The Dog Park in downtown Poplar Bluff, Mo., is expected to open this week.
The park will operate from dawn to dusk as soon as fencing is complete, said Downtown Poplar Bluff Director Jerrica Fox.
The two-acre park is located between the Black River and Second Street, near the Poplar Street intersection.
It will include two separate areas, with just under a half acre reserved for small dogs and about one acre for medium and large canines.
The addition of water fountains, benches and landscaping will come later, said Fox, who is still fundraising for the park.
Poplar Bluff officials donated land for this park, but no funding has come from the city.
The park is part of a strategic plan called "Turnaround Downtown," which was created last year by Downtown Poplar Bluff, Inc.
It is meant to help create another positive focal point in the historic section of the city, which also has a skate park at Cedar Street and South Broadway, as well as a pocket park at South Moran and Poplar streets.
The dog park offers a place for pets to exercise and socialize, Mason and Kathryn Bell of Hillcrest Animal Hospital have said. The Bells are among the top sponsors for the new park.
Exercise and socialization are important for healthy and well-behaved animals, Kathryn Bell said at the time the donation was made.
Animals will be able to play off leash at the park, according to Fox.
Other sponsors for the park are: Mid-Continent Nail Corporation; Wash Park- Dog Wash; Ozark Federal Credit Union; Walmart Supercenter; Walmart Neighborhood Market; Whitworth's Giftchest Jewelers; Minit Print; Edith Renfrow; James Hillin; Lynne Chapman and Michael Roark.
Staff from the city's utility and water departments have donated time to help with the project, Fox said.
Many community members have also purchased T-shirts in support of The Dog Park.
T-shirts are still available for a donation of $10 and can be found at Southern Roots Apparel or Ozark Federal Credit Union.