A site targeted by a local association as the location for a future off-leash dog park has been ruled ineligible.

The Canton Paw Park Association has learned that a site behind the Canton Mill Loft Apartments on Highway 5 is in a flood plain and, therefore, it cannot be fenced in. Fencing is a necessity for the park.

"I believe all dog owners and lovers in the city are disappointed," said Steve Nelson, president of the paw park association. "Our association has been working with the city and the citizens for quite some time now. At this late date to learn we can not fence the proposed site does come as a blow."

Nelson said the association has been advised that there is no other land available in the city limits for an independent off-leash dog park.

Dreams of an off-leash dog park have not been dashed, however.

During a public hearing conducted recently by the city, three conceptual designs for the future park at the end of Brown Industrial Parkway were presented. City Councilwoman Pat Tanner said an area in each design was designated for a dog park.

She said the city will conduct another hearing, possibly to be scheduled later this month that would be more of a final presentation to the public. The park will include baseball and softball fields, multi-use fields and tennis and basketball courts. The cost of the park is estimated at $7 million.

Canton Mayor Gene Hobgood said the city still intends to deliver on an off-leash dog park.

"We are not abandoning it," he said.

Nelson said people looking for a place to take their dogs for recreation are encouraged to use the temporary off-leash park at the Big Springs United Methodist Church site at 2066 Sugar Pike Road near Highway 140.

The temporary park is open from dawn to dusk, seven days a week, weather permitting.

For more information about the Canton Paw Park Association, go to www.cantonpaw park.com.