Off-Leash Dog Park Planned for Dayton

DAYTON-A group of canine lovers had their fourth meeting at city hall last week to continue talks about creating an off-leash dog park in Dayton.

The City is turning over .65 acres to the group for the dog park, and has set aside $2,500 out of the 2016 budget for a matching grant.

That money could also be used for construction, with approval from the city council, according to City Planner Karen Scharer, and City Administrator Trina Cole, who, along with council member Christine Broughton, were there to lend a guiding hand.

"I think this will be a huge community asset," Cole said.

Scharer advised the volunteers to establish their name, and logo, and figure out how most dog parks are realized, and put together a packet proposal for review.

Though many of the details have yet to be worked out, the group is certain about a fundraising event that will take place this summer.

A raffle is being planned to raise funds for the dog park, said Candy Jones. Items to be raffled have already been identified, and include a hand-made quilt by Jones, a piece of art by Judy Robertus, a $50 gift certificate, and a bottle of wine, Jones said.

Tickets for the raffle will be sold during Mule Mania/Dayton Days weekend, All Wheels Weekend, Alumni Weekend, Chautauqua, and during the Columbia County Fair week. The drawing will be held during fair week, Jones said.

There has already been a $1,000 donation, and an account has been set up at Banner Bank to receive more donations, said Jones.

The next meeting will be held at the city hall on June 29, at 5:00 p. m.

For further information contact Candy Jones by phone at (509) 382-4609, or at (509) 382-9152, or by email at tallduke.msn.com. Or contact Carol Rahn at (509) 520-8922.