Alameda Park hasn’t gone to the dogs just yet.

The dog park slated for the Butler County-owned park is on hold.

Gary Pinkerton, director of county parks and recreation, said the need for topsoil to develop the dog park was unanticipated.

“We didn’t have enough soil on the property to get a good catch of the grass,” he said.

Pinkerton said the topsoil may not arrive in time to seed the ground this year.

He said the previous goal was to complete Jade’s Dog Park last year, but multiple complications arose.

“We’re working on it when we can,” Pinkerton said.

Along with insufficient topsoil, he said the ground on the 2.5 acres was too hard, which required a contractor using an auger to make holes for fence posts.

“The rock was so hard,” Pinkerton said.

What is completed is the double-gated entrance. A person would enter through one gate and let it close before opening the second gate to enter the dog park.

“So that somebody else’s dog doesn’t escape,” Pinkerton explained.

Along with donated money, the county earlier this year received an $87,000 state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources grant.

The county must match the grant with money or in-kind services. Pinkerton said the latter option is likely.

The dog park is named after the late pet (a black Labrador) of a couple, whose donations jump-started the project.

The couple, who wanted to remain anonymous, initially funded a $48,569 contract with Pashek Associates of Pittsburgh for preliminary work including preparation of construction documents and bidding as well as a $30,000 contract with sculptor Louise Peterson to create a life-size bronze dog statue for the park.

More of the couple’s money was added to other donations to pay a $152,100 contract with Plavchak Construction of Pittsburgh for concrete and other work.

Dog walking is permitted inside Alameda Park.