Donations make the animal shelter in the dog park a reality | News, Sports, Jobs

This foundation, which was erected a few days ago, will be a fully constructed steel and concrete shelter for the dog park.

NEW ULM – Thanks to several donors, a new shelter can be built in the New Ulm Dog Park.

Joey Schugel, director of the park and recreation area, said the previous building had become dilapidated and needed to be replaced.

“It will be a steel shade structure with a 14′ x 14′ metal roof and a 16′ x 16′ concrete slab. It will provide additional shade for users. It will be in the central area, in the large dog area. We will also do a little lawn repair and re-establishment.”

The shelter in the small dog section of the park will remain. Schugel said they originally planned this project for later, but a funding source was found to complete it this year.

“The Realtor Association of Southern Minnesota donated $7,500 and wanted to look at the possibilities of our system for community spaces with public access. We presented this idea and they wanted to implement it.”

Given the history of the dog park and the people who have worked so hard to make it happen, Schugel said he is proud to make this possible for them.

“The great thing about the dog park is that it came about because a group of volunteers came to town and campaigned for the creation of a dog park,” he said. “They raised the funds to get everything built. Given the weather and everything else, the wooden structure served its purpose and the structure that is being put in now will be better. This would not have been possible without our original volunteers.”

Schugel said he has received very positive feedback from the community and is looking forward to building a shelter that will provide relief for years to come. He said park and recreation district is always looking for ideas on how to improve city parks.

“Donations were a big factor and we are always open to donations,” Said Schhügel. “If anyone is interested in further improvements, we would appreciate feedback and donations for the dog park.”

So far, only the concrete slab has been laid. Schugel said the weather will determine when the project will be completed.

“The steel will be painted before it comes here. Everything is a process. During construction, the small dog area will still be open. We would like to have it finished by October, but we are at the mercy of winter and while we wait, we can re-lay the turf.”