They may be down, but don’t count them out. After an initial positive meeting about putting in a dog park at Waterloo’s Lakeview Park, rising costs seemed to have derailed their plans.

Well, the timeline may have changed, but the dedicated board members of the Waterloo Park District are as determined as ever to bring a safe and fun place for pooches around the county to get out and enjoy their little doggie selves.

“With the leash laws the way they are now, no one can let their dogs get out and run without risking a fine,” park district board member Shelby Mathes said.

And while he understands the need for a leash law, to protect both the two- and four-legged residents of the county, he believes there is a way to make everyone happy — and a dog park is the answer.

At an initial public meeting held last month, the overall comments were very much in favor of installing a dog park, with people sharing their positive experiences at other such parks they’ve visited.

But the initial estimate of $35,000 has grown to $45,000, and planners are looking for people and organizations to step up and help finance the project.

The park district is looking into things like pavers that can be purchased and personalized, and Mathes said just about any element of the facility can be sponsored.

The plans, as they stand now, call for three separate covered areas, for shy, small and medium-large dogs. There will be secure gates for each so visitors and their pets can enter without the little furballs sneaking out. Each area will have its own water source, there will be benches and a designated parking lot.

And, as the current plans stand, this park will be free to anyone who wants to use it.

Donations are being accepted through the Waterloo Park District and can be sent to P.O.

Box 69, Waterloo IL 62298, with the check specifying it is intended for the dog park.

For more information, Mathes can be reached at 618-570-9734.