HAINES CITY, Fla. — The Parks and Recreation Department in Haines City will host a groundbreaking event Tuesday evening for the new "Ember Dog Park."
The park is named after a rescue dog that worked at the fire department for years, according to a news release. Firefighters rescued Ember in 2010 after they found her tied to a tree in "severe condition."
She later joined the department as a fire dog and served for several years.
But in 2018, Ember was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. And "to prevent her pain and suffering," a decision was made to put the dog down.
Construction of the $545,000 project will take six months, according to Parks and Recreation Director Terrell Griffin in a statement. A statue of Ember will be placed at the park at a grand opening.
City commissioners and city officials will be on hand for the groundbreaking that begins at 5 p.m. at 896 Lily Ave.