The city of Cullman has announced its plans to effectively double its canine amenities, giving local pet owners a little bit extra news to celebrate for National Dog Day.

The National Dog Day celebration was founded 20 years ago by Animal Welfare Advocate Colleen Paige as a way to spread awareness for animal rescues and give pet owners one more reason to celebrate America’s favorite four-legged companions. According the the National Dog Day website, Aug. 26 was chosen because it was the day Paige adopted her first, childhood dog, Sheltie, from her local animal shelter.

In a press release sent to The Times Friday, Aug. 23, the city of Cullman announced its plans to relocate its dog park at Heritage Park to the nearby Ingle Park.

The new dog park will be located in an area between the Field of Miracles sports complex and the pickleball courts.

Mayor Woody Jacobs said, in the release, that the lack of shade at the current dog park has been a long-standing concern from residents who frequent the park and was happy to announce the new park will be designed to include a number of shaded areas.

“Having shade at the dog park has been a need for a long time, and we are thrilled to finally bring this project to fruition. This new facility will provide a better experience for our community and their pets,” Jacobs said.

The new park will bring a swath of other benefits based on community feedback including a larger play area and new equipment. The park will also be positioned much closer to parking areas in an effort to make the space more accessible.

Councilmember Clint Hollingsworth said he recognized the value of the new park from his personal experiences as a self-proclaimed dog lover.

“I enjoy taking my German Shorthaired Pointer, Wilkes, to the dog park and I believe this new location will be a great benefit to fellow dog lovers in our community,” Hollingsworth said.

Cullman Parks, Recreation and Sports Tourism Director Nathan Anderson said the project will do more than relocate the existing park. He said the department plans to revitalize the existing equipment located at Heritage Park for the future construction of an additional dog park across town at East Side Park.

“This not only promotes sustainability, but it also enhances our recreational offerings throughout the city,” Anderson said.

The city encouraged residents to begin utilizing the new amenities immediately after its estimated completion in November.