(Submitted by Sharon Forest)
On March 4th, 2017, the Board approved the location of the planned dog park to be the LOWA-owned Life Estates property in the 1400 block of Lakeview Parkway, Section 9, which is a little over one acre. The dog park project was also approved by the Board to be a sanctioned project for the Friends of Lake of the Woods Corporation (FLOW) to receive tax-deductible donations specifically for the dog park.
Sharon Forest and Rich Kunka have taken on the dog park project in LOW because they feel there’s a huge need for a dog park where dogs can run off leash. This need is due to (1) fencing around your home/yard is prohibited in LOW, (2) no sidewalks in LOW, (3) our beautiful parks are all subject to the LOWA on-leash regulations, and (4) the walking trails along the side of some of the roads are not conducive to letting a dog run/play with other dogs. In addition to the needs for a dog park, there are many benefits, the most important one being there are no cars, roller bladers, skateboarders, bikes, etc. likely to be encountered, allowing a stress-free, distraction-free environment.
Sharon and her husband have lived in LOW since 2011. When they realized they had a need for a dog park and were certain there were others in LOW who had the same needs, Sharon began to pursue the dog park project and asked Rich Kunka to join her. Sharon and Rich are both members of the Pools Committee, and both are working together to build a wonderful dog park for the least amount of money needed.
Rick Kunka and his family moved here from Fredericksburg in 2014. His young family loves this community and all it has to offer and wants to make it better by enhancing our surrounding community with a dog park.
This project is in the informational/developmental stages. Anyone interested in helping with these intended goals is invited to join the dog park club.
· Submit application to FLOW for signature for a pre-approved dog park project,
· Meet with management regarding maintaining a liability insurance policy against injury, sharing operational costs, etc.,
· Identify Dog Park Club leaders to set up club (on-going),
· Write the dog park and club membership rules requiring dog tags, vaccinations and owner responsibility, yearly fees, etc.,
· Research costs for fencing, benches, and other needs/wants for the dog park,
· Organize meetings to get the word out about the dog park,
· Solicit ideas for fundraising events.
We invite all dog lovers to come and share your thoughts and ideas. A representative from FLOW will also be at this meeting to answer any questions you may have with regard to the FLOW donation process.
The next meeting is Tuesday, May 16th, 7 pm at the Community Center.
We hope to see you there!
