The City of Owensboro has announced the opening of Castlen Dog Park, the first of its kind in Owensboro.
The park will open Tuesday, Aug. 20 at 3 p.m. with a ribbon-cutting event.
The Castlen Dog Park is an approximate 1.6 acre fenced, off-leash park for dog owners and their canine friends. It is located within Legion Park near the Veach Road entrance.
“I am very excited for the community as the city has partnered with local taxpayers for the benefit of all,” said Mayor Tom Watson. “I commend the folks that poured their heart and soul into making this a reality. My hope is that it will be over used by our dog lovers in OBKY. Thanks to staff for their diligence in bringing this project to closure.”
The Castlen Dog Park was developed, funded and built through a partnership of locally motivated citizens led by L. Steve Castlen. The citizens group gained approval from elected officials for development on city owned property, raised the funds needed to construct the park, and provided input on the physical development and construction of the park. The City provided the location and managed the constriction.
Local business owner, realtor and dog lover L. Steve Castlen drove the initiative to fundraise and develop a dog park in Owensboro.
“As a realtor, our clients and customers regularly asked about a dog park,” he said. “They came from communities that had these parks. I love Owensboro, and was happy to support the development of the park with funds and time. I am proud to be a driving force in this project for our community.”
Audubon Animal Hospital, Towne Square Animal Hospital, Julie Crowe, Purdom Family & Macy, TD’s Tuff Decisions, Valor Oil and L. Steve Castlen Realtors all donated to the project.