Valpo Parks Foundation unleashes the paw-sibilities

Valpo-Parks-Foundation-unleashes-the-paw-sibilities-2019The Valpo Parks Horticulture Campus, located on the former Clifford Stone Property at 2902 Campbell Street, is soon to be under construction again with the north side of the property becoming Valpo Parks’ first dog park. ValPAWraiso Dog Park is an off-leash dog park expected to open in Fall 2019. Fundraising will continue with Paw Print bricks and major gifts contributing to a goal of over $300,000. Currently over $100,000 has been raised with lead gifts from Sandra Detraz, Vale Park Animal Hospital, and John & Janice Hannah. Whether you’re looking to honor your beloved pet or support the animal community, your contribution will be used to help finance the construction and daily operations of this state-of-the-art dog park.

The project is also being supported by volunteers in the best practice operations of the facility by volunteer advisory experts from Vale Park Animal Hospital, Lakeshore Paws, and the Valparaiso Police Department K9 Unit. Additionally, other dog enthusiasts and experts in the field will be joining the group in the coming months.

"We could not accomplish these types of projects without the vision and generosity of our public-private partnerships. It is our privilege to work on this project as another example of volunteers and companies/organizations stepping forward to give back to make this community an exceptional place to live”, said Parks Director John Seibert.

The scope of construction includes separate turf areas for large and small dogs featuring matures stands of trees, double gate system for pet safety entering and exiting the park off-leash, two signature pavilions for shaded seating and conversation, a restroom facility with paw washing station, fencing, hydration station for dogs, and donor archway, and Paw Print Plaza. Construction is expected to begin this summer and will be substantially completed this fall.

Valpo Parks Foundation will be offering Paw Print Bricks at an introductory fee of $100 & $110 per brick. Paw Print purchasers may choose between standard bricks or paw print icon bricks that offer three lines of lettering with 10-13 characters and spaces per line. Project contributions can be given online at www.ValpoParksFoundation.org in any denomination. Those giving $1,000 or more will be recognized on the donor archway entering the park.

For more information, or to support this project, visit www.ValpoParksFoundation.org or contact Development Director Lisa Kusbel at lkusbel@valpo.us or call 219-462-5144.