Man's best friend may soon have a new favorite hangout within the city of New Bedford.

Park and Recreation Department Director Mary Rapoza announced Thursday that she has received a $250,000 grant from the Boston-based Stanton Foundation that will fund a future dog park to be located between Ruggles and Greenwood Streets, across from New Bedford High School.

The announcement came during a meeting of the City Council's Special Committee on the Feasibility of Creating a Dog Park.

Rapoza says she's heard that many dog owners plan trips and vacations around "destination dog parks" and a park that really stands out could put New Bedford on the map.

"We really want to make our dog park a 'destination dog park' and something really special, so we're really excited about the opportunities this grant is giving us," Rapoza said after the meeting.

The grant is being issued in two phases, the first being the design phase.

Rapoza says $25,000 will do toward hiring a design firm that specializes in dog parks.

The future park would feature activities for dogs, separate areas for large and small breeds, stands and benches, a key-card security gate, and would require lower fees for city residents.

The park is planned to be named after the late WBSM broadcaster "Captain" Jack Peterson.

The project still needs to be approved on a number of different levels in the city, but it can now begin thanks to the funding.

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