Juniper Ridge could be the site of the next dog park in Kamloops, which would make it the City's fifth fenced-off area for canines to romp.

City parks operations supervisor Shawn Cook said Thursday a dog-park proposal is being included in the annual budget process, which is just starting up.

The Juniper location came from a recent community meeting that included strong support for a place where dogs could run and socialize.

"Dog parks have been hugely successful in the city. I think residents want more of them," he said.

Currently, there are dog parks in Aberdeen, downtown, Westsyde and along Ord Road.

There are none in the east part of the city.

Cook said the designated dog area would be added to Juniper Park, which also has a soccer/baseball field, playground, picnic area, tennis court, lacrosse box and washroom.

There are also walking trails all around that area and the Tournament Capital Bike Ranch adjacent.

Dog-owning residents have been using the park already, but there have been complaints from some other park users.

Gillian Stephenson, with the Juniper Ridge Community Association, said a survey taken last year counted 250 to 300 dogs living in the neighbourhood.

"It would definitely get a lot of use. If it's fenced in, you can keep your eye on your children playing a soccer game nearby and have the dog in an enclosed area," she said.

"I'm not a dog owner myself, but judging from the amount of input we've had, I think it would definitely be well used."

In June 2011, the City put up no-dogs signs at the Juniper Park after there were complaints. Then the dog owners got upset because their options were limited. Now dogs can play in the park as long as they are under control and there aren't organized sports events going on.

Cook estimated the dog park would cost about $30,000 to create.

"It's going to go through the budget process. It's a community request. If it goes through to council, we would put it in in spring of 2013."