Workers prepare boards for pouring concrete at the site of Jade's Dog Park at Alameda Park. Construction began a few weeks ago for the project, which is being funded entirely by donated money.

BUTLER TWP — Jade's Dog Park at Alameda Park is under construction.

Gary Pinkerton, county parks and recreation director, said construction began a few weeks ago. He said the site is mostly excavated and that concrete pouring will begin soon.

Plavchak Construction of Jefferson Hills is the general contractor. The company bid $152,000 to do the work.

The first phase of the park will include a life-size bronze dog statue, an ADA-compliant parking area, a plaza, benches and two fenced-in areas for the dogs.

Pinkerton said he expects the park to be open next spring. It is behind the Alameda Waterpark parking lot.

He said that if funding is available, a second phase would include a shade shelter area, and electrical and water service.

When completed, the dog park will be the second one in the county. The other is in Cranberry Township.

The county in January awarded a $48,569 contract to Pashek Associates of Pittsburgh to prepare construction documents and to handle bidding and construction observation for the dog park at Alameda.

Additionally, Colorado sculptor Louise Peterson is creating the statue for the park under a $30,000 contract.

No county funding is involved in the project. Donated money is covering the entire cost.