The Wichita Falls City Council on Aug. 5 authorized the city manager to sign a $64,500 contract with Claw Contractors LLC to build a new dog park at Conoco Park, located at 1200 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. The project is funded through the city’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program allocated for fiscal 2024–25.

Kaylee, Parks and Recreation staff, presented the project and said the contract price leaves a small remaining balance in the $75,451.60 CDBG allocation that could potentially be used for small amenities such as benches. "There’s not a dedicated parking lot as part of this project," Kaylee told the council when asked about parking arrangements.

Project specifications presented to council include separated small- and large-dog areas, roughly 1,400 feet of 6-foot-tall, 9-gauge chain-link fencing, and two concrete holding areas with swing gates for controlled entry. Staff estimated the contractor could begin work in September and complete construction by October.

During the discussion, council members and members of the public raised concerns about parking and safety. A resident who lives near the site described on-street parking along Burkburnett Road as "extremely dangerous" and said there is only one gas station nearby that closes at 8 p.m., asking why the dog park was sited there. Kaylee said the site was chosen because the park parcel is city-owned, qualifies for CDBG investment as an underutilized park, and because the city’s other dog park on the south side has been successful in attracting users.

Councilor and staff discussion included the potential to explore acquisition of nearby land or future CDBG funding to create dedicated parking, and adding signage or striping to manage parking in the short term. The council approved the resolution authorizing the contract by voice vote; the mayor called for the vote and the motion passed.

Staff noted this will be the second city dog park and that rules developed with the health department and animal services will apply. Construction scheduling and any future parking improvements will be subject to subsequent planning and funding decisions.