Norwich High School senior Hannah Baker answering a question from the public and referring to a model of the proposed dog park during Tuesday evening’s public hearing. (Grady Thompson photo)

NORWICH – After a well-attended public hearing Tuesday night, the City of Norwich Common Council unanimously approved the authorization of the establishment of the Baker Dog Park, which will be located at Greenway Park on River Street.

Seating in One City Court Plaza was nearly filled Tuesday night for the public hearing on the creation of the dog park, as Norwich High School senior Hannah Baker took the podium to summarize her efforts towards creating a dog park in the City of Norwich since last summer, before meeting attendees were able to ask her questions about the proposal.

"Since last July when I was given permission to start fundraising, I have attended many community events, many meetings, and have had many fundraisers," said Baker, noting to date she has raised $5,400 towards the project. She said she has partnered with NBT Bank, which has offered to donate some matching funds, and Chobani, which has offered to help with the engineering of the park, and both NBT Bank and Chobani have offered employees to help volunteer with the building of the park and its fencing.