SOUTH HADLEY — The organization that oversees the South Hadley Dog Park will install new lighting, security cameras and a farmhouse pavilion to boost safety for both patrons and their pups.

The Friends of the South Hadley Dog Park recently learned that the $200,000 Stanton Foundation grant used to fund 90% of the park’s construction costs had $36,000 left over, according to Carlene Marcotte, a member of the board of directors for the Friends. The leftover grant money will fund a majority of the $44,000 of renovations installed over the next year. The Select Board on Nov. 12 approved the changes to town-owned land located off Mulligan Drive near the Ledges Golf Course.

Currently, the only lights at the park are a handful of solar-powered lights along the fence of the dog park that were donated by a patron. The lack of light discourages residents from visiting the park after dark or early in the morning. The parking lot remains very dark during these hours, and three car break-ins have occurred since the park opened in 2021, Marcotte said.

“There’s a whole group of us that go every night in the dark, and if you’re by yourself at 6 o’clock with your dog, it’s kind of nerve-wracking to go to your car in the dark,” she continued.

The Friends have also purchased security cameras to boost safety for both visitors and dogs alike. Marcotte notes that when two dogs have gotten into a skirmish, resulting in minor injury, some owners have refused to take responsibility for their dog’s behavior. With cameras, the organization can identity the dog owner whose dog attacked another animal and ensure they pay for any vet bills.

In addition, the park currently has little cover for residents when it rains or snows. By adding the farmhouse pavilion, Marcotte said, visitors will have a place to wait out inclement weather, from snow to heat waves.

“The park is divided into two areas,” Marcotte said. “There’s a small dog area and a large dog area. We’re going to get a covering that’s going to cover both sides, it will straddle the fence so to speak, so there is something people can stand under while the dogs are going to play.”

The pavilion will also serve as a fundraising event space to keep the park self-sufficient and expand event options. The park currently has two fundraiser events: a holiday bandanna fundraiser and a Santa photo opportunity on Dec. 8.

With the new pavilion, the Friends wrote to the Select Board, the organization can partner with dog-related business like dog daycare and animal shelters for events.

Other renovations include removal of three pine trees and minor updates to the parking lot. Since the ground has yet to freeze over, Marcotte said the board hopes to install the lights before the end of the calendar year, with the pavilion and other small items waiting until spring.

Emilee Klein can be reached at eklein@gazettenet.com.