Construction of the three-acre Chattapoochee Park at Rogers Bridge Park is in the final stages, according to Duluth Parks and Recreation Department Director Kathy Marelle. When it opens it will be the city's first dog park.

The new park will consist of two acres for large dogs over 20 pounds and one acre for small dogs under 20 pounds to run and play, a nature trail, benches, interactive fountains, and agility equipment. The department recently asked dog owners about what kind of agility equipment they would like to see placed in the park for their dogs to use.

The dog park, which derives its name for its location near the Chattahoochee River, will open for public use soon, Marelle said, and a grand opening is planned in the spring when the fountains will be operational. The dog agility equipment is expected to be installed in March, Marelle said.

Georgia Development Partners is constructing the dog park designed by Tunnell-Spangler-Walsh & Associates. Ground was broken for the project in late September.

Design and construction costs are being paid for with SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) funds.