Hydrocephalus maladroits: Doggie water park in NA -- for only a quarter million $ more.

Photo credit: The water slide vendor.

On a morning when local media reports Jeffersonville businesses and their patrons expressing optimism about the future now that the downtown bridge is open, and River Ridge coyly hinting at other heavy hitter ... the News and Tribune's account of last evening's City Council meeting speaks for itself. A human water park wasn't enough. Now the mighty Oz must make moisten our dogs, too -- and who better to explain the expenditure than Sancho Panza?

Dog park expansion?

A potential phase 2 expansion of a planned dog park at Cannons Acres Park was presented to the New Albany City Council during a work session before the regular meeting Monday night.

David Duggins, director of redevelopment and economic development for New Albany, said the plan will expand upon $125,000 that was approved for phase one of the project in 2014.

Phase two includes a water line for the dogs, a walking path in the woods near the dog park, a 9-hole frisbee golf course and a water feature for the dogs.

The cost for phase two is $250,000.

The water feature, about 100 feet in diameter, would utilize a sinkhole to create a small pond where dogs could play or go swimming.

David Hall, director of the New Albany-Floyd County Animal Shelter, said it would create a unique feature for dog parks in the region.

Memberships that carry a small fee may be a requirement to be able to use the dog park.

Councilman Scott Blair questioned the location of the dog park and whether or not the area would be better served if a second soccer field was created in the park.

Duggins said the location was chosen working in conjunction with the Parks Department and the slope of the area would not allow for much else.