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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 05:50 PM | Comments (0)
October 03, 2004
Every dog had its day!
We'd like to thank everyone that came out for Dog Day Saturday at Hillcrest Park. It was a beautiful fall day and the dogs seemed to make the most of it. We raised over $2,300 at the event!
We'd also like to thank City of Grand Rapids, the residents of Hillcrest neighborhood, Dave Denton and Ralph, the family and friends of Dr. Michael Schpiro, BISSELL, The Gerber Foundation, Integra Printing, Agio Imaging, Michael Pfleghaar, Pet Supplies Plus and all the volunteers that made the event happen.
Posted by Gwen at 06:47 PM | Comments (2)
October 01, 2004
Grand Rapids Press article about our upcoming event
Dog park fund-raiser is set for Saturday
Monday, September 27, 2004
"If every dog has its day, Grand Rapids Dog Park Enthusiasts believe they should have their own park, too."
Dog park fund-raiser is set for Saturday
Monday, September 27, 2004
The Associated Press
If every dog has its day, Grand Rapids Dog Park Enthusiasts believe they should have their own park, too.
The group is hoping to raise $25,000 to install fencing around a portion of Hillcrest Park to create the city's first public off-leash dog park.
The group is inviting dog owners and their pets to attend a fund-raiser at Hillcrest Park on Saturday. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., organizers said.
City commissioners approved the site as a dog park in August, but the group must install its own fencing before it can be used as an off-leash area.
"Our goal is to raise the funds to install fencing and open before the snow flies this year," said Dottie Rhodes, a member of the group's Off-Leash Task Force. So far, the group has raised about $6,500.
Located in the city's Fulton Heights neighborhood, Hillcrest Park is located at the corner of Benjamin Avenue and Lyon Street NE.
"We are seeking a major sponsor or sponsors who will receive naming rights for the park," Task Force member David Kagan said. Donations made directly to the Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department and designated for the off-leash park are tax-deductible, he said.
Donations also may be sent to Grand Rapids Dog Park Enthusiasts, P.O. Box 68172, Grand Rapids, MI 49516
Posted by Gwen at 12:02 PM | Comments (0)
"Iowa Dog Paddle"
From All Things Considered, September 11, 2004
The City Park pool in Iowa City, Iowa, has closed for another summer. But before the pool is drained, the city hosts the Iowa City Dog Paddle, permitting community canines to come in for a swim. John Freyer has an audio postcard.
Posted by Gwen at 11:39 AM | Comments (0)