City, Rotary partner,  hope to attract travelers

The City of Andalusia and the Andalusia Rotary Club cut the ribbon in the new Andalusia Dog Park Tuesday afternoon.

The park, located on Snowden Drive at the top of the hill behind McDonald’s, includes a 100 feet by 60 feet fenced area for large dogs, and a 100 feet by 40 feet fenced area for small dogs. Each area has benches, a waste station, and water station.

Dixie and Tippy drink from the dog fountain in the new park.

“This is something we have wanted to do, and known we needed to do, for a long time,” Mayor Earl Johnson said. “When you’re traveling, it’s not difficult to find a spot for your children to get some relief and exercise, but that’s not always true for pets.

“We want to be known not only as the friendliest city for people, but also the friendliest city for pets,” he said.

Local Rotarian Jim Krudop secured a $5,000 from the Rotary district, and the local Rotary Foundation also contributed funds. The club partnered with the city, which helped provide materials and in-kind services for the project, which totaled $15,000.

Although the park was just completed last week it is already drawing visitors, both from local residents looking for places for their animals to play, and travelers.

The city expects to add lighting, landscaping, and other finishing touches in the near future.