A core group of local dog lovers has organized into the Friends of the Hays Dog Park.  Serving as president is Kim Perez, a history professor at Fort Hays State University.  She’s been working on the project for some time and presented her research Tuesday night to more than 30 people gathered at the Hays Public Library.

Building a basic dog park with two separate areas for big dogs and little dogs, will cost about 38-thousand dollars.  Perez suggests the dog park be established near Kiwanis Park in east Hays, where the city grows alfalfa.

Friends of the Hays Dog Park is now raising funds for the project.  Donations marked “Hays Dog Park” can be mailed to the Hays City Clerk’s office.  The group hopes to raise about half the money before presenting the proposal to Hays City Commissioners September 1st.  Perez said the city would be responsible for gathering trash from the park bins.  The dog owners would be responsible for picking up their pet’s waste.