Approximately 25 dog owners came out April 12 to give the local off-leash park and adjacent private property a good spring cleaning.
In addition to picking up dog poop, volunteers cleaned up tree branches damaged during the December ice storm.
“The dog park was a great refuge for dog owners this winter,” said volunteer committee member Michael Stanson.
“People really appreciated having access to a well-maintained park where both they and their dogs could get out and socialize and get some exercise during the long winter.”
The event was organized by the Centre Wellington Dog Owners Group (CWDOG), which estimates the park is visited about 400 times each week. Those numbers continue to grow as dog owners both local and in neighbouring communities learn about the facility. It is not uncommon to have visitors from: Drayton, Arthur, Mount Forest, Guelph and Kitchener-Waterloo.
The park was launched as a pilot project in 2009 and officially opened in 2011.
The dog park has been a real community effort and its continued success depends on volunteers. Even the family who owns the large field adjacent to the park pitches in by plowing the snow from the walking trails, both in the park and on their own property, so that people can continue to enjoy the park and field throughout the winter.
“There is a genuine sense of ownership here at the park that comes from a shared love of dogs,” says CWDOG member Rachael Bell. “The fact the people are willing to come out on the first nice day of spring to pick up poop tells you something about how much people love their dog park.”
On May 31, CWDOG will be hosting the Great Wellington Garage Sale to raise money for park improvements and other dog-related initiatives in the community. Vendors are still needed for the event. Community groups, non-profits, schools and businesses interested can visit thegreatwellingtongaragesale.com.
For more information about the Fergus park, CWDOG, or to volunteer visit cwdog.org.
