FAIRHOPE, Ala. — Fairhope will soon join hundreds of other cities in the country when an off-leash dog park is built at Volanta Park not far from where the new Fairhope Skateboard Plaza is to be constructed.

Several members of the group responsible for getting the park started described the history of the project and plans for the facility at Monday’s City Council meeting.

“A group of us got together to try and make this happen,” said longtime Fairhope resident Danna Snow. “We formed the Fairhope Dog Park Coalition.”

In December, the group learned the city would be providing a large area for the park at Volanta Park.

“We are very grateful to the city and the parks department for providing the property,” she said. “We’re excited about this.”

Efforts to build a local dog park started about four years ago, Snow said Tuesday.

“The beach and cemeteries became off-limits for walking dogs,” she said. “I visited my son in Indianapolis and saw the off-leash dog parks there. It was just fabulous. I did some research and found there were more than 700 dog parks in the country, and that was four years ago.”

A handful of people got together to support the idea and put petitions in local pet stores and veterinarian offices, she said.

“We collected 2,500 signatures on petitions,” she said. “It became obvious that there was a need and desire. The obstacle we faced was over the property.”

She said local veterinarian Teresa Marshall got involved at that point and helped move the project along. Local attorney Sam Irby was also a key player, she said.

The city first suggested they locate the park at the dump on Section Street, which was “totally unsuitable,” Snow said.

“What we were looking for was something centrally located that could be safe for the elderly and single people,” she said. “We were looking for something that was established, and Volanta Park was our first choice. When that was suggested, we met with Eddie Boyette (director of parks and recreation department) and and walked the area together.”

Marshall also addressed the council Monday night, saying dog parks can become important public gathering places in a community.

“Dog parks are not only advantageous to the dogs — a well-exercised dog is a good neighbor — but are also good for the community,” said Marshall, who helped found The Haven, the city’s no-kill animal shelter. “It’s a good place for social interaction and a safe place for elderly individuals with their dogs.”

Snow said the dog park coalition plans to raise funds to pay for the required fencing and other amenities.

“We would like people to join our effort,” she said. “If they contact us, we will keep them updated on plans for the park.”

For more information about the Fairhope Dog Park Coalition, contact Janice Boudreau at janboudreau202@aol.com.