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Committee unleashes plans for dog park
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Neighbors | Submitted.Paws Town will feature seperate playing areas for large and small dogs. The weight classes will be 25 pounds or under and 25 pounds or over.
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Neighbors | Submitted .A decomposed granite dog park takes away the possibility of mud and dirt. The layout of Paws Town is still being planned.
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Neighbors | Submitted.Friends of Paws Town have not decided on the type of dog park that will be constructed. A grass dog park is one of the options.
By SHAIYLA HAKEEM
Boardman Park isn’t just for humans anymore.
The future of park includes Paws Town, an estimated acre and a half dog park that will be located by the park’s entrance off of Southern Boulevard. It will feature separate play areas for large and small dogs, dog fountains and shaded areas for pets and owners.
The park will be open year-round with the same operating hours as Boardman Park. The type of dog park — grass, decomposed granite or gravel — is still being determined.
The idea was put together by a collaborative effort of the Friends of Dog Town. The committee has more than 50 dedicated members who donate time and effort to making the idea of Paws Town a reality.
Friends of Paws Town began planning efforts in a preliminary meeting back in October. Since then, the committee has been meeting once a month. The park will cost an estimated $50,000 to construct which will be funded through fundraisers.
The park is classified as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization so donations will also be accepted.
The actual opening on the park will depend solely on how fast funds can be raised.
Once the park is up and running, maintenance and upkeep will be done by the Friends of Paws Town. For those who like to throw birthday parties for their dogs, the facilities of Paws Town will be available to rent.
The park will also provide educational programs on canine nutrition, training, health and more. The Friends of Paws Town said a membership fee will be enforced to help maintain the park. No tax dollars will be used to fund the park.
Oct. 10 is the tentative date for a Canine Carnival that will be used as a kick-off to the fundraising drive for the park.
Loree said the new addition to Boardman will be beneficial to both the dogs and their owners.
“It will give dogs an opportunity to socialize so they will be a more balanced dog,” he explained. “People can also get together and socialize with other dog owners.”
For information, contact the Friends of Paws Town at boardmandogpark@gmail.com.