(Grady Thompson photo)

NORWICH – After a year of planning, the dog park in Norwich is slated for a grand opening tonight, and the community is invited.

The ceremony is scheduled for 5 p.m. at Greenway Park on River and Rexford streets in the City of Norwich. The name of the park is to be unveiled at the event.

The creation of a dog park in Norwich has been the vision of Norwich High School 2019 graduate Hannah Baker.

Prior to beginning her senior year, Baker visited parks within the City of Norwich looking for the best location for a dog park. After researching and gathering information, she contacted the City of Norwich Parks Commission to discuss her idea with commission members.

Following the meeting, Baker pitched her idea to the City of Norwich Planning Commission who forwarded the proposal to the Common Council.

Baker appeared before the Common Council and presented her plans for the dog park. A public hearing was held earlier this year and Baker answered questions from attendees. The City of Norwich Common Council voted to approve the creation of the dog park.

While continuing to attend various planning and council meeting throughout the year, Ms. Baker worked on fundraising. Her goal was to create the dog park without any cost to the City of Norwich taxpayers and that the park would be free of charge for everyone to use. She held bottle drives, give back events at eateries and 50/50 raffles.

She had collection jars in local businesses and she accepted monetary donations from individuals and businesses. Baker shopped for the best prices for fencing, benches, pet waste dispenser systems and solar lights. She worked with teams of volunteers for planning and installation.

After a year of Baker's efforts, the dog park will host its have a grand opening ceremony tonight.