Community ideas sought for dog park in Luverne

Does Luverne need a larger dog park?
A local task force is being formed to investigate and make a recommendation on that question. 
The Luverne Area Chamber of Commerce and the Luverne Initiatives for Tomorrow (LIFT) Board are inviting community members who are interested in the topic of a potential second dog park to join the task force. 
The first meeting is Aug. 21 at 7 p.m. in the basement of the Chamber of Commerce in Luverne. 
“All are welcome to serve on the task force,” said Chamber Executive Director Jane Lanphere. “The more participants and involvement, the better the outcome.”
Lanphere said people can join the task force at any time, and she expects the group will meet six to twelve times over the next eight months. 
“The first meeting will be a ‘dream session’ where everyone has a chance to share what they think should be included if a dog park is constructed in Luverne,” Lanphere said. 
According to Lanphere, the task force will evaluate the need for a possible park as well as potential design, location, funding, policies, volunteer opportunities and more.
The group will then present its findings to the LIFT Executive Board, the Chamber Board and, possibly, the city council for potential further action. 
The task force is being organized as a result of local residents expressing the need for a larger dog park that would accommodate open areas for larger dogs to run as well as a separate area for smaller dogs, according to Lanphere.
There is also interest in having a dog park closer to residential areas of town than the current facility at Rotary Park. 
At their booth at the Rock County Fair last week, Chamber staff solicited feedback on a possible dog park. Lanphere said a majority of the feedback was positive.
“We probably had about 60 to 70 people visit with us about a dog park,” Lanphere said.
“Two people who don’t have dogs were a hard ‘no’ and said it was a waste of time and money. About four others said a dog park isn’t needed, but instead the city should just allow dogs to run free in the city park and the LOOP. The rest of the conversations were positive and supportive of the idea of a dog park.”
Construction of a new dog park could be completed in 2024, 2025 or later, depending on location, funding and community support. 
“There are just so many factors involved,” Lanphere said. 
Anyone interested in serving on the task force is encouraged to call the Chamber at 507-283-4061 or email the office at luvernechamber@co.rock.mn.us