Jesse Sanchez and his Boxer-Lab mix dog, Rocky, were invited by the Editor into the big dog run, on Friday morning, August 26, 2022. Sanchez claimed Rocky was tired from their long walk and doubted he would run. Not so. He galloped toward the Editor when called! Rocky is the first happy canine to enjoy Morrison Bark Park. The public may use Morrison Bark Park beginning today: big dogs in the run with the shelter; small dogs in the north run. Come prepared to take home your pet’s feces.

Karla Burn, Chair of On the Move with Parks and Recreation, noted “March 2020 was to be our first fundraiser, [but COVID-19 interfered.] In November 2020 we held a first fundraiser online. This hard-core effort took just one year to reach our initial goal of $50,000. The community made it happen!”

Installation of the long-awaited Morrison Bark Park fencing began at 7:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 23, 2022. Owner Dan Wheeler of River City Fencing, 21490 Waller Road, Fulton, IL, estimated it would span “roughly 1100 feet. This is commercial grade, vinyl-coated wire fencing.” Wheeler has been the owner for 36 years, serving clients in a 150-mile radius of Fulton, since 1984.

He and two assistants used two, detached, post hole diggers to create “over 150 holes, nine inches around and three feet deep.” They inserted posts and filled holes with concrete. Left-to-right are Francisco, Wheeler, and Lupe.

Wednesday, August 24, found the men back-filling dirt around the posts and grooming the outer grass area. Several rolls of fencing were installed. Lupe is shown operating one of two multi-purpose Bobcats.

“There are five sets of gates” to install, Wheeler noted. One into the Bark Park; two separate gates into the dog runs; a 12″ wide side gate into each run. These will facilitate entrance of materials and equipment.

Fencing runs three sides around the Morrison Bark Park. On Thursday, August 25, the men returned, hoping to complete the fencing, including the separator between runs for large and small canines. They attached the ends to an existing wire fence across the north end.

Remaining tasks on Friday morning, August 26, included installation of the interior 12′ gate. Both openings required latches, brackets, and a post on one side of each gate, to keep it in place. The large gates need not always be opened fully. Dan Wheeler touched up posts with spray paint.

“This fencing looks great. I’m glad they went with black,” he said. Jim [Strating] was a nice guy to work with.” Now there is safe separation for big dogs in the run with a shelter and small dogs in the north run.

The City will install locks on the large gates and the main Bark Park entrance. Acting City Administrator Brian Melton added the City will install a Morrison Bark Park sign, to match other City park signage.

Along the Bark Park perimeter, Lupe, left, continued reinforcing the base of each chain link fence panel, with a horizontal support rod.

Forty-five commemorative brick pavers were installed earlier this month, in the entrance triangle. They sell for $45, which includes carving. Contact Karla Burn at 815-535-6591 to purchase a brick. Any supporter/sponsor of Morrison Bark Park is invited to contribute. They are not exclusively for dog owners.

Burn noted additional amenities will come soon: Rules of Use signage Sponsor names Instructions to decide which run is appropriate for a pet. Criteria are size (ie., Small Dogs are 25 pounds of less); age; activity level; temperament. Aggressive dogs are not allowed.

Elkay will donate a Water Fountain for humans and pets. Marcia Haag donated a picnic table for the first shelter. Engraved benches were donated by The Humphreys Family, Family of Arnie Snyder, and Stephanie Vavra.; three more benches are desired. Morrison Garden Club will donate shade trees this fall.

noun: 1. Someone or something of enormous size. 2. Someone or something fierce, frightening, monstrous, etc.