ONTARIO, Ohio–The Maize Memorial Dog Park is a reality now that the City of Ontario and the Friends of Maize Memorial Dog Park have entered into a contract for nearly 2.5 acres of land in Marshall Park. In September, the dog park became an official 501c3 organization and is now able to solicit donations to the dog park as well as holding major fundraising events.
The dog park’s first big fundraising event, “Bark for the Park,” will take place on Saturday, March 14, from 7 to 10 p.m. An elegant evening is planned with Ed Picken’s famous appetizers, a cash bar (which will include one free bar drink per ticket), a string quartet provided by Lexington High School, and a silent auction of items donated for the event.
“We already have things promised from Home Depot, Linda’s Mobile Grooming Palace, and an assortment of other great items for the auction,” said Fundraising Coordinator Shelley Sierfert. “We hope to make this an annual event to raise the funds needed to maintain the dog park.”
The current need is to raise the fence this spring so that the dog park can start to be used. “Once the fencing and signage is up, the dogs can come and play,” explained Chair Demrie Alonzo. “The fence is our first priority.”
The fence is part of Phase I of the plans for the dog park. Following phases will involve landscaping, doggie drinking fountains, benches, and more. For the final phase, the Friends of Maize Memorial Dog Park hope to add water pads and an agility course.
The March 14 event is being sponsored by MT Business Technologies and in memory of the late George J. Freund. “Because we have sponsors for the event, everything we bring in will go toward the dog park,” said Alonzo.
For tickets, go to their web site at www.MaizeMemorialDogPark.com or for more info, contact Demrie Alonzo at 567-274-8500 You can also email them at info@MaizeMemorialDogPark.com.
