OkcPets Magazine May 2021

May/June 2021 • OKC Pets 21 Park, the facility is expected to open in the summer of 2021. The facility’s journey began in 2018 when the community overwhelmingly supported a $2.5 million general obligation bond to renew its commitment to our pets. “As a result of the collaboration from the community and the city, we will have a first- class modern facility that will serve us for decades to come,” says Mayor Matt Dukes about the community involvement throughout the facility’s construction. Many community members echo the mayor’s sentiments. Katie Hawk, president of Good Dogma, a champion of this project, hopes the new location will boost animal adoption rates while simultaneously reducing the pet over-pop- ulation problem and increasing pet owner education. Hawk and other animal advocates in the city are excited about this project because of the limitless possibilities for community engagement and owner education presented by its location. When it comes to design, the new facility combines efficiency with ecologically mindful use of its surrounding environment. Using les- sons learned from previous animal care facilities, the designers incorporated many special archi- tectural elements that provide enhanced visual appeal as well as increased facility functionality. “While the layout of the building was carefully crafted to maximize operations, special attention was provided to include unique design features that create a welcoming environment for potential new pet owners,” says Brandon Bundy, city engineer. For example, the facility makes use of existing tree cover to provide a natural cooling effect from the sun during the summer heat and pro- tection from the harsh winter wind. Although many of the trees remain on the lot, those removed did not go to waste. For instance, the locally milled blackjack oak was used to create a table for the community room, pecan was milled and repurposed for a shiplap-style ceiling, and cedar was milled to be used for benches throughout the facility. In addition to the carefully crafted furniture from on-site resources, the three various-sized kennel rooms make use of the efficient “T-Ken- nel” design, which allows for easy cleaning without having to remove the animals from their individual kennels, thus reducing animal stress and increasing handler safety. Detailed design considerations, such as the T-Kennel and built-in wash troughs, will decrease the time and resources required to clean the facility and allow employees to focus on their mission—caring for the community’s pets. After a few setbacks due to COVID-19 and unprecedented winter weather, the facility is nearing completion. Animal welfare staff and the four-legged residents are eagerly awaiting opening day of their new space. They hope all local citizens will visit and tell their neighbors about it as well. With continued support from the community, we can all help find these pets their new fur-ever homes! If you would like more information about the Animal Services Care Center, please visit midwestcityok.org/animal-welfare or contact the animal services center at (405) 427-6640. COVID-19 replaced the traditional breaking ground ceremony with a beam signing ceremony Construction progress: Left: April 20, 2020; Center: August 5, 2020; Right: April 1, 2021