City of Corbin considers building dog park

The City of Corbin is considering the construction of a public dog park.

At the regular meeting of the Corbin City Commission Monday night, Suzann Cox spoke about the need for a dog park.

Cox, a self-described dog lover, said the closest dog park is in Richmond and she frequently takes her own dog there to give it the opportunity to run in a safe, enclosed area and socialize with other dogs.

“There are a lot of people in this area that their dogs are their lives,” Cox said adding that it gives people the opportunity to socialize.

When asked what would be needed for a dog park in Corbin, Cox explained that it would require approximately one acre of property bordered with fencing that is approximately four to six feet in height. A fence to separate areas for larger and smaller dogs would be a good addition.

“Some smaller dogs have a “big dog” complex and it can cause them issues,” Cox said.

A water source, benches for the owners and trees for shade should also be considered.

Cox estimated that the fencing would cost approximately $4,000. However, advertising space, similar to what is done at the Little League fields, could be sold to help offset the cost.

Public works could perform necessary maintenance and upkeep.

When questioned about potential liability to the city, Cox explained that owners would bear the responsibility for their pets should a bite or injury occur.

Corbin City Manager Marlon Sams said there is a site on Hamlin Street near the intersection with Wilson Street that would be ideal.

Sams said there is a $25,000 grant from Pet Safe that the city would be applying for to fund the project.

The commissioners voiced support for the idea to move forward.

In other business the commission:

• Heard a presentation from members of the Carnegie Center of Corbin Board of Directors on plans for restoring the historic building on Roy Kidd Ave. to serve as a local meeting place, home for historical archives and a location to offer educational and artistic programs.

Brenda Jones, a member of the board, noted that the Ossoli Foundation of Corbin had pledged to match up to $10,000 in donations toward the project on a dollar-for-dollar basis.

Jones challenged other local organizations to do the same.

“If the Ossoli Foundation can do it, others can do it as well,” Jones said.

The Carnegie Center board’s goal is to raise $41,000 to purchase the building from First Baptist Church.

More information about the organization and how to donate is available online at www.carnegiecenterofcorbin.org.

• Approved a series of ordinances necessary to bring allow the International Property Maintenance Code to be the guide for the city’s code enforcement.
• Reappointed Ricky Lynch to the Civil Service Board.