Thursday, October 27, 2011

The Vote Is In!

On last night's yucky, rainy Wednesday, the Park Authority Board gathered and cast their vote on the Dog Park's master plan. Debbie Andrew, Operations, Planning
& Support Services Director,
 presented the plan for a second time (the first presentation was during a public hearing two weeks ago, where community members were able to voice their opinions on the Dog Park Plan and overwhelmingly supportive) and asked the board to accept the plan. Background on the project dates back to 2002, but those new to the community or unfamiliar with its history can view it on that meeting agenda here.


The Board of Directors cast their vote and were unanimously in favor of the master plan, which will be located at 13251 Sturbridge Rd, Lake Ridge VA. This is super exciting for all those in support of the dog park and especially those who have been steadfast in getting us to this point for nearly a decade!

We now need to raise the funds to support the project, estimated to be between $12,000-$15,000 and will need the community to come together to show support! Many in kind donations have already been promised and some funds have been raised, but the sooner we can get the entire PWC community involved, the faster we will have space to romp. The Park Authority Board has also asked that we present in the coming months our fundraising and progress report. This is the important part for all of you.

We realize that there have been separate efforts to start raising funds, and we would like to appear organized and unified as one community group.

In the coming weeks, we would like to have a meeting for all people interested in volunteering to promote, fundraise for, and take an active role in the dog park's inception, so please stay tuned here about when this meeting will be held, and please e-mail princewilliamcountydogs@gmail.com to let us know how you can support.

Ways to support include:
  • Fundraising Committee
      • Plan fundraising events
      • Help maintain list for thank you letters after events – all donors for the event, volunteers who helped, etc.
      • Help solicit donations for silent auctions/raffles
      • Reach out to venues where we can hold events
      • Help research on-line opportunities to raise money (like the rescue site challenge)
      • Maintain a list of fundraising ideas proposed by volunteer
      • Reply to donation emails/phone calls
      • Work on grant applications
      • Maintain record of donations (both monetary and in-kind)
  • Promotions Committee
      • Work with local media outlets to gain exposure for Dog Park
      • Flyer and brochure distribution to local businesses about upcoming fundraisers, meetings, etc.
      • Work with local businesses to help us promote joint effort fundraisers
  • Web Developer
      • Help to design and maintain a low-cost/no-cost website for the Dog Park Support Group, and serve as the official home base for new volunteers and dop park patrons to get information
If there is any other skill set that you would like to contribute, or if you are interested in getting your business involved as a corporate partner or sponsor, please also contact us at princewilliamcountydogs@gmail.com 

Finally, if you are interested in subscribing to our Dog Park Support Group Volunteer Listserv, please do! The link to go to is http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PWCDogs/ and once you request permission to join, we will get you approved as a listserv member. The more volunteers we have, the better for the dog park!

Thanks so much, and yay for forward progress!
Prince William County Dogs

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