Benefit planned to put dog area in place at Stoney Creek Park
By Kenneth Fine
Published in News on March 18, 2010 1:46 PM
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News-Argus/MITCH LOEBER
Brenda Robinson takes her 9-month-old cocker spaniel, Buddie, for a walk in Stoney Creek Park on Wednesday.
One of the driving forces behind the movement to transform Stoney Creek Park into a popular destination announced an event that will officially kick off fundraising for construction of a dog park at the Ash Street site.
Dr. Peter Roethling said "Dollars for Dogs" -- a canine-themed celebration set to begin March 27 at 11:30 a.m. -- will be an opportunity for members of the community to learn more about the effort to construct a one-acre play area for parkgoers' best friends.
Among the day's activities will be a "Wag-a-thon" walk along the park's revamped walking trails, a demonstration from the Goldsboro Police Department's K-9 unit and dog-inspired contests.
"There is a great and special connection between people and their dogs," Roethling said. "So having a dog park just makes sense."
And adding another amenity at a site that has seen vast improvements over the past several years -- a disc golf course and climbing rock have been constructed and a new parking area and revamped walking trails have been added -- will further the Stoney Creek Park Alliance's goal of turning a onetime city eyesore associated with crime and flooding into a coveted local asset.
"We're just thrilled that we've made the park a place people can go for a variety of different activities," Roethling said.
"Dollars for Dogs" will also be the venue at which several other fundraisers will be announced -- the Alliance is trying to raise some $40,000 for the dog park.
Collection containers will be available for placement inside local businesses, residents who donate $50 will be able to design a tile paw paver in their dog's honor to be placed at the park and decorative fire hydrants in the spirit of the pigs that grace many downtown businesses will be provided to those who donate $500.
"I really think this is just the tip of the iceberg," Roethling said about progress being made at the park. "I think Stoney Creek Park just reflects the potential the Goldsboro community has."
Those who wish to donate to the dog park effort can e-mail scdogpark@aol.com or click www.stoneycreekpark.com