A groundbreaking took place Tuesday morning at 222 Tonganoxie Drive for the Hill’s Nutrition Bark Park. The space, which covers about 6 acres, will be home to a hub that serves both dogs and their human companions. A collaboration between Hill’s Pet Nutrition and Tonganoxie Recreation Commission, the park is expected to be completed by the fall.

The new dog park is just east across the creek from Chieftain Park.

“At Hill’s Pet Nutrition, we believe in the power of community and the importance of giving back to the places where we live and work,” said Chad Sharp, director of manufacturing, Hill’s Pet Nutrition in Tonganoxie. “As a new community business, supporting the development of the Hill’s Pet Nutrition Bark Park in Tonganoxie is just one example of our commitment to fostering a vibrant, healthy community we are a part of.

“We are proud to partner with the Tonganoxie Recreation Commission on this exciting project. We look forward to seeing residents and their pets enjoy this fantastic new space for years.”

The new park, funded by a contribution from Hill’s Pet Nutrition and supported by the Tonganoxie Recreation Commission, will be a destination for dog lovers of all kinds. Key features of the park will include separate play areas tailored to large and small dogs, which ensures a safe and enjoyable environment for pets to socialize and exercise.

Additional amenities included in the design are concrete parking, shade structures, drinking fountains, pet waste collection stations, a covered picnic area and a children’s play zone.

Tonganoxie’s newest park also will provide a natural fit with the community’s existing Chieftain Trail system. The park design will feature a lighted walking trail that is expected to enhance accessibility and connectivity within the community. Per a press release from Hill’s, the integration reflects the project’s commitment to promoting outdoor recreation and fostering community involvement among residents.

“This initiative underscores our shared dedication to enhancing our community’s recreational offerings,” remarked Brad Eccles, recreation director for the Tonganoxie Recreation Commission. “We are thrilled to introduce this new addition with the help of Hill’s Pet Nutrition to our park system, providing ample green space, trails, and picnic areas for generations to enjoy.”

The groundbreaking comes nearly nine months after Hill’s opened a 360,000-square-foot state-of-the-art manufacturing facility on more than 80 acres at Tonganoxie Business Park. The smart facility has increased the company’s production capacity for canned pet food and provides a runway for continued expansion of Hill’s Science Diet and Prescription Diet brands.

More coverage from Tuesday morning’s groundbreaking ceremony, including photos of the celebration of the new Hill’s Bark Park, will appear in next week’s print edition of The Mirror. It also can be found online at tonganoxiemirror.com.