(KAIR)--Community involvement can affect change. 

That’s the word from Atchison Parks and Utilities Director Justin Pregont just moments before cutting the ribbon of the new Fetch N’ Stretch Dog Park.

He said the dog park was five years in the making, but when citizens get involved things get done.

“That’s how the process work,” he said. “Talk to your city commissioners, something winds up in a budget and a few years later guys like Clinton, Ralph and I organized it and make it happen.”

A community input session last year helped make the park a reality as well with their ideas for features in the park.

 The dog park was constructed completely in-house over the past six months by parks employees.

“If you see somebody who works for our parks department, please tell them thank you,” Pregont said.

Park goer Phil Sowers said he and his dog Dodger has already been enjoying the park. 

“I think it’s a great improvement,” Sowers said. “Anytime the city can do something like this, it helps the community. I think it helps everyone.”

Pregont said though the park is completely open, some final details will still be coming in the parks construction.