The voices of pets and people alike were heard Monday night during the regularly scheduled city council meeting, as city leaders voted unanimously to set aside land for a potential dog park. The residents who attended to support the project murmured happily when votes were cast and one man played the recording of a barking dog on his phone.

The vote Monday night at the Niles Fire Station Complex was another paw step forward toward creating a dog park on roughly 73,500-square-feet of city property north of the French Dam in Riverfront Park. Council members approval means the land will be reserved for the project for the next year, while the nonprofit Ruff & Tumble Dark Park raises funds.

The nonprofit organization was founded earlier this year by Katrina Andrews, a Niles resident, dog lover and local business owner who told council members Monday that Niles residents had long asked for a local dog park. Prior to casting their votes, Andrews addressed members of the city council and said the property at Riverfront Park, north of the French Dam is underutilized and attracts “nefarious” activity.   

“This will be an asset to the community,” Andrews said. “Existing residents will have a place to socialize and exercise their dogs in a safe manner.”

Andrews presented to council members a detailed business plan and outline of her plans to the park, which aims to feature dog agility equipment, biodegradable waste bags, benches and water fountains, as well as safety and educational opportunities to help people be responsible caregivers.

Phase one of the project is approximated to cost about $30,000, most of which will cover fencing. For phase two of the planning, Andrews hoping to raise about $50,000 for an endowment to cover future maintenance of the park. Andrews plans to apply the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Public Space and Community Places grant, which would match up to $50,000 in funds raised for the dog park project.

Since establishing the nonprofit, Andrews has been working with the Public Works Department and city administrator to develop the park’s plans. Andrews also sought the expertise of councilmember Gretchen Bertschy, who represents the 1st Ward. Bertschy helped Andrews identify potential spots for the proposed park. Bertschy had been excused from Monday night’s meeting and was not present for the vote.

Andrews has also been working with members of the community to gather their feedback on the project. On Monday night, more than a dozen residents were eager to show their support for the park filled the seats at the Niles Fire Station Complex.

Council members seemed on board with the project. Councilmember Daniel VandenHeede, who is Andrews’ brother, said creating a dog park is exactly the type of long-term investment the city should make. 

“When you start combining Riverfront Park and the trail and we have a skate park and then you add a dog park,” VandenHeede said, “now you are building a community where [people] don’t want to just visit, but where they want to live. And that draws businesses that want to locate here. It is that long-term thinking that I think people want to see.”

Niles Mayor Nick Shelton thanked Andrews for bringing the idea to council members.

“I too think a dog park is a great idea,” Shelton said. “People are excited about it and I think that is why a lot of people are here tonight.”

Shelton encouraged the crowd to return to the meetings and share their feedback on all issues presented.

After council members voted in support of setting the land aside, Andrews slapped high fives with several supporters following the meeting.

“This means we have to get real serious about our fundraising,” Andrews said. “This was the big first hurdle.”

In the weeks to come, Andrews said she hopes to organize a kickoff party to begin the fundraising process, with the goal to break ground on the park in the spring 2018.

In the audience that evening were supporters Sherman and Susan Drew, of Niles. The couple said they have four dogs, including one Newfoundland that would enjoy a wide-open space to run in. The couple said they currently take their dogs to Riverfront Park to exercise, but can’t let them run free. They also said they would enjoy the opportunity to meet with other dog owners and socialize.

“It’s not just all about the dogs,” Susan said. “It’s about the people.”

Also in support of the project was Dom DeBellis, who said he does not have a dog, but still liked the idea of the park.

“There are a lot of dog owners in Niles.” DeBellis said. “It would be nice to have a dedicated area for dogs to run. Dogs are built to run.”

To learn more about the dog park:

rufftumbledogpark.org/

Facebook: facebook.com/RuffandTumbleDogPark

Also Monday:

• Council members voted 4-3 to adopt a zoning ordinance for medical marijuana. Monday’s meeting was the second reading of the proposed ordinance. Council members Georgia Boggs, Daniel VandenHeede and Bob Durm voted against the ordinance. Council members Bill Weimer, John Discostanzo, Tim Skalla and Charlie McAfee voted in favor of the ordinance.