ROCK SPRINGS — A yard at Rock Springs Animal Control that was once bare dirt and gravel is now covered in turf and shade covering thanks to the Women’s Club of Sweetwater County.

Animal Control celebrated the new dog play area Wednesday with a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce, thanking the Women’s Club and everyone who donated.

Women’s Club President Sue Arguello said the club started a community impact project this summer and member Marcia Volner agreed to chair it. Arguello said projects normally take two years to fund and implement, but this one took only five months. She credited and thanked all the donors and volunteers who made it possible.

Volner said that when she first spoke with Rock Springs Police Department Commander Mike Nielson, she doubted it could be done even in two years. Nielson said every week after that first meeting, someone was working or volunteering at the site.

Rock Springs Animal Control Supervisor Lydia Gomez said Volner came to the shelter in late April looking for a project. Gomez said she had plenty of ideas, but wanted one that was manageable.

The yard was her biggest problem, Gomez said. The space existed but was not being used as it should be. The dogs did not like coming out because gravel got stuck in their paws, and they could not run around and enjoy it.

“It was kind of a waste of space,” Gomez said.

Gomez said her goal was a yard where dogs can use their senses and burn off energy, which she said eases kennel stress. She said she has seen dogs go kennel crazy and that the damage cannot be reversed. Keeping dogs calmer keeps them adoptable longer, she said.

“They’re not choosing to be here,” Gomez said. “We want them to have the best quality of life that they can have.”

Gomez has supervised the shelter for just over three years. She came from Green River, which she said had a newer facility, and the move meant going from new equipment to aging equipment. One of her first changes was adding windows to the cat room for light and fresh air. She said the shelter does not have the funding for extras like the yard, and staff make do with what they have.

“I’ve been in animal control for 14 years and I’ve never seen the amount of animals that I’m seeing now,” Gomez said.

The shelter had more than 140 animals Wednesday and sees an average of about 180 animals a month.

“It might not seem like a big deal, but it’ll be used for years,” she said. “Living in these kennels is not ideal, so the fact that we can actually give them a little bit more and make their stay here a little bit better until we can find that permanent home for them means the world.”

She said she is very grateful to the private businesses and individuals who stepped up to help animals in need. 

At the ceremony plaques were presented to donors who gave more than $500 in donations or labor.

Noah Bibber, an eighth grader in Troop 86, said he and his fellow Scouts are building dog exercise equipment, including hurdles, weave poles and an A-frame. The Women’s Club also presented Animal Control with a check for leftover funds after expenses.

Mayor Max Mickelson said the shelter places more than 90% of its animals and called the project emblematic of Rock Springs.

“What we do best is pull together to make things happen,” Mickelson said.