July 1, 2021 (Micca Terrell)
Ashland City pet owners are closer to having the dog park they have always dreamed of, thanks to a new $25,000 grant.
On June 18, Tennessee Dog Park Dash announced the winners of several grants, and Cheatham County was among the recipients. Members of the local nonprofit, Cheatham County Animal Awareness Foundation (Cheatham County Paws), as well as the local grassroots group Cheatham County Dog Park Pack sent letters and posted on social media in a big push through the month of May to show support for a new dog park.
Currently, the only dog park in Cheatham County is in Kingston Springs.
“Paws is working with the Pack and we’re still trying to grow to build more dog parks in Cheatham County,” said Amanda Melton of the Cheatham County Dog Park Pack, which has been around several years. “Through petitions and surveys, we got the attention of city and county officials,” Melton said. “We have done many fundraising events including Music on Main and we are managing the volunteer coordination side of the dog park group,” she explained.
The Tennessee Dog Park Dash, established in 2018, is funded by the Boyd Foundation. The program is dedicated to building and enhancing dog parks across the state. The goal of Tennessee Dog Park Dash is to make the state the most pet-friendly one in the nation and has already benefitted more than 100 communities, according to Randy Boyd of the Boyd Foundation.
“Modeled after a very successful program that’s pioneered by our company, PetSafe, the Tennessee Dog Park Dash will provide funds for communities to create their own dog parks across our state. Dog parks are places where people and their pets can come together to share their love for the furry friends,” Boyd said on the Dog Park Dash website.
The new dog park will be located in the City Park John C. “Preacher” Poole Recreation Area off Tennessee Waltz Parkway, according to Cheatham County Paws officials. The area connects to the nearby Riverbluff Park and is steps away from the Cumberland River Bicentennial Trail.
To support Cheatham County Paws and to donate to the dog park effort, visit their website at cheathamcountypaws.org. To find out more about the Dog Park Pack and volunteering efforts and events, go to their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/ccdpp.
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