The dog park that council recently approved for permanent status here is going to get doggie exercise equipment – and some TV fame, too.
Parks and Recreation Director Andy Goldie told the committee of the whole council meeting on May 9 that Sinking Ship Entertainment approached him in March about the development of a television show tentatively known as Giver. Community volunteers, children and adults, and a play equipment manufacturer would upgrade an existing children’s play structure area over three or four days. All the planning and installation would be filmed and then shown on various Ontario television stations.
Goldie said the company would cover all the costs for development of the show and “all required materials and equipment are the sole cost of Sinking Ship Entertainment. The township is only required to provide permission for access to the property, ensure the project meets our community needs and requirements, help coordinate the project, and help organize the community volunteers.”
Then, Goldie added, “The company began exploring various play equipment for its season of shows and found “some exciting new equipment designed for dog parks known as dog agility equipment. They felt this would make and exciting new program for their show this year, so they re-approached us about this change in the show development.”
Goldie said, “Given council’s recent designation of our new off leash dog park in Fergus, staff felt that this would be an exciting opportunity to provide additional facilities for our local dog owners.”
He added that township staff have discussed the equipment with the manufacturer, Dog-on-it-Parks, of Everett, Washington, and reviewed the various product information.
He said the estimated cost of the equipment will be about $21,000 U.S., and it has a five year warranty on it.”
The equipment consists of a number of obstacles and agility runs and would be placed on the grass in the dog park.
Goldie said, “Staff have contacted our off leash dog park volunteers group and they are excited about the equipment and are willing to assist with volunteer help for the program and equipment installation. They are also compiling a list of local business owners and suppliers who have provided support to the group for Sinking Ship Entertainment to contact to seek out their possible support and sponsorship for the project as well.”
Goldie added, “Sinking Ship Entertainment is also exploring other possible sponsorship for the project installation, both with local and non local business.”
He said the company, well known in children’s entertainment and television since 2002, was asking the township to enter into a locations agreement for the show. That show would be filmed June 23 to 25.
Matt Hornburg, formerly of Fergus, worked with the company on one of its biggest and most successful productions, This is Daniel Cook. Sinking Ship Entertainment was run by the brother of Hornburg’s partner, Mark Bishop. The two Marks created marblemedia.
A few years later they did This is Daniel Cook, with Matt Bishop, of Sinking Ship Entertainment. That show got them an appearance on Oprah.
Goldie told the committee staff is working to bring the television filming agreement to the May 16 council meeting.
Mayor Joanne Ross-Zuj said, “It’s a very exciting project. Our dogs score big.”
Council was unanimous in agreeing to the proposal.
