A Virtual Newtown Park And Bark

By Kendra Bobowick

NewtownParkAndBark.org is live, the website’s creators stated in emails this week.

“A beautiful site!!” said Dog Park Committee Chair Kaia Fahrenholz to committee member Monica Roberto, who built the site.

Committee members have been recently circulating the completed website filled with photo galleries, background on Newtown’s dog park and committee, donation forms, and contact information that is now live this week.

Anticipating the public’s response, Ms Fahrenholz said February 12, “I think it will be huge!”

The site will help the committee generate funds and open a venue for dog lovers to show off their pets. “It will allow for a gallery; you can become a member, post photos,” she added.

The site also promotes awareness: “We’ll test the waters; we’ll see how many people are interested, enthusiastic,” Ms Fahrenholz said. Entering the site, viewers will see a list of options such as Home, Donate, Location, Get Involved, About Us, and Photos.

The home page reminders visitors that the Dog Park Committee is “a volunteer group of Newtown resident dog owners and dog lovers of all ages, who have joined forces for the sole purpose of establishing our town’s first dog park.” The page also features a pet that awaits adoption under a banner that reads “Want to adopt?”

The home page also notes that student Chloe Freeman submitted the winning entry for the park’s name contest.

By clicking the Donate button, visitors to the website will see a message. “Our goal is to raise $50,000 through private donations, corporate contributions, and grants. These funds will be used for fencing, benches, pooch bags, signage, and agility elements. The park will be owned by the town of Newtown and maintained by the Parks & Recreation Department.”

Beneath this message is an option to print the donation form.

Location

The committee has several plans for where they would like to see the park located, including their first choice: in a field adjacent to the site for Newtown’s new dog pound at the end of Trades Lane. Soil testing is underway and results are expected in April. According to the website, the spot would need clearing, leveling, and seeding before fence installation. Water is available onsite, with minor plumbing enhancements required.

Plan B is to approach Fairfield Hills Authority members to learn of other possible locations on the former state hospital campus.

Plan C is to seek other centrally located parcels that might be gifted by landowners to the town. The group seeks a two-acre minimum.

Residents can get involved. A $20 donation buys a subscription to the Park and Bark e-news. A $30 donation earns your pet’s picture in the Park and Bark Yearbook on the website.

The site asks: “No time for meetings? Ask for our Park and Bark Dinner Party Kit that helps you raise funds in your own living room…” Attend a meeting, the site suggests, or donate.

Under resources is a list of other nearby dog parks that viewers can review.