ADOG secures funding to create dog off-leash park

Date: 9/27/2013

By Carley Dangona

carley@thereminder.com

AGAWAM – Four-legged, canine residents of the town will soon have an off-leash, fenced-in park to call their own.

On Sept. 23, the Community Preservation Act Committee (CPA) unanimously voted to provide $14,000 to the dog park project of the Agawam Dog Owner’s Group (ADOG).

The estimated cost of the park is pending finalized design of the park. ADOG has raised $10,000 that it will donate to the project. In addition, ADOG was awarded a $245,000 grant from the Stanton Foundation on Sept. 7.

“To everyone’s delight and surprise, Mayor Richard Cohen made the announcement [about the Stanton Foundation grant] during our field day fundraiser,” Debbi Sanchez, ADOG president, said.

Now that the funding for the park is secured, the City Council must review and approve the project before it can begin. The item is not yet scheduled on a meeting agenda.

She continued, “As president of ADOG, I am extremely pleased that the Stanton Foundation recognized the efforts that the town and the group are making.”

Cohen said, “I’ve always been a proponent of a dog park. Dog parks provide great socialization opportunities, good exercise and a safe place for dogs. Pets become a part of your family. I will absolutely use the park.”

Deb Dachos, director of Planning & Community Development for the town, said, “I think it’s a great. The park will be a real asset to the people of our town.”

Sanchez stated, “An off-leash dog park will certainly add to the all-around community atmosphere of Agawam. We are looking forward to a truly multi-generational park.”

Sanchez said ADOG seeks to become a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and would continue its fundraising efforts. For more information about ADOG and a list of events, visit http://agawamdogpark.com.