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Hernando Today

The Wait Is Over

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By TONY HOLT

Hernando Today

Published: February 1, 2009

SPRING HILL - Pat Fagan strolled through the large crowd and shook a lot of hands Saturday morning. The smile never seemed to leave his face.

Hernando County's park director had plenty of reasons to smile. He had been waiting for this day since President Bush's first term.

Rotary Centennial Park was finished. Dog owners in Spring Hill and beyond could finally rejoice.

"It was well worth waiting the four and a half years it took for the Rotary Club to raise the funds," he said. "This is something that's going to be well used."
Fagan pointed to the crowd of almost 100 people - most of whom had brought their dogs to run freely across large sections of the 7.8-acre park.

"I think it'll be like this everyday," he said.

The opening of the county's first dog park also brought several vendors, was endorsed by the local shelters and was attended by current and past county commissioners.

Among them was Commissioner Jeff Stabins, who brought his two black Labradors - Casey and Rusty.

"This ought to add two years to their lives," he said as he watched his dogs run in circles with their tongues wagging.

The dog area is divided into two parts - one for large dogs and the other for the smaller types.

Some were obedient. Others were wild.

There were chitzus, poodles, pit bulls and golden retrievers - just to name a few.

When it came time to cut the ribbon and speak to the crowd, Fagan made sure to thank Al Toler and Dennis Ferrara, the men who planned, designed and oversaw the construction of the park.

"It was so thick in here, you couldn't even walk through it," said Toler as he pointed toward the fenced-in areas where the dogs were running and playing. "We had to cut down the trees ... it took days."

The other half of the park might eventually include a basketball court, volleyball court and other amenities. The rest likely will be added after the economy recovers, Fagan said. It already includes picnic benches, restrooms, lighting and a parking lot.

The $200,000 project was a joint venture by the Rotary Central Club of Spring Hill, the county and several determined volunteers. The club, made up of about two dozen members, persevered through the delayed deadlines and slowed funding.

"This is not a small club," said Rotary District Governor Russ Miller. "It's membership-challenged maybe, but it's not a small club."
Fagan said his office had been fielding calls about the status of the park every week for the past two years.

"The donors early on got a little frustrated," he said, "but it was well worth waiting for."

Among the dog owners enjoyed the new park was Steve Finley and his wife and daughter. The Weeki Wachee family brought their yellow Labrador, Jake, which has been deprived of open spaces where he could fetch and play.

"My wife's been asking for it for a while now," Finley said. "We're excited about it because (Jake) finally has a place to run."

If you go:

Where it is - 10375 Sandlor St. - near the corner of Landover Boulevard, two blocks south of Northcliffe Boulevard.

When it's open - Sunrise to sundown

Basic rules - Dogs must remain leashed outside the fenced area; owners must remain with their dogs while they are loose

For more information - Call Hernando County Parks Department at 352-754-4027

Reporter Tony Holt can be reached at 352-544-5283 or wholt@hernandotoday.com.

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