What's happening with the dog park?
Submitted by Lori Stokes
The Eddie & Friends Dog Park Steering Committee announced today that with over a third of necessary funds raised, site preparation and construction will begin soon.��
���Strong community support is allowing us to move from the planning stage to action in making our dog park a reality,��� commented Lori Stokes, co-chair of the Steering Committee, ���This is a very exciting step for our community.���
Jim Stegall, one of the key organizers of the dog park effort, added, ���We know that once people see the park being built, the additional funds we need will be donated.�� We���re building it, and they will come.���
The required conditional use permit from the County has been approved, subject to the submission of an acceptable plan for storm water from the parking lot.�� Jack Cory of J W Design is crafting the storm water system as a contribution, and it is expected that the design will receive final approval very soon.
���The generosity of businesses and families like the Brownes and J W Design makes this project possible,��� said Jack McKenna, president of Rotary, ���and I am proud to announce that Rotary is donating $1,000 to be used as matching money for fence section sponsors.�� This means that the next ten people who sponsor a fence section for $100 will actually be raising $200.���
The Eddie & Friends Dog Park is being built on land leased to the steering committee by the Browne family for $1.00 a year for five years. Island Rec is another key partner, providing liability insurance, the use of a bank account and their considerable expertise in recreational management.�� ���The generosity of the Browne family and Island Rec allows us to have our cake and eat it too.�� We can take the time to develop plans for an excellent permanent dog park while enjoying this temporary site for five years,��� said Jim Stegall.�� All dog park fencing and improvements will be moved to the permanent site and will not need to be repurchased.�� ���Of course,��� continued Mr. Stegall, ���if someone comes along and offers the Brownes five million dollars for the site, we will be moving sooner ��� but the property is not for sale, and this possibility is unlikely.���
Fence section sponsorships are $100, and available to individuals, clubs, businesses, and service groups.�� ���You could also get together ten of your friends and each kick in ten bucks, and sponsor a section that way,��� said Lori Stokes.��
To donate or get more information, look for the Dog Park booth at various locations this spring, or contact Lori Stokes at [email protected], 378-4643.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Where will the dog park be located?
The temporary location for the park is a 2.5 acre flat dry parcel on Mullis Street between Browne���s Home Center and the fire station.��
How was this property chosen?
The Browne family has generously agreed to lease the dog park land for $1.00 a year for five years.��
Why is it a temporary site?
Several factors make a temporary site advisable. First, this site is a ���rough draft��� which can be used to test which features are most enjoyable, and which need to be improved or changed. Also, choosing a good permanent site will require a lot of time to carefully select a location that everyone will support and enjoy.�� Last, the temporary site will allow us to start enjoying our dog park right away.��
Who is developing the dog park?
The Eddie & Friends Dog Park Steering Committee has responsibility for planning, fundraising and oversight.�� Rotary is helping with fund raising, fence building and volunteers, and Island Rec is generously supporting the park with insurance and the use of a bank account.
Who will maintain the dog park?
The Dog Park Steering Committee will maintain the park with help from other organizations and park users.
Where will the permanent dog park be built?
Having a temporary site makes it possible to take the necessary time to choose a quality permanent site.�� Many islanders remember that the shelved plan for development of the gravel pit included an off-leash dog area.�� The advantages to that site are clear, but the issue of gravel pit park development remains controversial.
Will more money need to be raised for the new dog park?
All materials being installed at the Browne���s site have been specifically chosen for their portability and use at the permanent site.�� Therefore additional fundraising will be minimal.
Are there any special conditions on the lease?
There is a 60- day opt-out option for both parties. It is common sense for the Browne family to be able to end the lease in 60 days should circumstances require it. If a permanent site is found prior to the end of the lease, the Dog Park Steering Committee will want to move the park as soon as possible.��
What will the dog park cost?
A fully developed park will cost $20,000.�� This will include six-foot fencing surrounding the 2.5 acre site with interior fencing for the small and elderly dog area, people benches, security dog gates and maintenance gates, agility equipment, a covered kiosk, developed parking area, signage, waste disposal, and dog water.
When will it open?
Opening depends on fundraising.�� We hope to open this summer.
How can I help?
The park needs money, labor, and materials.�� Contact Lori Stokes, [email protected], 378-4643
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