NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — One of Donelson's largest dog parks has closed because of damages to their front gate. Metro officials told News 2 that they believe the damage was intentional.
With summer in full swing, Stones River Dog Park off Lebanon Pike has been a popular spot for people and their pets.
"We come every morning around 7 to 9 a.m. The hotter it gets, the earlier we come out — usually," pet-owner Nathan Whidby said.
"Proximity is the main reason that we come over to this one for sure," said dog-owner Joshua Miller.
However, pet owners like Whidby and Miller will temporarily have to find another place to exercise with their animals.
On Monday, Nashville Metro Parks and Recreation officials announced that the park would face a temporary closure. That closure is due to severe damage to the park's front gate. According to metro officials, the damage does not appear to be accidental.
"It appears a vehicle attempted to crash through one of the entry gates sometime between park closure and early Monday morning."
Statement from Metro Parks & Recreation
The news came as a shock to some park visitors.
"My first reaction was I didn't know it, there's no notifications for it. She loves to come and play and run out here, so it was definitely different, definitely weird," said Whidby.
Luckily, Stones River isn't the only dog park in Donelson. Pets could also play at Two Rivers Dog Park on McGavock Pike.
Dog owners like Eric Thomas, who frequents Two Rivers, said that they are not concerned about a potential influx of dogs.
"All the people who bring their dogs out here all the time bring their dogs to dog parks pretty often," Thomas said. "They all get along pretty well."
Metro officials said that they're still in the process of getting repair estimates for the gate. The goal is to have the dog park operational again by the weekend.
Officials said that they are investigating the incident. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to email the Parks agency or call (615) 862-8400.