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Planning commission approves design for McPhee Park dog park; project funded by TDEC grant
Summary
The commission approved the McPhee dog park design, a two-pen (small/large) non‑lit dog park with ADA pathways, shade, benches and a two-stall restroom planned for late fall; project is funded by a TDEC Local Parks and Recreation Fund grant.
The Farragut Municipal Planning Commission on Aug. 21 approved a design for a dog park at McPhee Park, located on the west side of the park between the newest parking lot and the adaptive trail. Ron Oestreich, the town’s parks and recreation director, described the project as the town’s third awarded grant from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) Local Parks and Recreation Fund.
Oestreich said the design divides the facility into separate small-dog and large-dog areas to reduce conflicts, and includes ADA-rated aggregate pathways, fenced enclosures, benches, shade structures, human and pet drinking fountains, and play structures sized for each area. “This is, the project before you is a long awaited project,” Oestreich said during his presentation.
He described the pedestrian paths as aggregate (crushed stone with a hardening material), with concrete in some heavier-use areas to manage cost. Because of the site’s slope, retaining walls are planned in the small-dog area and a winding ADA path is proposed; the large-dog area will include a longer path, benches and a shade structure.
Oestreich said a two-stall restroom will be built near the parking lot as a separate, later fall project. Staff estimated construction could take four to six months due to excavation needs; staff said the town planned to put the job out to bid in early September and that TDEC was reviewing the plans for ADA compliance. Staff projected a potential opening in late spring 2026.
There was limited public comment on the item; the commission voted 6-0 to approve the design as presented.
Staff noted the project will include posted dog park rules and that the facility would not be lighted, so hours will end at dusk. Final permitting and construction contract awards will follow normal town procurement and permitting steps.
