The Lowell Dog Park is celebrating 10 years. It was through the vision of Jeff Eckstrum the park became a reality. The park offers a large and small dog area for dogs to run and play off leash in a fenced in, contained area. He worked with the City of Lowell to have a portion of Stoney Lakeside Park land be donated to Dog Park efforts. While the city donated the land for use it does not help with maintenance. Park maintenance and bills for electricity and water are the responsibility of the Dog Park board.
Community Asset for 10 Years
James Carey is currently head of the board which oversees the Dog Park. Since opening in 1997 the park has been able to install lighting so visitors can enjoy the space until 8pm when it gets dark earlier in winter months. They’ve also been able to run water to the park allowing owners and dogs the ability to stay hydrated on hot days. With the help of the late Ivan Blough the large dog section of the park also has a covered shelter providing shade to humans and canines. At some point, members of the board would love to be able to install a similar shelter in the small dog area.
Carey says, “We are grateful to the city for the [land] resource.” Opening of the Dog Park was ahead of the curve compared to other communities in the area. When the park first opened, visitors from outside communities would come because there weren’t many dog parks in existence. Over the years more communities have installed places for people to bring dogs to exercise and socialize.
The park is responsible for mowing the area within their fences, paying for water and electricity running to the park, and any maintenance needed. All bills and maintenance projects are paid for through donations. It costs approximately $1,400 per year to keep the Dog Park open year round. Much of the small maintenance items are completed by Glen Beimers, a member of the community and dog lover.
Funding Needs
Over the 10 years the park has been in operation it has been able to use funds from donations to continue maintenance for the area. But the coffer is looking a little bare. It may not be widely known in the community it is up to those on the board for the Dog Park to maintain the area and raise funds to do so. The City donated the land but does not mow or remove trash from the area. An outside contractor mows the space inside the park’s fences and Carey removes trash from the grounds.
In past years, the Dog Park has put on a Pet Expo at Recreation Park as a means to garner recognition and donations. A donation pipe is located at the park for visitors to contribute as well as self-addressed envelopes where donations can be mailed. Carey says there are still a handful of regular donations coming in each year but it’s not enough to cover the overall expenses.
Those looking to make a donation toward the Dog Park can also stop into City Hall. The park has a budget line item so checks can be made out to the city and designated to the Dog Park or even set up a direct deposit to the account. Memorials can also be set up through Gerst Funeral home. A donation can also be made in honor of a furry member of the family. Carey also indicated businesses or individuals interested in sponsoring the park could claim naming rights. Currently the official name of the park is the Animal Hospital of Lowell Dog Park.
Community Backyard
The Lowell Dog Park offers members of the community and those visiting an opportunity to get canine members of the family out for socialization and play. It brings the benefit of allowing a dog to run off leash in a fenced in area. It brings other dog owners together. Lowell is becoming a recreation hub and perhaps it started with giving dogs and their owners a place to gather.
The Dog Park, which is located at the west end Stoney Lakeside Park is open year round. Canine and human smiles can be seen on those enjoying the area. It started with a group of people with an idea of a fenced in area for dogs to play. Now 10 years later the park continues with its original purpose and has added amenities to make it an even better place to visit.
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