Las Cruces Dog Park Moves Forward Despite Economic Crunch

LAS CRUCES, N.M. — During these tough economic times, many of us are putting projects on hold and cutting back on certain expenses. But not everyone is taking that approach.

It doesn’t look like much, but the first phase of the first-ever dog park in Las Cruces is underway, and withitcomes a $150,000 price tag.

“If CEOs can go out and buy jets, we can have a dog park,” said Dawn Byrum. Byrum and others are excited about the park.

“They have outlaid projects for everything else, why shouldn’t we have some for the animals?” said Rod Schmidt.

While many canines like to hang out at one Las Cruces, it’s not an official dog park.

Despite the tough times, the plans and money were approved during the last state legislative session. That means the money has to go to that project and no other.

“In this case it’s for the dog park and that’s where the money is going. Hopefully in a few months it will be open and ready to go,” said Udell Vigil, city of Las Cruces spokesman.

The Las Cruces dog park will sit on two acres of land and it will be centrally located.

While it will be fenced in, city officials say the owner will still be responsible for the pet’s actions when off its leash.

Regardless, dog owners are pleased with what the park will do for their dogs.

“It’s just nice to let them roam and play with other dogs and get socialized,” Byrum said.

Not only is state funding helping make this happen, private funds are also helping.

The Las Cruces dog park is scheduled to be open by May.