For years, the Pacific Cove Humane Society has been looking for somewhere to build an animal shelter.

At the same time, a group of dog lovers have been lobbying for a dog park in Coos Bay.

Now, both groups think they have found some land next to John Topits Park that could serve both purposes. And the city of Coos Bay, which owns the land, is listening.

The 4.46-acre property, which was gifted to the city, sits vacant east of Morrison Street and north of Pirates Court in Empire.

Public Works Director Jim Hossley said city staff has met with Lisa Barrington, a dog trainer who pushed for a dog park last year.

After that effort failed, Janet Huggins, president of Pacific Cove, approached her.

“I thought maybe the two (groups), together, would work,” she said.

In April, the Parks Committee was looking at locations for a dog park, and Huggins asked the city to consider including an animal shelter.

City Manager Chuck Freeman said the two projects shouldn’t take up more than 2.5 acres, making it feasible to do both at the Morrison Street location.

Huggins said having the projects together would mean volunteers at the shelter also could keep an eye on the park.

Mayor Jeff McKeown likes the idea, though he wants to make sure there won’t be any noise concerns for neighbors.

“I think it’s a great idea,” he said. “We want to make sure it’s consistent with the neighborhoods.”

Huggins said Coos Bay architect Lon Samuels has prepared designs, which include enclosed spaces for dogs and cats that limit noise disturbance.

This is not the first time the land has been considered for development. In 2006, Councilor Jon Eck suggested selling the property for housing development. He reiterated that position on Tuesday at a Public Works Standing Council Committee meeting.

McKeown offered a compromise, suggesting the land could feature a berm, dividing the property so half could go to pets and the other could build low-cost housing.

Hossley said the cost of building a dog park would be minimal, essentially the cost of putting in fencing and feces-bag dispensers.

A shelter for 30 to 40 dogs and 80 cats would be more expensive, though Huggins said having property would help with the capital fundraising.

Pacific Cove Treasurer Tammy Laird also said by having land, the group would be eligible for grants.

The project will next be presented to the Planning Commission, which would need to approve a conditional-use permit for the plan to proceed.

“It’s very hopeful and a good location,” Huggins said.