Albert Lea city staff are recommending space near Brookside Education Center as the site for a dog park.

Albert Lea City Manager Chad Adams made the announcement Monday night at the Albert Lea City Council meeting. He said this was based off of the public input received in a council meeting last month.

The council will take public comments about the location at its Feb. 22 meeting at City Hall.

Albert Lea Mayor Vern Rasmussen Jr. said a final vote could be held during the meeting.

Under the recommendation, the dog park would be southeast of the Brookside Boathouse.

Fifth Ward Councilor Larry Anderson said city staff selected the Brookside area because of its centralized location.

Wheelchair accessibility, solid terrain and a high-use location have also been cited as benefits.

Adams said if fundraising is completed in the next two months, the project could be completed in late spring or early summer.

Rasmussen said the public has shown extensive interest for the project as evidenced by the funds that have been raised for it. He said the dog park is a quality of life issue that the city is trying to bring to its citizens.

The Rotary Club, which is spearheading the effort, is aiming for the dog park to allow dogs to exercise off leash, safely and legally.

According to Rotary Club President Sheila Schulz, the dog park will promote responsible dog ownership and reduce the likelihood that dogs will be let loose in neighborhoods, on streets or in park and trail areas where they interfere with other uses such as walkers, bicyclists and joggers.

The other space considered for the site was off of Frank Hall Park.