Dog Rally This Weekend to Raise Money for Dog Park

Dogs and their owners will rally this weekend at the second annual Chelmsford Dog Association Dog Rally to raise money for a new dog park. Vivian Merrill, president of the dog association, answers some questions about the event and gives us an update on the town's dog park.

will be in the parking lot from 10 a.m to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Q: What can people expect at the event this weekend?

A: I'm still waiting for a schedule of events, but as far as I know there will be a dog pageant where you get to "walk the cat walk" with your dog while "fun facts" supplied by the dog owner are announced. This was very popular last year. The canine demos were also very popular.

There will be several different vendors this year from last, and the CDA will have kids activities, which we have not done before. We will have CDA T-shirts this year, and one of our Board members, Danielle Corsino, has been very busy making dog beds and dog bone toys. She is also working on custom dog bandannas. We're still experimenting with materials and inks, as we personally screen print all our clothing. Danielle is working on traffic vests and aprons for workers this years...they are all bright orange. 

Q: What is the status of the dog park in Chelmsford?
A: The status of a new dog park is that the CDA Board has met with Town Manager Paul Cohen, and we've talked about what we could do at the DPW facility on Richardson Rd, once some of the operations are moved to their new facility on Alpha Rd.

The next step is to actually see the site, which we will do on June 13, and then start putting together a plan that we can present to the public for feedback and suggestions, and things can develop from that as a starting point. 

Q: How much money have these kind of events raised for a new dog park and what will it go toward when the site is chosen?

A: Not a direct answer, but... has taken an initiative to help non-profit groups in many of the communities they do business in, as a way to give back to the community. The Dog Rally in Chelmsford raised about $600.00 for the CDA last year.

is our biggest fundraiser, and we have been doing a spring event, either a yard sale or Flea Market which generally raise a few hundred each time. 98% of all the funds we have raised as an organization will be put toward Dog Park Construction. The other 2% is used for expenses in holding the events, and administrative functions related to keeping the State and Federal Governments happy with all their paperwork and fees.

We anticipate our biggest expense will be fencing at first. Once we have a plan, there may be some engineering expenses, and other administrative things, but those should be somewhat minor. As time goes on, we will install some benches, trash barrells or bag stations, and we will be on the lookout for things to put in the park to make it interesting for the dogs to play in.

Depending on the water hookup situation over there, we may be able to do some kind of fountain or hopefully at least a drinking station. And by the way, every so often someone gets rid of an old park bench they have in their yard. We have come across two of them that had the heavy metal sides and wood slats which we have rebuilt. If anyone sees one, please grab it for me...it doesn't matter what condition they are in, because they are somewhat easy to re-build. (Thanks!)

Also, we will need to install or build a shed for maintenance equipment...we've already had a snow blower donated to us. Depending on what we decide to use for ground cover, we may get a lawn mower, and various shovels, rakes and other implements. 

Q: Why does the Town need a Dog Park?

A: Well, the idea was conceived by Erik Merrill, the as a way to address the multiple complaints he was receiving about dogs running loose, and owners who do not clean up after their pooch leaves a present.

While our kids were growing up, and he used to coach their assorted sports teams, he remembered the unhappy faces of kids in the outfield or wherever that would occassionally fall or slide into a pile of poo. If you do not own a dog, it truly is disgusting and embarrassing.

At this time, there is no place where a dog can run off leash legally, although it's happening at multiple locations all over Town. It is anticipated that having a dog park would largely resolve these issues, and dog owners could feel comfortable that their pet is in a safe place, not roaming on others' private property, and it's easier to keep track of what the pet is doing.

Non-dog owners can feel more relaxed knowing that the chances of them or their child stepping in something unpleasant is reduced, as is the chance that a loose dog will approach them or jump on them. Bicyclists and joggers should not have to worry as much about running into a leash on the rail trail, for instance. I live next to the rail trail, and I am still surprised by the number of bicyclists who ride along with their dog on a short leash, trotting along next to the bike. That requires talent and coordination I simply do not possess.   

Q: What is your favorite part of the dog rally?

A: My favorite part of the Dog Rally last year was the dog pageant. People say the funniest things about their pets, and they love to show them off. This year we are trying some new activities, and we'll see how they work. It's always fun to try something new.