Demrie Alonzo and a group of dog owners tackled the prospect of building their own dog park over one year ago. Nearly 13 months later, the city of Ontario agreed to give a plot of land to the Maize Memorial Dog Park nonprofit group.
Alonzo, Mayor Randy Hutchinson, Ontario councilman Eddie Gallo and Ontario Schools’ Superintendent Lisa Carmichael signed the official dog park operation agreement on Friday, Nov. 21.
According to Alonzo, now the group’s director, Richland County is the only county in Ohio that does not have a community dog park. “Dog parks bring people to an area, and the dog industry is millions of dollars, so it’s really a no-brainer for a community,” said Alonzo.
“I’m amazed at how quickly the city responded to the idea of having a dog park,” stated Alonzo.
The plot of land is nestled behind Stingel Elementary and is part of Marshall Park. According to Alonzo, the L-shaped plot is just shy of two-and-half acres. Future plans of the group include expanding the park into the woods for more space for the dogs to run.
“Dogs need to run. There’s no place around here for them. Dog owners will drive to Columbus often to have a place for their dogs to run. Even if people have land, who’s going to fence in ten acres?” said Alonzo.
The Maize Memorial Dog Park will be open to the public from dawn to dusk at no cost once the park is enclosed, which will start in late spring Alonzo said.
The fence is estimated to cost the organization $15,000 because of the land’s size. However, Alonzo is confident donations will be more available now that the organization is a nonprofit and they can hold bigger fundraisers.
“Right now we’re just focused on getting sponsors. We have 900 likes on Facebook and people have said they support the park,” noted Alonzo. “So far,” she added, “we have raised almost exactly $4,000.”
To get the fence paid for, Alonzo said patrons will be able to sponsor 10-foot sections. Each section will fashion a plaque with their names on them. Each 10-foot section costs $150.
For more information on how to donate to the non-profit organization, visit their website and Facebook page.
