A park for dogs is slated for the city’s future, and it’s planned to be both fun and visually aesthetic for people and man’s best friend alike.

The city plans to incorporate artwork into the new Tibbetts Valley Off-Leash Dog Park, its first dog park. Right now they are calling on professional artists and teams to submit their qualifications to be considered for the project.

The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. on March 25. Compensation for the project is $25,000, inclusive of all costs such as artist fees, installation, materials, design, labor, permits, travel and insurance, according to the city’s website.

The city’s parks, recreation and community services department, as well as the arts commission, will work with whomever is selected throughout the entire process of development and installation. They are looking for artwork to “enhance the aesthetics of the dog park, be functional and primarily be focused on the entrance area(s),” the website says.

Potential locations for art placement include fences, gates and entry pavers. The city will consider various forms and media of art. It should be able to withstand the climate, high activity levels and need little maintenance.

With a short timeline for completion of the project, the website says the arts commission will aim to notify the selected applicant by April 15 and installation for the artwork is estimated for either quarter three or quarter four of 2020.

More information about how to apply, eligibility and application requirements can be found online at http://www.issaquahwa.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=4257.

Linda and Buck Dentinger, two Issaquah residents, were out walking their dog, Molly, 4, at Tibbetts Valley Park last week.

The pooch was clearly enjoying playing fetch with Buck throwing her tennis ball. They had her leash handy, but let her off for the game.

“She really smiles running back with her ball,” Linda said.

The dog tilted her head side to side, ears flopping, when her humans spoke her name.

The pair said they would really like to see a dog park built there and are looking forward to it coming to fruition. They said they would definitely use it and enjoy it.

“Oh yes — it’d be wonderful,” Linda said.

Following a public engagement process, the off-leash park was identified as a near-term priority project in the city’s 2018 Parks Strategic Plan and Tibbetts Valley Park was selected as the site. The park, located on 12th Avenue Northwest, is 30 acres and includes a playground, multiple ball fields, a basketball court and tennis courts.

More information about the dog park — which is set to cost an estimated $200,000 in city funds — and ways to get involved, can be found online at issaquahwa.gov/dogpark.

Natalie DeFord/staff photo Molly, a 4-year-old dog, playing with her humans Buck and Linda Dentinger at Tibbetts Valley Park in Issaquah in February, 2020.

Natalie DeFord/staff photo Molly, a 4-year-old dog, playing with her humans Buck and Linda Dentinger at Tibbetts Valley Park in Issaquah in February, 2020.