Glen Rock Looks Forward to a New Dog Park
Projected ideas for what the dog park will look like have been designed. Photo courtesy of Tiffani Murphy.
December 15, 2014
A new social opportunity for both you and your dog is coming to the Glen Rock Community Park late this spring or summer.
Glen Rock resident Tiffani Murphy’s impending dog park will be the closest dog park to dog owners of this school district.
“I have three dogs, and I like to take them out and run around with other dogs,” said Murphy. “The closest one was up at John Rudy [Park], so I thought [we needed] something a little more local.”
According to Murphy’s website for the park and her Facebook page (search Glen Rock Dog Park), our area needs a dog park because as of now, residents are taking their pets to open ball fields, where the dogs often run away and get lost.
This goal to build a safe park was overall inspired by Murphy’s three dogs and her love of furry pets.
“I’m a dog lover,” said Murphy. “I love to see them running and playing, and if I can give them a good environment where they can do that, it’s what I’m all about.”
Senior and dog-owner Ashley Newman agrees that a dog park would be a beneficial addition to the area because the closest one is in York.
“I would [take my dog to this park],” said Newman. “I think it’s a great way for dogs to be active and interactive with others in the community.”
Not only would the park be good for the dogs of the community, but this area would be a place for all types of public events.
Junior Aaron Gervasio, who has a dog of his own, thinks that he would benefit almost as much as his pet from the park.
“It probably would give more opportunities for outdoors events,” said Gervasio. “We don’t really have [an area] like it.”
When this park opens, it’s important for students and community members to be aware of the dangers of dog parks as well. These areas are great for socializing, playing, and unfortunately, trouble as well. To stay safe while being active with your pet, confirm that your dog has all his or her shots. Also, stay away from aggressive dogs, and most importantly, know where your pet is at all times.
Social Studies teacher Heather Schoemaker thinks that there are both advantages and disadvantages of having a dog park.
“There are positives and negatives…,” said Schoemaker. “But at the same time, more people will get to know each other [at the park].”
For more information about the pros and cons of dog parks, visit ASPCA’s site.
Despite some of these concerns, sophomore Kylie Taylor thinks that a park would be good for her dog, Lucy.
“It would be a good social opportunity for my puppy,” said Taylor. “Plus, I have a small backyard [for her to play in now].”
Though many agree that the park would be a nice addition to the area, there is still funding to be done for the plan to become a reality. Costs like that of seating, fencing, and dog waste stations require a sum of money. Right now, Murphy has raised around one fifth of her $25,000 goal.
Victoria Ribeiro of Deep Roots Marketing Communications works closely with Murphy for advertisement of the park mainly through social media.
“I’d like to see students get involved,” said Ribeiro. “When I was a student at Susquehannock… I wish that I’d had a place… where I could bring my dog, and we could all hang out with a common interest.”
Anyone can give money to the project through Murphy’s website (link above), and there are various levels of donation. For instance, students could donate $10 or $25 dollars, becoming either a “Dog Park Pal” or “Dog’s Best Friend,” while families or business could donate anywhere from $100 to $5,000, earning the title of “Best of the Breed” or “The Big Dog.” One can also donate any type of good that would be useful for the park.
Local residents look forward to the Glen Rock Dog Park, which will be an opportunity for socializing and exercising for both pets and owners.
