Dog Park in Jefferson Township Open After Two Years of Planning

Back in March 2014, Nancy Stryker and Lori Calderone wished for a place for Jefferson residents to enjoy the outdoors with their beloved pups. They put their idea to action and two years later, the Jefferson Township Dog Park has finally opened.

“We were interested in offering an alternative to community members that perhaps didn't have a convenient neighborhood to walk their dog, or a fenced in yard,” Calderone said. “We believe fresh air, exercise, and socialization are beneficial to dogs and their people.”

Founders of the park Stryker and Calderone, along with a few other volunteers, put much appreciated hard work and time into making the park possible. They raised money for the park, gained support from their community, planned the park, and worked with the town to build the dog park behind the municipal building across the parking lot from the Creative Playground.

First, Stryker and Calderone made a petition on Survey Monkey to see how many Jefferson Township residents would be interested in a new dog park. By late 2014, they went to the town council with their idea and the petition. The town council immediately agreed to the plan.

Once Stryker and Calderone had the support of the community, they started to fundraise for the dog park. They raised money in various ways, such as setting up collection cans around town, hosting a dog photo contest and a 2016 calendar, and establishing a Dine to Donate program with restaurants in the area.

The whole community came together to help the cause. Community members, such as the Girl Scouts, organized fundraisers to help with the dog park. Social media and the local paper helped the dog park volunteers spread the word, Calderone said.

"Throughout the process, we had 99% positive feedback, and it was very motivating," said Calderone.

A lot of work had to be done to to make the park. The land behind the municipal building had to be cleared, the fence and the gravel needed to be installed, and much more to make the park safe for dogs and their owners.

Now, there’s enough space in the park for one-half of the park to be for dogs 30 pounds and over, and the other half for dogs that weigh under 30 pounds. Calderone said if remaining funding allows or volunteers are interested, they might try to implement some agility equipment for the dogs and more benches for their owners.

The Dog Park in Jefferson Facebook page has over 1,000 likes and is filled with community members praising the volunteers’ efforts. Many even post photos and videos of their dogs enjoying the new park.

“The park is a beautiful option for those who wish to enjoy it,” Calderone said.

All licensed dogs are allowed in the park and no registration is required.

Photos courtesy of the dog park's Facebook Page