American Canyon’s long-awaited tribute to veterans and new site for recreation for dogs and people, is near completion on the southern side of the city.

Veterans Memorial Park could open as early as next month. The 14-acre park, a $1.6 million project, was built in two sections along old Broadway to avoid Walsh and American Canyon creeks that run through the property.

On one side is the city’s veterans memorial, where a flag will flutter on top of a 60-foot tall pole. On the other side are the children’s playground and the city’s first dog park.

City officials may discuss a date for the dedication of the park in August, Community Services Director Randy Davis said Wednesday.

Mayor Leon Garcia and City Councilmen Ed West and Don Callison said Tuesday they favored scheduling the dedication in November.

The Parks and Community Services Commission on July 10 discussed the wording for two plaques for the veterans monument. The plaques will be stone, steel or cast iron because bronze is so commonly stolen from public places.

While the park is still closed to the public, residents can be seen strolling the walkways and relaxing on the new benches.

The children’s playground was unwrapped for inspection, Davis said. It had to then be rewrapped because the contractor is liable for injuries as long as the city has not accepted the new park, Davis told the Parks and Services Commission.

In the meantime, “Keep Out” signs have been planted along the length of the park.

A pathway that connects both ends of the park will be built next year, when improvements on old Broadway are done. There is not enough room over a culvert on Broadway for a pathway across Walsh Creek, Davis said.

The road may be widened or a pedestrian bridge built over Walsh Creek when improvements on Broadway are done. The middle section of the park will not be developed to avoid disturbing existing wetlands and potential habitat for endangered species such as the red-legged frog, according to the city.