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The Port Chester Dog Park Group started as a Facebook group that wanted to establish a fenced-in area where dogs could run free off leashes. The members launched a grassroots campaign to establish the dog park, meeting with the Parks Commission and other officials to determine the ideal spot. In May the Board of Trustees approved the upper portion of Abendroth Park as a location for the park, provided that the group supplied the funding for the project.
The group has been making strides in fundraising, Dina Goren, one of the group's leaders, told the Board of Trustees Monday. It has partnered with the non-profit Friends of Westchester County Parks to accept tax-deductible donations to the park. Friends of Westchester County Parks is the project's fiscal sponsor, and is handling accounting and administration.
The group has also launched a campaign on the crowd funding site Crowdtilt to accept donations. The site allows users to donate anywhere from $50 to $2,500 to the project. In return, donors will receive incentives such as shirts, promotional items, plaques and benches. The campaign will expire Aug. 13 and has set a goal of $56,375.
"We're hoping word will spread fast and people will contribute. Any little bit helps," Goren said.
It is estimated that around 1,500 feet of fencing will be needed for the dog park. The Port Chester Dog Park Group is currently meeting with fencing companies about fencing and gate options, as well as seeking possible donations of fencing materials. Group members are also reaching out to businesses about possible sponsorship and donation options.
The group is hoping to raise the necessary funds within the next six months. Since dogs are currently not allowed in village parks without leashes, the Board of Trustees will need make an amendment the law before the dog park can open.
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