Plans to convert the former tennis courts at Schlegel Park into a new dog park advanced this week, as Reading City Council approved contracts for the project during its April 14 meeting. While the initiative received broad support, Councilmember Vanessa Campos raised questions about the location selection process and whether the community had an opportunity to weigh in.
The project, funded through the city’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP), includes the removal of abandoned tennis courts and construction of a dog-friendly area featuring grass, fencing, and agility-style obstacles. Contracts were awarded to R. Smith Paving ($88,000), ProMax Fence ($50,813), and Doug Lamb Contracting ($11,780).
Public Works representative Jeff Kelly explained that identifying a suitable location for a dog park has been a long-standing goal for the city. He said the Schlegel Park site was chosen due to its limited suitability for other recreational uses and proximity to Matos Towing. The project will also improve accessibility by repaving the parking area and adding a handicapped-accessible path to a nearby pavilion.
Campos expressed her support for the dog park but questioned whether the public had been involved in choosing the location. Kelly acknowledged the absence of input from the Reading Recreation Commission but said he believes the dog park will increase use of the park.
Campos also suggested adding more pathways to improve connectivity for joggers and bikers. In response, Kelly noted that while additional lighting could be added to make the area more user-friendly, new pathways might interfere with recently planted trees funded through a grant.
Kelly added that the city is also considering a second dog park at Mineral Spring Park, though no details have been finalized.
The dog park was included in the 2025 CIP budget and was approved as part of the Council’s consent agenda during the regular meeting. No timeline for construction was provided, but the approval of contracts indicates that work could begin in the near future.