Although storms put a damper on the unveiling of the Castlen Dog Park on Tuesday at Legion Park, officials were able to finally cut the ribbon on the project that had been years in the making.
Steve Castlen, the business owner and real estate broker for whom the dog park is named, was the primary donor for Castlen Dog Park.
“We are all excited for this day,” he said. “We didn’t know if it would come.”
The park construction followed an October 2018 municipal order unanimously approved by city commissioners, seeking a memorandum of agreement between the City of Owensboro and the Owensboro Dog Park Association for the development of Castlen Dog Park.
According to Castlen, people across the city were anxious to financially support the dog park. In total, $100,000 was raised to construct the park.
“It is great when a citizen will step up and meet a need in the community,” said Owensboro Parks and Recreation Director Amanda Rogers. “Steve certainly bulldogged the need for this park in this community.”
Sitting on the back sector of the Legion Park property closest to the Veach Road entrance, Castlen Dog Park covers about 2 acres.
Within the free area where dogs are allowed off leash, there are two fenced areas, fanning out into the wooded area of the park. One side is designated for smaller dogs and one for larger. The enclosure has rounded edges rather than sharp to reduce dog anxiety.
Debbie Johnson of Owensboro was excited to attend the dog park opening with her service dog, a Great Pyrenese named Sasha. Johnson, a disabled war veteran, said she doesn’t get out much, but plans to attend the Castlen Dog Park as often as possible.
“This is the happiest thing in the world for me,” she said. “Because now I have somewhere to go.”
Johnson said she followed the dog park’s progress and planned to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony in order to thank Castlen for spearheading the project.
“I have been waiting on this forever,” she said. “I think a lot of people have and will want to be like me and enjoy the park.”
