SAN ANTONIO -- "I think there is a great need for people who don’t have, you know, big yards where the dogs can run,” said dog owner Rob Smith.
Rob Smith just moved north of Downtown about a month ago. Finding a spacious place for his family pets to play can be a challenge.
"Yeah, it’s pretty small. They can’t get to too much speed before they have to turn around and come back," Smith added.
That could be changing very soon.
Along upper Broadway you can find one of the oldest parks north of Downtown.
The three-acre green space is soon being transformed into a “world class” dog park. Thanks to efforts by residents living along the San Antonio River Walk and the surrounding area.
"We feel as if it’s something that the community is clamoring for and we’re just to bring it to the area," said Maverick Dog Park co-project leader Joe Alderete.
Joe Alderete and Ashley Riley kick started the project in May of last year, working alongside city leaders and the San Antonio Parks Foundation.
Alderete added, "San Antonio Parks Foundation has been instrumental in assisting Maverick Dog Park."
San Antonio Parks Foundation CEO Noah Almanza said, "We have many communities around the area in San Antonio that there are people who really advocate for parks and want to see park projects happen."
And, to help bring more projects to life the San Antonio Parks Foundation rolled out a new multiple tier membership program Tuesday for business, families, or individuals
With the new membership program, the foundation hopes to bring in more community involvement and donations to protect, and enhance parks in San Antonio and Bexar County.
"I think any great city has great parks and where public money falls short making those good parks great, that’s where the Parks Foundation comes in," said Almanza.
Smith added, “It’s just a good way to socialize and makes them happy."
Through efforts like these we’ll continue to see more green spaces evolve into better and bigger public parks.