Salina Commission awards $213K bid for dog park at Memorial Park to Ponton Construction

Salina City Commission has taken a significant step towards enhancing community recreational facilities by awarding a $213,000 contract to Ponton Construction for the development of a new dog park at John Parker Junior Memorial Park. This decision, made during the February 10, 2025, meeting, aims to provide residents with improved outdoor spaces for their pets, reflecting the city’s commitment to community well-being.

The approved bid includes a $10,000 contingency, ensuring that the project can adapt to any unforeseen expenses during construction. The city manager has been authorized to execute the contract, paving the way for the park's development to commence soon.

In addition to the dog park discussion, commissioners addressed ongoing concerns regarding animal control policies. One commissioner highlighted the need for a comprehensive review of the city’s breed-specific legislation (BSL), suggesting a shift towards a more inclusive dangerous dog ordinance. This proposal aims to alleviate the pressure on local shelters, which currently house several dogs without prospects for adoption. The commissioner emphasized the ethical implications of keeping animals confined indefinitely and called for staff to research successful ordinances from other cities that have moved away from breed-specific bans.

The commission plans to further discuss these animal control issues in a study session scheduled for February 24, 2025. This meeting will provide an opportunity for the commission to evaluate the current state of the animal shelter and consider potential changes to the existing ordinances.

The meeting also featured community engagement, with citizens encouraged to participate in local events, such as the upcoming Granny Brigade meeting focused on taxes and budgeting, which aims to foster public awareness and involvement in local governance.

As Salina moves forward with these initiatives, the decisions made during this meeting are expected to have lasting impacts on both community recreation and animal welfare, reflecting the city’s dedication to improving the quality of life for its residents and their pets.