South Portland could have a permanent dog park at Wainwright

South Portland City Council Eyes Fenced‑In Dog Park at Wainwright Recreation Complex

The City Council has moved a proposal forward to design a permanent dog park at the Wainwright Recreation Complex. A workshop held last week led council members to recommend that a professional consultant begin preliminary design work, and the city has already set aside a portion of its existing recreation‑planning budget for that purpose.

Funding and Timeline

BerryDunn, the firm retained for the broader Wainwright Recreation Plan, will receive $8,640.66 of the project’s allocated funds to develop a design and cost estimate for the dog park. According to Karl Coughlin, director of South Portland’s Parks, Recreation and Waterfront Department, a full proposal could be ready in time to be included in the fiscal‑year 2028 budget.

Site Selection

During a working group that convened last summer, city staff, the consultant, and a local resident reviewed eight potential sites around the city. They considered parking, accessibility, proximity to water, shade, overall size, environmental impact, and closeness to low‑ or moderate‑income neighborhoods. Wainwright Recreation Complex topped the list, followed by Legere Park and Bug Light Park. The Wainwright site would sit near the complex’s entrance or on a grassy strip adjacent to the parking lot.

Funding Strategy

City Council officials are encouraging the community to seek grants, donations and sponsorships to keep the project off the tax roll. The estimated cost of a fenced‑in dog park could exceed $100,000. Councilor Natalie West highlighted the example of the Kennebunk Dog Park, which opened through community donations organized by the Animal Welfare Society, to show that such a project is possible with private support.

Community Context

South Portland is home to nearly 30,000 residents and more than 1,000 dogs, yet the city has no dedicated space where pets can play, socialize and exercise safely. A permanent dog park would fill that gap and provide a community hub for pet owners.

Next Steps

The city is now working to finalize the design and cost estimate. Once the proposal is complete, it will be presented to the council for further approval and funding decisions. Residents can keep an eye on the Parks, Recreation and Waterfront Department’s website for updates and opportunities to contribute to the project.