Beverly Dassonville of Middlebury continues to push for a dog park in the town. Speaking at the July 21, 2014, Middlebury Board of Selectmen meeting, she said, “I’m approached daily by people wanting to know when we’ll have a dog park.”
Dog Park Committee member Polly Wilson, who attended the meeting with Dassonville, said, “Walking a dog on Yale Avenue is almost a suicide.” Noting the need for a place where dogs can safely run off leash, Dassonville said a dog park is relatively quiet, a place where dog owners make friends and would be another community park in town.
She asked the selectmen for their opinion on land a resident said might be used for the park. She said two parcels were mentioned, but one was close enough to I-84 that the traffic noise was prohibitively loud. Selectman Ralph Barra asked what size parcel they were looking for, five to 10 acres? Dassonville said the Southbury Dog Park is 14 acres.
Discussing the possible land donation, Selectman Elaine Strobel said she was pretty sure back taxes were owed on the property. Dassonville said her understanding was the landowner would like tax relief in return for the donation. First Selectman Edward B. St. John said the town hasn’t received a formal proposal from the lndowner.
Dassonville also reported the group will take part in the Quassy Amusement Park 5K “Strut Your Mutt” to raise funds for the proposed dog park. The group’s first fundraiser was scheduled for June 21, but it was canceled when few people purchased tickets for the event.
Dassonville has met several times with the Board of Selectmen and the Parks and Recreation Commission to discuss where the dog park might be located and how it can become a reality. In the past, Dassonville said First Selectman Edward B. St. John had agreed to provide a piece of land (5 acres or more) if the group could raise the money to construct a dog park.
Dassonville has established a trade name, “Friends of Middlebury Dog Park” and registered it at town hall. She also has formed a small committee that she chairs. She said the members are a volunteer group of Middlebury resident dog lovers who are joining forces to establish an official “off leash” dog park here in town. The committee is taking responsibility for marketing, fundraising, park design, establishing park rules and advocating among the necessary town committees and constituents impacted by this project.
The dog park committee also will provide day-to-day oversight and sustain the park through financial support and volunteer activity. Members will maintain the facility, erect signs and stock the dog bag dispensers.
Middlebury Dog Park Committee members and their dogs, front, left to right, Louis Yager with Maverick (owned by Mary Lou Arnson) and Ryla (held by Dianne Vagnini, rear), Beverly Dassonville with Chloe and Wylie, Mary Lou Arnson with Lily and Tinkerbelle, Benjamin Modeen with Ollie and Julie Modeen with Otto and rear right, Nancy Modeen, whose dog Cookie was at home, meet in Meadowview Park to walk their dogs. The group hopes to raise money for a Middlebury dog park where dogs can safely run off leash. (Marjorie Needham photo)
Dassonville also is filing paperwork so the group can be recognized as a nonprofit organization. The group hopes to raise funds through grants and donations to pay for construction materials and ongoing maintenance of the park. Donation jars placed in businesses around town make it convenient for people to donate.
Dassonville said the first major expense will be the fencing for the dog park. She has been talking with Dave from Colonial Fencing of Middlebury and said he will be working with the group to estimate how many feet of fencing will be needed and what it will cost. Once the fencing is in place, the dog bag dispensers, garbage cans, signs, picnic tables and so on will need to be purchased and installed.
After the park is up and running, the group expects to include “Buy a Brick” and “Personalized Plaque” campaigns in its fundraising. The personalized plaques would allow residents to create a lasting tribute to their beloved companion pets or just make a fun statement declaring their love of dogs and support for the dog park.
Dassonville said she hopes Middlebury residents will share and help support her dream for a wonderful recreational area for dogs and their owners. Those who would like to support the project can contact Dassonville at Beverlydassonville.emt@gmail.com.
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