Howling good time planned at local park
By Kenneth Fine
Published in News on October 22, 2010 1:46 PM
For the second straight year, members of the Stoney Creek Park Alliance will host a Halloween-themed event meant to raise money for construction of a dog park at the Ash Street site.
But this time, those who participate -- and their canine companions -- will be able to see, firsthand, where their donations are going, as the group is set to break ground on the canine-friendly area during the festivities.
Howl-O-Ween, as it is known, is about much more than friendly competition -- the event kicks off at 9 a.m. Oct. 30 with a 5K run.
Dr. Peter Roethling said it's also an opportunity to showcase all the park has to offer.
"That's really what the parks are meant for -- open access for people to use them for a variety of activities," he said. "And what excites me is that we're just beginning. What we see out there is just the initial part of the plans."
Part of the future, he added, is the dog park the event will help raise additional funds for -- the Alliance has already brought in more than $5,000 to go toward the project.
So Howl-O-Ween pays tribute to that -- there are many dog-themed events planned, including a 1-mile Dog Trot, "Canine Contests" and a demonstration by the Goldsboro Police Department K-9 Unit.
"We really want dog owners to be able to enjoy the park with their pets," Roethling said, adding that the Alliance hopes to have the dog park up and running within the next few months. "After the groundbreaking, the opening of (it) will be a matter of when we can get the fence put up and when we can get the registration process underway. So my hope is that we can close out 2010 with a dog park that's being used by the community."
On-site registration for the 5K and 1-mile Dog Trot begins at 7 a.m. and is $30 for the run and $10 per dog for the trot. Those who want additional information are asked to call 738-8638.
The schedule of events for Howl-O-Ween is:
* 5K Run/Walk -- 9 a.m.
* Awards -- 10 a.m.
* 1-mile Dog Trot -- 10:30 a.m.
* Goldsboro Police Department K-9 demonstration -- 11 a.m.
* Dog trainer instruction -- 11:15 a.m.
* Dog park groundbreaking -- Noon
* Canine Contests begin -- 12:15 p.m.