Coventry Dog Park Association Moves Ahead With Layout, Fundraising Plans

Following the Town of Coventry's decision last September to designate a piece of land for the future Coventry Dog Park, countless hours of research and planning have been done by organizer Lisa Finneran and early members of the Coventry Dog Park Association. At the group's first meeting, held at the Coventry Community Center in July, Finneran shared her progress so far and what she hopes to accomplish in the future.

She explained that the Coventry Dog Park Association is currently in the process of becoming a non-profit organization, for which a website and Facebook page have been created, as well as a bank account needed in order to collect donations. 

After months of visiting neighboring communities to check out their dog parks, and speaking with those involved in their creation, Finneran has compiled enough knowledge and ideas to complete a design plan for the parcel of land, located behind the Town Hall Annex on Flat River Road. The first step will be to install fencing around the property, which will also be used to designate separate play areas for large and small dogs.

Lincoln-based Wood & Wire Fence Co. has provided the most reasonable quote for the 644 linear feet of 6-foot tall black vinyl chain link fence for the play area and 26 linear feet of 4-foot tall galvanized chain link fence with two matching gates to allow owners the ability to unleash their dogs in an enclosed space before letting them loose inside the main area.  After a 10% materials discount and $1,000 cut from labor costs, Wood & Wire quoted Finneran approximately $12,500, half of which is due prior to installation. 

The second and third planning stages will include the placement of several benches, low-maintenance maple trees and shrubs that will be placed in corners of the park to create shade and a place for pet parents to relax while their dogs are at play. In addition, Finneran plans to implement a fundraiser that will offer donors the opportunity to purchase custom-engraved bricks which will not only complete the area, but will also make for a lasting "souvenir" of sorts for those who purchase them.

Aspects of the park still up for the Association's consideration include the following:

• Park hours, including inclement weather considerations, and the public advertisement of park openings and closures (likely to be displayed on the Association's website).
• The need and possible locations for a camera system for security and documentation purposes.
• Liability insurance for the association and the park itself (Coventry's insurance protects the property only).
• Volunteer duties
• Finalization of park rules and regulations, many of which have been inspired by the South Kingstown Dog Park that Finneran frequented. (A rule already established is that no children under the age of 12 are allowed inside the park as a safety precaution.)

Another consideration is if any regulations or restrictions should be implemented in regards to "dangerous" dog breeds visiting the park - a topic that is quite controversial in many communities.

"I understand how people feel about it and I understand that there's a lot of concern, but I don't think we need to deal with a problem that hasn't happened yet in Coventry," said Finneran when asked about the inclusion of Pit Bulls and other breeds considered "dangerous". "We're doing some research and asking other parks how they hand it."

"If we do have issues, I have a solution, but it won't be banning the breed," she continued. "If necessary, we could set specific hours for those breeds, but I don't think I can arbitrarily take away the rights of residents in town who have Pit Bulls and similar dogs. It just isn't right."

In order for the Coventry Dog Park vision to be realized, Finneran explained that the Association will need approximately $13-14,000 to complete the project, but only about $10,000 is needed to open the park without completing the aesthetic "finishing touches". A portion of the money needed to open the park includes the purchase of several sanitation tools, including pooper scoopers and "mutt mitts" for patrons to clean up after their animals with.

To come up with the money, the Association will begin planning community fundraisers that will likely include a spaghetti dinner with raffles and a silent auction, as well as a "Howl-o-ween Dog Walk" in October (and yes, that means doggy costumes!). Other ideas include a car wash, golf tournament or car show.

In order to kickstart fundraising efforts, from February to May of this year, local photographer Catherine Hellman donated 100% of the proceeds from her Whiskers Pet Portraits sessions to the Coventry Dog Park Association. She is also the first business in Coventry to become a designated drop-off location for anyone wishing to contribute.

"Catherine has been wonderful, not only donating the Whiskers Pet Portrait sitting fees, but also volunteering to take donations for us for the time being and we thank her very much for that," said Finneran.

The biggest necessity in making the highly-anticipated dog park a reality is spreading the word about it, not only within Coventry, but also in neighboring communities, as the dog park will be open to everyone, not just residents of the Town.  Finneran is actively seeking individuals interested in joining the Association, as well as anyone willing to volunteer at fundraising events or organize additional means of donation collections or advertisement, such as the sale of bumper stickers, calendars and t-shirts.

"Everyone is welcome to help us make this happen and everyone is welcome to enjoy the park once it's open," she said.

Those interested in becoming involved with the Association or its fundraising efforts, Lisa Finneran may be contacted at lfinneran12@gmail.com. Donations can be sent to 4717 Flat River Road, Greene, RI 02827 and checks should be made out to the Coventry Dog Park Association.