ROCK SPRINGS – After Rock Springs Councilman Billy Shalata said he has had several residents concerned about issues at the Bitter Creek Park Bark, staff gave an update on developments at the park during the Rock Springs City Council meeting Tuesday night.

During board reports, Shalata brought forward constituents concerns about the dog park and asked Director of Parks and Recreation Dave Lansang to address the issues. Lansang said the department recently drained the pond after concerns about surface algae and poor water quality was brought to their attention.

“We will start with fresh water again and see how it goes,” Lansang said.

In the six years of the park’s existence, the pond has been drained twice. Lansang also explained they use an herbicide, which is safe for animals, in the pond to help fight these issues. Because of the size and depth of the pond, it has been a continuous battle.

In closing, Lansang said once they put fresh water back in, they will monitor it closely and decide what the plan is for moving forward. He said it might come down to the department draining the pond on a yearly basis.

Mayor Carl Demshar said he recently met with Lansang to discuss the issues at the dog park. Demshar said there are many factors the city will have to take into account and it will take some time to develop a plan.

“Please bear with us until we figure out where to go from here,” Demshar said to the patrons who use the dog park.

In other reports, Councilwoman Rose Mosbey also had an item about the dog park. Mosbey said she recently attended the Rock Springs Historical Museum Board meeting and it was announced the Glenn Sugano Memorial will be unveiled on Sept. 13 at the dog park. She said continue to watch for details about the event.