BUTLER TWP — Pups can mark their calendars “fur” Saturday, May 11, when they can be unleashed on a new county venue.

The long-anticipated Jade's Dog Park is scheduled to open on that date at Alameda Park just south of the swimming pool.

Initially planned for 2017, the work is nearing completion at the 2.5-acre site.

Lance Welliver, the county director of parks and recreation, said the new feature will boast separate fenced areas for large and small dogs.

The dog park is outfitted with two water stations, benches, a pavilion for shade, environmentally friendly plants and a stone parking lot.

A large, nonworking fire hydrant will be added for obvious purposes, as will a $30,000 life-size dog statue donated by the anonymous owners of the late dog for whom the park is named.

The couple also donated the $48,569 that got the dog park project kicked off with preliminary site work.

Welliver said an opening event will include raffles for prizes and small treats while supplies last. Welliver is working to have a doggie food truck at the park for its opening.

He added that a dog pageant will be held at the end of April, ahead of the park's grand opening.

All dogs using the park must have a current license and all required vaccinations.

Dogs also must be socialized to interact safely with other dogs.

The total cost of the new dog park is $250,000, but sponsors, contributors and donors funded much of that cost, Welliver said. The county's share was $15,000.

The park will be open from 9 a.m. to dusk in temperate months. When the park gates are locked in bad weather, the dog park can be accessed on foot, Welliver said.

In other Alameda Park business, the commissioners approved a technological upgrade at the park and its offices on Alameda Road.

Welliver told the commissioners that the park's outdated server and phone system is not connected to the county's system.

He said because of the park office location, the Internet connection is slow.

The new contract with Armstrong, which will cost $300 per month for the 5-year term of the agreement, will fix the issues with the park's telephone system and provide updates so the park will be connected to the county government center's computer system.

Welliver said the next step is installing Wi-Fi at the park and pool, but he reminds parents that lifeguards will not baby-sit children whose parents are on their phone during a day at the pool.

“They are there to perform one function: save lives,” Welliver said.