Numerous local REALTORS® were among those who celebrated the opening of the free Galena Dog Park in mid-June.

“The dog park is located on a three-acre lot on the east side of the city, and it features three dog runs, water fountains, a picnic area, a bathroom and plenty of shade trees,” said Neeley Erickson, Illinois REALTORS® Local Governmental Affairs Director. “It’s a fantastic idea that was about three years in the making.”

Proponents of the dog park wanted to reduce the number of dog walkers on Main Street and the nearby levee, so they proposed the park, with fenced in areas where well-behaved dogs could be taken off their leashes to socialize with other dogs and owners, without disturbing other people, property or wildlife, she said.

The city of Galena and the Galena Bark Park Group raised funds for the project, and Illinois REALTORS® secured a $5,000 National Association of REALTORS® Placemaking Grant. The property, donated by Chris and Courtney Timp of Galena, Erickson said, has ample room for expansion if it is needed.

(Click on the group photo to identify local REALTORS® and Galena officials.)