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Dog park likely to become reality this summer

ALPENA — There have been many dog owners in Alpena who have expressed a desire to have a dog park constructed somewhere in the city. It appears that is going to become a reality sometime this summer.

Late last year a local Girl Scout named Abby O’Bryan and a group of residents led by Alisha Manning came together to help make a dog park a reality. With the help of city staff a location was considered and finally North Riverside Park behind the post office was chosen as the appropriate location. O’Bryan and Manning are still working on the project with the city.

Now, the effort to raise the funds needed for construction is about to commence.

Planning and Development Director Adam Poll said a Patronicity campaign, which is similar to a GoFundMe effort, will kick off March 23. He said if $6,000 can be raised through the Patronicity effort, the Michigan Economic and Development Corporation will match that amount, which will cover the cost of the park.

Poll said Patronicity and the MEDC also were used to raise money for the colorful fish mural downtown and he is confident enough money will be raised this time as well.

“The beauty of Patronicity through MEDC is it is a community development program that shows that the communities themselves support the project,” he said. “There was an earlier crowdfunding effort, but getting this dollar-for-dollar match will help out tremendously.”

Poll said money raised from other fundraising efforts for the park still will be put to use at or for the park.

The North Riverside Park was chosen after it and a number of other locations were examined for was the best fit. Poll said North Riverside Park was a logical choice because of its proximity to downtown and the number for neighborhoods within walking distance or a short drive.

“We looked at places all over the city and there were positives and negatives to each,” Poll said. “It will be built on a half acre site between the boat launch and the post office.”

The majority of the park’s cost will go toward fencing that will allow the animals to run free. Poll said there likely will be seating for pet owners and a water source installed so the dogs can get a drink when needed.

There will be a kickoff event at Nucleus March 23 from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. and entertainment will be provided by Way Out Wayne and Cool Breeze.

Steve Schulwitz can be reached via email at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5689. Follow Steve on Twitter ss_alpenanews.

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