Marble Falls officials still seeking name for dog park at Westside

JENNIFER FIERRO • PICAYUNE STAFF

MARBLE FALLS — Seventeen name nominations for the city’s new dog park have been submitted, but officials are looking for more.

Marble Falls Parks and Recreation Director Robert Moss briefed the Parks and Recreation Commission during its regular meeting April 6.

Officials want to name the dog park, located at Westside Park on Avenue S and Second Street, after an individual or organization.

The deadline to submit name nominations to Moss at rmoss@ci.marble-falls.tx.us is May 12.

But there’s a catch. Moss said submissions must include a reason why the park should be named after the person or organization. And if a reason is not given, the suggestion will not be submitted to the commissioners during a special workshop in May. That date is still to be determined.

“Half (of the emailed suggestions) gave a justification,” he said. “The justification is key.”

Once the commissioners vote on a name, it will be passed to City Manager Mike Hodge. He will present the recommendation to city council members, who will vote on a permanent name.

Moss said dog park lead organizer Megan Klaeger has submitted paperwork to the IRS to form a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to operate the facility. That process takes several months, he said. Once she has federal approval, contracts will be signed by members of the city staff and Klaeger that outline the responsibilities of the city and the nonprofit. The director said that even without a signed contract, Klaeger is following through on what she told the commissioners, council members and city staff she would be doing.

“And she has a full-time job,” Place 1 Commissioner Kendra Lewis said.

“I give that girl a lot of credit,” Chairman David Rhodes said.   

“The feedback I’ve gotten is,” Place 6 Commissioner Leta Stevenson-Smith said, “(the dog park is) totally awesome, good idea.”

Commissioners and staff members still plan to conduct a formal grand opening but will wait until all the paperwork is complete, Moss said. That also allows for commissioners and council members to finish the naming process, he added.

And though the park does not have a name, that hasn’t stopped residents and their furry friends from enjoying it.

“It’s being utilized quite a bit,” Moss said. “If you haven’t seen it, go check it out.”

jfierro@thepicayune.com