To the editor:
The Friends of Gloucester Dog Park thanks the Gloucester Daily Times for highlighting our efforts to build a safe place at Stage Fort Park for dogs and their guardians (news story, Thursday, Nov. 15; editorial, Friday, Nov. 16.)
For the people involved in creating this space, it is a labor of love — love of dogs and love for our community.
Building the park has been a community effort. The Dusky Foundation started our fundraising efforts with a grant of $20,000 and $80,000 in matching funds. We have received financial support from businesses and residents across Cape Ann, thanks in part to the efforts of Anne and Christopher Lewis, Bruce Tobey and Dick Wilson.
Hundreds of people have stopped by our events table to donate to the cause. Many local restaurants have hosted our now-famous “Chow Downs” to raise funds and friends for the park.
The construction of the park, headed by Nikki Bach of Insider’s Edge, has benefited from the generosity of local business and contractors. The entryway design concept was provided by John Dugger, A.S.A., with engineering support by Kelly Brancaleone, PE. Landscape designs were donated by Dan Provost.
The maintenance sheds were constructed by the GHS students of Dana Griffin’s Carpentry Shop and finished by CF Carpentry, and David Dolloff and Greg Santos. Timberline Enterprises provided the entryway building materials.
Coordinating this effort are the members of the Dog Park Committee, founded by Mary Lou Maraganis and Judi Masciarelli. Members include Nikki Bach, Kelly Brancaleone, Alicia Cox DeWolfe, Bethany MacNicholl, Marie Demick and Tom Schauer. All have given countless hours of service to this project.
This is a true community effort and I encourage all dog lovers to join in. If you haven’t seen the park this fall, you should stop by. It is no longer a simply a concept. It is a park!
What next? The fence—and we are asking dog guardians to help by making a donation today.
You can make a donation online at www.gloucesterdogpark.org , or send a check to the Gloucester Fund, 45 Middle St., Gloucester. Make sure to write “Dog Park” in the memo line.
LOUISE GRINDROD
Gloucester
Friends of Gloucester Dog Park
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