On June 7th, 2011, the McKinney City Council approved Phase 1 of Bonnie Wenk Park, a 125-acre site to be located near the center of McKinney. Construction of the 59-acre phase began last fall and will include a two-story pavilion, amphitheater, pond and the city's first dog park. Phase 1 will be constructed on the north side of Virginia Parkway, about 800 feet east of Hardin Boulevard, and is set to be complete by next spring. The initial project will cost about $5 million, which MPROS has accumulated mostly from the McKinney Community Development Corp. (MCDC) over the last few years.
The dog park will be located in the southwest part of the park and feature three separate fenced areas: a 1-acre small-dog park, a 3-acre large-dog park and a splash pad area for all dogs.
Times have changed and more people live on small lots and in apartments. As a result, a dog park has become the number one request in the new park. Soon residents without a large backyard will no longer have to take their dogs to Allen or Plano for some off leash freedom.
Both the small- and large-dog areas will have wash areas, pet drinking fountains and waste stations. Located near the dog parks will be a concrete splash pad, where dogs can enjoy the water without causing maintenance issues.
The city plans to grind up trees from the Wilson Creek corridor that fall during storms and use them as mulch for the dog park, also another precaution for otherwise high-maintenance costs.
The park is scheduled to open in April of 2013. For a list of other local dog parks go here.
