Dog park looking for support in online contest

Kirk Boxleitner | Aug 11, 20220

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The nonprofit organization Friends of Lake Cushman Dog Park is one of 20 finalists for PetSafe "Bark for Your Park" grants of $25,000 each. Four communities will receive one of those grants.

Friends of Lake Cushman Dog Park Secretary Bill Long thanked Mason County commissioners and County Parks & Trails Manager John Taylor and staff for their support of the planned dog park, and called upon the Mason County community for assistance.

"We desperately need the help of our community to vote for us online daily during the month of August," Long said.

Through Aug. 31, anyone over the age of 18 who lives in the United States can vote - once per day - for their favorite communities at barkforyourpark.com. Friends of Lake Cushman Dog Park hopes to receive the grant for a dog park at Mason County's Foothills Park.

Nine U.S. communities, out of a pool of 30, will collectively win $125,000 to build new or improve existing dog parks. Long clarified that only the four communities with the most votes will receive $25,000 each for the construction of new dog parks, while the remaining five communities will be awarded $5,000 each to improve their existing dog parks.

That will follow the monthlong online contest voting in August, prior to which the finalists were chosen by a panel of PetSafe judges who scored each submission on enthusiasm and support for dog parks in their communities, and on the effect that a dog park would have on their communities.

"The PetSafe brand is always looking for ways to help pet parents," said Celeste Vlok, marketing manager for PetSafe. "That's why we're so proud to support communities by helping provide a safe place where dogs can run and play. It's exciting to see the enthusiasm and commitment each finalist community has put into fulfilling their dog park dreams. We invite all to join the fun by voting for their favorite community."

For the Friends of Lake Cushman Dog Park, this contest is the latest step toward establishing a dog park after Long proposed an arrangement between the Friends and the Port of Hoodsport.

The port commissioners spoke favorably of the Friends' proposal at the port's April and May meetings, but the commissioners declined to take part in a partnership.

More information on the park can be found on the Facebook page "Lake Cushman Dog Park."