By Ryan Duey

Abilene community members celebrated the opening of the Ted & Mid Viola Dog Park this past week. Located east of the Abilene Community Center and north of the baseball fields, the park covers one acre, donated by Viola sisters Linda Bankes and Sally Cullor.

The park was a project by the Leadership Dickinson County class of 2020.

Divided into two sections, the park will soon feature two benches crafted by the Abilene High School woodshop class, funded by the Abilene Animal Hospital. Additionally, two dog waste stations will be provided by Midwest Greyhound Supply, along with a drinking fountain complete with a dog bowl.

Constructed by the city in collaboration with the Corp of Engineers due to its proximity to Mud Creek, the park aims to enhance community recreation. A fund established at the Community Foundation for Dickinson County will accept donations for future park enhancements, such as obstacles.