HOHENFELS , Germany -- Furry, four-legged Fidos across Hohenfels gave a collective "woof" of relief as the Directorate of Public Works broke ground on the long-awaited dog park here, Sept. 22.
The 1.5 acre enclosure will feature double gates, waste bags and benches. The dog park is located behind the Linderberg / Keltenwall housing area next to the playground.
"This way we can have our two-legged family members playing on one side, and four-legged family members on the other," joked Bernhard Weber, DPW deputy director.
Dog owners who utilize the park will be responsible for its upkeep, including mowing, trash and waste removal. DPW anticipates an opening date near the end of October.
"There has been no place on post where it was legal to let your dog off the leash to run and socialize with other dogs," said Amanda Macias, SAF (Service to the Armed Forces) regional program specialist. "So, this new dog park is a welcome benefit to dog owners who live on post."
Macias echoes the concerns of Hohenfels Community Members who have addressed the need for a dog park at Army Family Action Place (AFAP) conferences since 2009.
"During the FY14 AFAP conference, delegates again recommended that the garrison designate an area for a dog park. In early 2014, we received guidance to identify an area where a dog park could be established and determine the cost for fencing and signage," said Lara Clagett, Hohenfels Army Community Service mobilization and deployment program manager.
AFAP is the Army's grassroots process for identifying quality of life issues impacting Soldiers, families and DOD civilians, and bringing them to senior leaders for action. The conference brings community representatives together as delegates, facilitators, recorders and experts to prioritize, discuss and offer recommendations on issues both at an installation level and an Armywide level. Issues that are beyond the scope of the garrison may be submitted to the IMCOM-Europe AFAP conference, and can even reach the Department of the Army conference.
"We are extremely excited that we were able to finally resource the materials and find a suitable location to erect a dog park for our owners and their four legged family members," said Mike Haney, U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria-Hohenfels manager. "Soon the entire community will have a safe location to allow their pets to roam free and stretch their legs. The needs of our Soldiers, Civilians and their families are our number one priority and we are very pleased that we were able to make this project a reality."
The AFAP process remains a powerful tool in terms of getting ideas out from the community getting them toward the people who can make decisions and influence over change within the Army. Hohenfels is currently accepting issues for FY16 AFAP.
Boxes are located throughout Hohenfels to include Army Community Service, the Community Mail Room, Commissary, Child Development Center, and the Exchange or online at https://www.myarmyonesource.com For additional information, individuals can stop by ACS, building 10 or call 09472-83-4860.
Social Sharing