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You can check out the park 24/7 on the City's "Dog Park Cam" Salem Municipal Dog Park became a reality in a very short time thanks to the generosity or the city’s corporate and civic minded communities. “We have seen total community support for this project,” says Teri Atkins, Salem’s Special Projects Manager. “The more I became involved with this project the more I saw just how passionate individuals and companies are about their animals.” Atkins was asked by City Manager, Kevin Boggess, to see if she could somehow raise $40,000 in six months time to get the park up and running before the end of 2011. To say the least it was a tall task in a brutal economic time, but one that Atkins embraced. “When I first received this project I really didn’t think it was possible to generate these types of donations in the current economy,” she says. “But I soon found out that there is a passion for a certain quality of life that this project addresses.” Dogs are not allowed in Salem’s pubic parks, even if they are on a leash, but the new dog park, which had its official grand opening on October 7, has remedied that problem and given dog owners a place to exercise their animals and socialize. “A lot of pet owners like to take their dogs with them when they go outdoors or exercise, so this certainly will address that issue and give them an outlet,” Atkins says. A number of corporate donations provided a ray of hope that the project could actually come to fruition on schedule. Yokohama and John M. Oakey and Son each kicked in $5,000 gifts that legitimized the project in the early going and encouraged others to get on board. Still, Atkins knew she would need an even bigger contribution to hit the finish line. “I just kept thinking that there had to be someone big out there, and when Rotary came on board that sealed the deal,” she says. “It just shows our citizens what a big impact this civic group has had on our community over the years.” The Salem Rotary Club donated a total of $15,000 to earn naming rights to the park that is now known as Salem Rotary Dog Park. The donation will be divided out over the next three years. “The Rotary Club of Salem was proud to partner with other businesses and the City of Salem to make the dog park a reality,” Rotary Club President Lenora Downing says. “Our members work hard all year putting in many volunteer hours to raise funds that go straight back into the community for the residents of Salem and the Roanoke Valley.” The park is located on Indiana Street right besides the Salem Animal Shelter. It is open daily from 6am – 10pm and there are both large and small dog sections. Owners are asked to read the park’s rules and follow the guidelines to make visiting the park an enjoyable experience for dogs of all sizes.
Updated: December 1, 2011 |
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