“We do understand the public wants their dog park as soon as possible,” reads a Facebook post from the Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department. “We are working quickly to provide a nice and upgraded facility for their canines. We do not have a date yet of when it will be reopened. We hope the weather will allow us to finish soon.”

The renovation started as a three-week project, but workers discovered “quite a bit” of trash in the new mulch after putting it in, forcing them to remove that mulch and find another source, according to the post. 

While hauling the mulch out, constant rain has made the ground very muddy. Staff are waiting for the ground to dry so they can correct low sinking areas and ensure drainage is correct. After new, clean mulch is delivered and spread, the crew will again inspect drainage before installing fencing to separate the large and small dog parks. 

Other upgrades will include fixing certain wooden benches, new signs and two dog water fountain bowls. The fountains will be installed in the spring.