EASTHAMPTON — Momentum is building for the Friends of the Easthampton Dog Park after receiving a $200,000 donation, the bulk of funding needed for the project to come to life.
“This is a game-changer,” said Friends of Easthampton Dog Park President Joan Kurtz.
The donation comes from Richard Boyle of Southampton. The total cost of the project is estimated at $360,000, planned to be built in Nonotuck Park.
Kurtz said members from the coalition and its board will be going in front of the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Committee on Oct. 16 to request an additional $23,500 for design costs. The group has already been given $2,500 for initial designs. Kurtz hopes the next round of CPA funds will cover design costs and the bidding process.
She is optimistic the funding will be approved since the group is asking for a small amount. “They will see that we have $200,000 in our bank account and they will see that the dog park is more than a reality now,” she said.
In April, the Friends of the Easthampton Dog Park requested $31,000 in CPA funds, but the offer was denied due to a lack of funding at the time to complete the project in one phase.
The group made a recent fundraising push hosting a dinner event that raised close to $2,000. With the $200,000 donation and previous fundraising efforts, the group has roughly $220,000 total.
The project will be funded entirely from donations and grants. Kurtz expects the group to go in front of the CPA Committee again at the same time next year to make a push for the final funding needed.
Additionally, the group created sponsorship opportunities for at least six benches, three waste stations and two water fountains — they have been sponsored for two benches, and all of the waste and water stations.
The proposed dog park would be similar to parks in other communities. It would encompass about 1.5 acres of fenced land with two sections. Three quarters would be designated to larger dogs and the other quarter for smaller ones. There will be benches, water fountains, waste stations and climbing structures, and many of the trees will remain to provide shade. The outer fencing will have shrubs and bushes around the outside to maintain privacy from other people using the park.
Other sponsorship opportunities include $1,000 , $500 and $250 requests that would give sponsors special titles and recognition. The largest sponsorship deal worth $2,500 is called the “Top Dog Sponsorship,” includes naming rights of a dog park feature or amenity, signage at the park, special recognition at the groundbreaking and ribbon-cutting ceremony, and the title of “Top Dog” on the park’s website and social media.
The idea for a dog park in Easthampton has been around for more than five years, but was put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Kurtz is excited by the recent strides made, bringing the park closer to fruition.