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October 04, 2004
News coverage at Hillcrest Park
Fox News came out on Saturday and gave us a little press coverage, "Dog Park Almost a Reality". There's even a photo of Ollie on there!
Read full article
Dog Park Almost a Reality
October 2, 2004
GRAND RAPIDS -- A new park just for pet owners and their dogs is in the works in Grand Rapids.
The city has some tough fines if you don't keep your dog on a leash, so about two years ago, some dog owners figured they should have a park of their own, where dogs could run around unleashed. The city agreed, but the owners got stuck with the bill.
Dottie Rhodes helped organize a petition to have the City Commission consider a dog park.
"It's been a wonderful exercise in what happens when citizens get involved with something they feel passionate about," said Rhodes.
The funding got cut, but then it hit another hurdle, legal concerns. The city wanted to make sure they wouldn't be held liable if someone was bitten.
Saturday the group held a fundraiser. Owners were welcome to bring their dogs to socialize in a small baseball field near the future location for the dog park. Dog grooming, toys, and snacks were available for a small donation.
Organizers have gotten some big corporate and private donations to raise the money for the park, but the people who will actually use the park are chipping in too. They raised more than $2,000 Saturday alone.
The dog park will be located on a piece of land donated by the city at Hillcrest Park. If funding continues, the park should open by Thanksgiving.
"We have had so much support from people because people love their dogs, they're part of the family," said Rhodes. "The response has been overwhelming."
Rhodes says they're more than half way to their $25,000 goal.
Copyright © 2004, WXMI-TV, Grand Rapids
Posted by Gwen at October 4, 2004 05:50 PM