sokol Park is very popular among residents, and it is right off of a main road. So it just made sense.”

When completed, the dog park will encompass nearly three acres of land in a shaded area and will include an area where the dogs can run, jump, play and fetch with other dogs and their owners. Booker said she is particularly excited about the dog washing area, which will be located at the entrance of the dog park and will have water hoses, shampoo, brushes and towels.

“I like the idea that I could take my dog to a park where she does not have to be leashed up,” Kayley French, a sophomore at the University of Alabama and a Tuscaloosa resident, said. “I take Lou-Lou to Manderson Landing for weekly walks, which is great, but I am sure she would love to run and play with other dogs.”

French said she is excited about the opening of the new dog park where Lou-Lou, her 3-year-old, 130-pound Great Dane will have more space to play.

“She loves to play around with other dogs around the neighborhood in the yard. But for her to have a dedicated place to play and meet other dogs is great,” French said.

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Funding for the park has come from several different places. While no official amount has been released yet, PARA has had some private funds donated, and the city has contributed $120,000 for the park renovation.

The idea of the dog park was introduced last year to Tuscaloosa Park and Recreation through a community survey. Every year, Tuscaloosa Park and Recreation sends a survey out to residents and asks for feedback on local parks and what residents want. The number one thing residents wanted was a dog park.

“We looked at the surveys from the community plus regional, state and national trends,” Booker said. “People love dogs, and it seems the community really wants it.”

Carsen McDonald, another Tuscaloosa resident, said he is ready for the dog park to officially open.

“I almost feel guilty for having Alli shut up in the house and never letting her get to play with other dogs like she can at home,” McDonald said.

McDonald’s dog is a hound mix that is just under 1 year old.

“It would be nice for there to be a little fenced-in area where I could possibly throw the ball for her and let her get out some energy,” McDonald said. “We don’t have a yard at my house, so she doesn’t really have that privilege anymore, but, all in all, I think it is an awesome idea.”

The park is currently open to all residents of the Tuscaloosa and surrounding areas, but it will officially open when it is completely finished. The ribbon-cutting ceremony has not been determined yet, but Booker said the board hopes it will be sometime in late February to early March.

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