'Dog Days of Summer' to support town dog park

Date: 5/31/2011

May 30, 2011

By Chris Maza

Reminder Assistant Editor

EAST LONGMEADOW — Bluebird Estates is going to the dogs, at least for one day.

Supporters and organizers of the proposed East Longmeadow Bark Park are hosting a fair for dogs on June 4 called the "Dog Days of Summer" at the retirement community located at 1 Apple Blossom Lane. All proceeds go toward the building of East Longmeadow's own dog park.

"The fair will have food, music, contests for the dogs, a 50-50 raffle, a cutest photo contest and booths with local pet-related vendors including Cozy Puff Dog Beds, New England Canine Rehabilitation and Fitness Center, Sophie's Seabiscuits, Doggie Daze, and more," Linnae Rondeau, public relations director for the East Longmeadow Bark Park Association, said.

The fair is free of charge for all participants, however, to enter contests at the fair there is a $5 fee. A separate $5 fee is required to participate in the cutest picture contest and participants must provide their own photo. None will be taken at the event.

Food in the form of hot dogs and soda will be sold, as will Bark Park T-shirts.

The Bark Park has come a long way since last year when Jeff and Debbie Rondeau brought their idea for a dog park before the Board of Selectmen. At that time, the Rondeaus didn't even have a site for the park in mind.

Now, with a completed site plan in hand for a location within Heritage Park, the East Longmeadow Bark Park Association is ready to go before the Board of Public Works (BPW) and the Department of Public Works (DPW) with their proposal in the Town Hearing Room at Town Hall on June 23 at 7 p.m.

"Everyone in support of the dog park should plan to attend," Linnae Rondeau said.

Getting approval from the board is the next big hurdle after getting the selectmen's support.

"The Board of Selectmen gave us a positive reaction, and now we need to show that the town feels similarly," Linnae Rondeau said. "Right now we need to have the go-ahead from the town for long-term use of the site and then we need to raise money to build the park. As soon as the fence is installed, we will be operational, with continual updates as it is used."

Those interested in getting involved with the East Longmeadow Bark Park Association can visit the its Web site at www.eastlongmeadowbarkpark.com/index.html or its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pages/East-Longmeadow-Bark-Park/158810510810823.