Traverse City Record-Eagle

Archive: Thursday

February 9, 2012

Dog park backers plan fundraisers

'More and more people are willing to contribute'

By Lisa Perkins lperkins@record-eagle.com

TRAVERSE CITY — Dog park supporters raised more than a third of a $15,000 goal just a month into efforts to pay for Traverse City's first park for pets.

"Even before we started officially raising money, people were wanting to donate," said Gary Howe, Traverse City Parks and Recreation Commission chair.

The parks commission endorsed plans for the dog park, to be located in a portion of an existing park at the corner of Bay and Division streets. The city commission approved plans in December.

Work continues to bring in the remaining money needed, and two fund-raisers are planned this month.

"More and more people are willing to contribute when they see that this is really going to happen," Howe said.

A group of residents, Community Partners for a Traverse City Dog Park, started to raise funds to cover the costs of fencing, tables, benches and a water station for pets.

Community Partners collected donations through its website www.TCDogPark.com and Facebook page Traverse Area Off Leash Dog Park.

Supporters will host Mardi Paws, a fund-raising event to celebrate Fat Tuesday eve, from 5 to 9 p.m. Feb. 20 at Lil Bo Pub & Grille.

"What better way to celebrate Mardi Gras than to help raise money for the dog park," said Jami Moore, who helped plan the event.

The cost is $10 per person, including appetizers. A Mardi Gras-themed menu and drink specials will be available. DJ Charlie Fixx will play favorite Cajun and blues tunes.

All proceeds and 25 percent of Lil Bo's sales from the evening will go to the dog park fund.

Dog park volunteers also will be on hand to answer questions and take donations during Winter Wowfest's monster dog pull from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 18 in downtown Traverse City.

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