Friends of Shelton Dog Park Group Forming

The Shelton Dog Park is really something to bark about! At least that’s what I’m hearing from all the happy humans whose dogs’ desires have been met by this great new facility. Many of the humans have also expressed a desire to get involved and help to maintain and improve the park.

In fact, some dog owners have already dug in (literally) to help keep the park a pleasant place for themselves and their pets. Several told me they have gone to the park with trash bags and collected large amounts of poop in order to keep the walking ‘safe’ for everyone. One enthusiastic volunteer even shoveled out the entryway and ensured the gates would open after the worst snow storms so that there would be no ‘down time' for the dogs!

This enthusiasm is something that the Dog Park Committee would love to tap, and for which we are grateful. From the beginning of the planning process, when the park was nothing but an idea, we realized that, once the park opened, we would need the active help and participation of the humans using the park in order to maintain and improve it. The idea for a group called the Friends of Shelton Dog Park was born at that time, just waiting for the park to open and the people to come. Of course, the park still hasn’t had its official Grand Opening, but the people and the dogs have come anyway – in droves! And the enthusiasm and volunteers beat us to the punch. They are already doing what they can to make the park a better place – and they want to do more!

Having said all of the above, we are happy to announce the formation of an ad-hoc committee called the Friends of Shelton Dog Park (FSDP). This committee will fall under Shelton Parks and Recreation, headed by Ron Herrick, the Parks and Rec director and a member of the Shelton Dog Park Committee.  

Laura Wells, Dog Park Committee member and president of Trapp Falls Kennel Club, said that “it is a great thing to be able to form a committee to include those who use the park to help maintain it.”

Kevin Pryor, another Dog Park Committee member, is also excited about the formation of the Friends of Shelton Dog Park and hopes to work with the group to help it in its work.

Teresa Gallagher, conservation agent for the city and proud dog-mom of Biscuit, a Fox Terrier who just loves to burn off energy at the dog park, has also pledged her support. She is one of the early and enthusiastic volunteers who has, unasked, helped out this winter by collecting poop and shoveling. “I think the dog park is terrific. It is surpassing everyone’s expectations,” she said. 

Of the idea for the formation of the FSPD, she said that “it is the next logical step. A lot of park users have a desire to help out. We need to harness that energy.”

The goal is for the FSPD committee to have a board of seven or eight "core" members who will be responsible for organizing and managing the group. The board members will then work with Ron and the Dog Park Committee to develop and implement plans for maintaining and beautifying the dog park and to coordinate activities for volunteers, dogs and humans at the park. 

According to Herrick, some of the things that the group will be working on include "Park Beautification Days," where volunteers can come along and help by picking up poop, clearing brush, laying mulch, planting flowers, etc. One of the other ideas that has been suggested is a series of "Dog Training Days," where a local dog trainer will offer socialization and group play techniques for dogs and their humans. Shelton dog trainer Peg Demaine, owner of The Polite Pooch Dog Training, has volunteered to facilitate this training series. And even more ideas for the park will be actively sought as the group moves forward.

A volunteer interest survey is currently being conducted. If you are enjoying the dog park and would like to volunteer to help as needed or to be a part of the FSDP, please go to the following link and complete the online form to join the volunteer contact list:

https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&pli=1&formkey=dEttQ3BVVkpPZmc3SHhhYmFFQ0VEWnc6MQ#gid=0

If you want to take an active role in the formation of the FSPD, an information meeting will be held on Thursday, April 21 at 7:00 p.m. The meeting is open to anyone who enjoys the park with their dog and wishes to contribute by offering their time and energy to help maintain the park and enhance its appeal to dogs and owners alike.

Space at the meeting is limited, so you must RSVP and register to attend. Please e-mail arianowl@yahoo.com, supplying your name, phone number and e-mail address, and the number of attendees in your party. Upon registration, you will receive a confirmation e-mail containing the meeting location and further details. 

Please note, this meeting is designed for those who are enjoying the park and wish to volunteer some time and energy to help keep it a great place for dogs and their owners to come out and play. If you would like to speak with someone about purchasing a brick or bench or about issues with the park, such as barking, unsocial behavior, etc., please contact Herrick at Shelton Parks and Recreation at 203-925-8422.

Thanks again to everyone who has provided great feedback on the dog park – and to those who wish to work with us to help maintain and improve it for the continuing enjoyment of dogs and humans alike. WOOF!