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Group breaks ground on new dog park

Photos: New dog park breaks ground

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By Dylan Tussel, Contributing Writer Updated 5:53 PM Monday, May 24, 2010

OXFORD — Dog-lovers rejoiced Friday, May 21, as ground was broken on Oxford’s new dog park “Northside Bark: A Gated Canine Community.”

About three years ago, Friends of the Oxford Dog Park was formed with the goal of establishing a designated off-leash park for dogs in Oxford. The group became the Oxford Dog Owners Group (OxDOG) in April 2009, after the Oxford City Council unanimously passed a resolution allowing the group to convert Northside Park into a dog park, said OxDOG President Bill Levenderis.

Oxford Mayor Richard Keebler said having a dog park will be great for Oxford, since a leash law inhibits dogs from being let loose to run around.

“The dogs always had to be on a leash unless they were on private property and in an enclosed area,” Keebler said. “I think that the dogs needed somewhere to go; it’s a good community place for the dog owners to get together, as well.”

Although city council agreed to allow the park to be a designated off-leash dog park, OxDOG had to raise the funds necessary to carry out the construction.

“The estimated cost to fence in and build the first phase (of the project) was $16,500, which became our initial goal in order for construction to begin,” Levenderis said.

With much fund raising and the help of a few large donors, OxDOG met this goal.

Phyllis Kadle, a Hamilton resident, donated $2,500 to the project, earning the right to name the small-dog area of the park, which she dedicated to her dog, Audrey.

“I have a small dog, and they needed somebody to name the small-dog area,” Kadle said. “It’s going to be ‘Audrey’s Aire,’ which is a French word for ‘rest stop’ or ‘recreation area.’ ”

Ernst Bever donated $5,000 for construction of the park, saying his whole family loves animals and supports any projects devoted to improving the lives of them.

“We had funded, if only modestly, a few other projects like this,” Bever said. “We find any projects having to do with animal welfare very congenial.”

Bob Biggs, vice president of the Oxford Community Foundation, said the foundation supported OxDOG’s efforts.

“What we do as a foundation (is) look for opportunities to improve and enhance the quality of life in the city of Oxford, and that also goes for our pets, like dogs,” Biggs said.

Gail Brahier, director of the Oxford Parks and Recreation Department, said her department has been acting as a liaison between OxDOG and city council. She said Northside Park was an ideal location for a dog park.

“(It’s) easily accessible to Uptown, so I think the students will be able to use it as well,” Brahier said. “What’s so great is that they can walk here – there is a sidewalk all the way out to this park.”

OxDOG Vice President Mary Glasmeier said she was ecstatic to finally see their project under way.

“It’s a great asset to the community for people who are considering coming here ... if they like dogs,” Glasmeier said. “It’s really exciting for us, and so now we’re planning our grand opening for July.”

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