Lewes Unleashed site and initial design approved

From the Cape Gazette ("Lewes approves dog park's design" by Henry J. Evans, Jr. | November 28, 2012):

LEWES, DELAWARE— Lewes Unleashed is set to move forward with a dog park organizers say will be spectacular based on its size and location.

Lewes Mayor and City Council on Nov. 19 unanimously approved the park’s initial design concept and also approved building the park on 4.5 acres of a 66-acre parcel the city leases from the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.

The parcel lies off New Road, along the road to the University of Delaware’s College of Earth, Ocean and Environment. The city approved the dog park idea in June.

Landscape architect Rodney Robinson said the park’s natural setting would appeal to dogs and humans.

Robinson is providing his services to Lewes Unleashed free of charge.

“Because of the size and nature of the parcel it’s going to be spectacular,” Robinson said, pointing out features on a rendering of his initial design concept.

He said most of the site work would be an evaluation of what’s growing, removal of unwanted plants, then work to nurture desired plant species. 

Robinson said the site offers diverse setting and plants: areas with sun, shade, and some places with broad vistas. He said new plantings would be indigenous. 

“It’s going to be unique. I haven’t seen any other dog parks like it,” Robinson said.