Why Not Meow Park set to break ground (April 1 edition)

Every cat has its day now too.

The parade of neighborhood dogs in backyards, on sidewalks and trails struck many egalitarians as being unfair to a particular pet-loving group. Now, this very vocal group wants cats to be given an outdoor place too.

What started as a demure grass roots effort for Niwot’s feline population became a victory for the “under-cat.” The Niwot Catty AristoCats (NCA) officially approved funding for a designated area exclusively for cats.

Located at the corner of Niwot Road and 79th Street, this bark-free zone is nearing the end of the design phase, with installation scheduled to begin in early spring.

The self-named Cats Rule, Dogs Drool, Planning Committee has made significant progress on project details. The first task was to decide which feline recreational experts to hire.

The standout firm of Felix, Garfield and Sylvester (FG&S) easily beat out other contenders. FG&S sources said the park will be a five-foot high, 1,000 square foot fenced-in area replete with cat-tested and approved structures to encourage stalking, jumping and napping.

The park will incorporate one of the tree carvings along Niwot Road, which the experts felt would be a perfect scratching post. The tree carving will be uprooted and resituated to the middle of the park.

Other highlights will feature an array of hanging strings with dangling toy fish and mice, plus a cutting edge coin-operated laser pointer machine. Recreational catnip will be planted along the edges of the park to encourage socializing and liven up activity.

Given cats’ inclination for preening, an elevated, sun-exposed deck will include a lounging area for grooming and sun-soaked cat naps.

Sylvester, spokesman for FG&S, said, “Unlike dog parks that don’t deter public bodily functions, our Why Not Meow Park designers have incorporated discreetly placed hairball receptacles and built-in litter boxes. It’s one of our trademark features.”

Cat guardians and enthusiasts may relax on one of the snuggle benches (accommodates 10 to 15 curled kitties), providing opportunities for connecting with fellow cat fanciers.

The beauty of the park is that it can be used 24/7. Gates will be left open from dusk until dawn so the big cats in town can enjoy the facilities too.

To those naysayers, Cats Rule, Dogs Drool, Planning Committee member Ailu Rofile said, “We are intensely proud and excited about this park. Cats are people too and deserve to have a protected space that honors their specialness.”