Happy Tails Dog Park reopening Friday

ROSEBURG, Ore. – Roseburg’s dog park will reopen late Friday afternoon, Aug. 1, following flood-damage repairs.

Happy Tails Dog Park should reopen by the end of the workday Friday after all repair work has been completed.

On Tuesday, July 29, a crew from Roseburg-based Pacific Northwest Fence Co. – led by manager Brett Heselius – began installing about 750 feet of new fencing wire after the old fence was mangled during South Umpqua River flooding in March. They also replaced green “T posts” on which they began hooking and stretching wire fencing Tuesday, July 29, and are expected to finish that on Wednesday, July 30.

Heselius’ brother -- welder Garrett Heselius -- will finish welding the park’s gates on Thursday and the gates will be installed Friday. The gates will be used to create the “outlock” or two-gated entrance that serves as a holding pen for dogs and their companions to enter or exit the park without other animals accidentally getting out at the same time.

Last week, the crew dug holes and set 20 brace posts whose concrete bases needed to cure for about seven days at the corner of Templin Avenue and Arizona Street.

Quite a few people have already stopped by to check on repair progress, Brett Heselius said Tuesday, July 29.

“They’re just excited,” he added.

Heselius -- whose father, John, founded the fence company in 1982 -- said he understands residents and their dogs are itching to return to the dog park. His three-year-old boxer, “Link,” has been missing the park as much as the other canines.

Heselius has been taking his dog to Eastwood Park since Happy Tails Dog Park temporarily closed after the flood.

“It’s not the same, though – he doesn’t get to see his buddies,” Heselius said.

Roseburg Parks staff and seasonal workers also are working at the park this week to continue removing debris, downed tree sections and sand left by the flood. On Tuesday, a four-person crew removed additional debris so more sections of the park can be mowed and weeds trimmed. Staff will install 40 yards of bark mulch to parking lot islands on Thursday.

“A lot of people have been driving through with their dogs,” said Parks Maintenance employee Travone Holmes while overseeing the work Tuesday. “I figure there will be a large influx of people when they get the fence done.”

Park repairs will cost $15,000. Contractors, including fence installation companies, have been in high demand following the flooding as government agencies, businesses and local residents work to recover from the storms.

For more information, contact Roseburg Parks and Recreation at 541-492-6899 or parks@roseburgor.gov.