Initial plans underway for Copperas Cove dog park

Special to the Leader-Press
Copperas Cove Five Hills Ambassador Emily Kimball and Young Miss Five Hills Allyssa Kimball are going to the dogs—literally.  The two sisters have joined forces through their platforms of service to raise money to form a long-awaited dog park in Copperas Cove.  
Emily Kimball, who co-chaired the 3rd Annual Howl-O-Ween Puppy Pawlooza last year and will chair the event again in October, is using her platform of the humane treatment of animals to advocate for the park.
“I feel like we should take a part in starting this park in order to bring people and their dogs together. It will give the dogs a safe environment to run around and have fun while their owners enjoy the outdoors,” Emily Kimball said. “People were excited to hear that we were planning to fundraise for a dog park so that they would not have to drive to neighboring towns in order to take their dogs to the park. I feel like we can work with the parks and recreation department to make this happen for our community.”
The two titleholders met with Copperas Cove Parks and Recreation Director Joe Brown last Tuesday and determined that Ogletree Gap is the proposed location for the 1-acre dog park that is estimated to cost $65,000 which includes separated large dog and small dog fenced sections, 15 exercise/play pieces of equipment, storage shed, and a resting bench with canopy.
Studies of cities with dog parks show they offer a great source of socialization for dogs to interact with other dogs, and other people. Well-socialized dogs are less likely to exhibit threatening and disruptive behaviors. In addition, dog training is encouraged amongst the dogs who will use the park.
The two straight- A students also believe the dog park is also a great way for pet guardians to meet and socialize with each other. Dogs are not able to attend the park on their own. As a result, people who take their dogs to the park will inevitably meet others and be able to start conversations about commonalities and shared interests. Through this interaction, dog play dates can be arranged, training tips can be shared, and community is fostered.
“People want this dog park in the community and have been asking for it for a while. I would like to see fun and active things to do in our parks to bring people outdoors and get people and their pets involved. I think we can get businesses and people to back us up and sponsor parts of the park,” said Allyssa Kimball whose platform of service is Keep Copperas Cove Beautiful. 
Those interested in supporting a dog park in Copperas Cove can email fivehillspageant@gmail.com.
In royal sightings this week, the Copperas Cove Five Hills royalty will be hopping at Rabbit Fest assisting with various duties and participating in the annual parade. They will also be honored at Lemonpalooza for hosting their successful lemonade stands during National Lemonade Day.