Recent meeting shows much interest in township dog-park

I recently attended a Parks and Recreation board meeting where the public was invited to gauge interest in a dog park.

A dog park or dog run is a place where dogs can get exercise, play with other dogs, or just rest in a comfortable and controlled setting off leash. Dennis Timmer, president of the board stated that over the past year there has been much interest from the public in exploring the creation of a park. Over 30 people attended the meeting in support.

Any potential park would very much be contingent on a group of core supporters helping to fund raise the startup costs. Currently there are very popular parks in neighboring communities including Bethlehem and Perkasie. Next store Upper Macungie is planning its first dog park along Route 100 after two 13-year-olds, spearheaded the effort. In LMT girlscouts from Troop 617 were in attendance at the interest meeting in support of the potential project and to lend a hand in fundraising efforts. 

A typical park is a fenced in area about 3/4 of an acre. Most parks are divided into large and small dog areas. The primary cost in startup is installation of a fence and park furniture which is estimated to cost between 9,000 and 12,000 dollars. It's the groups hope that a combination of fundraising, small business sponsorship and hopefully the township helping out in some way will fund a potential project. Dries hardware on Brookeside Road has already expressed interest in supporting the project and will be in attendance at the next meeting. Another option could be a setup similiar to that of the community gardens where users pay a small yearly fee in order to use the park. This could help defray the costs of maintenance. 

At this point building the core group is essential. If you are interested in supporting a dog park in LMT the next meeting will be held January 4th, 2012 at 6:00 in the township building. Also there is a Facebook group of supporters you can join.