Winter Fundraisers for Dog Park to Conclude Fundraising Efforts

The Dog Park Fundraising Subcommittee, which falls underneath the Borough of Oakland's Great Oak Park Committee, is announcing three fundraisers which will take place in December 2020 through February 2021.

“While we have enough funds at this time to finish constructing the dog park, we have trimmed down the budget in order to ensure we have at least a functioning dog park open and ready for the public to enjoy in the Spring of 2021 after what will be 12 years of prayer, patience, and perseverance,” said Dog Park Subcommittee Chairman Ryan Schwertfeger. “Raising additional funds will provide for additional plants, dog park play obstacles, and benches on the dog park site to make the experience more enjoyable for all.”

To raise the additional funds needed, a Restaurant Night has been agreed to with the well-known and well-liked Oakland eatery, the Oakland Diner. For those dining in and taking out (no deliveries) on Monday, December 21, 2020, 20% of the sales from that day will go towards the dog park efforts. The subcommittee encourages everyone to participate in this fundraiser as it not only benefits the dog park, but it supports local restaurants which is so important during this COVID-19 pandemic.

The subcommittee is also working on launching an online apparel sale where supporters can buy various items with the dog park logo and Oakland dog park branding. The online store and the printing of the items will be done by an Oakland resident who runs the company Mac’s Custom Apparel. The profits from the sale, which will take place online at a time to be announced in the near future, also will go towards the dog park efforts.

Wyckoff chocolate store Chocolate Etc. is also sponsoring a Dog Park Day on Saturday, February 6, 2021. Those that make a purchase at their store and mention the Oakland Dog Park at checkout will receive 10% off your purchase and the dog park will receive 10% of the sales at the store that day. With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, getting something for a special someone can benefit a FLOW area business, the dog park, and make for a yummy Valentine’s Day gift.

The Dog Park Subcommittee is also looking to hold a silent auction in early 2021 on their Facebook page as they want to auction off remaining items from previous silent auctions and tricky tray events that did not sell. Supporters are asked to keep watch on the Dog Park’s social media pages for more information.

“We look forward to teaming up with local businesses during this tough time as we hope it's a win/win for everyone,” said Dog Park Subcommittee Event Coordinator Josephine Kukla. “We're also looking for volunteers to help with planting plants in the spring and possibly look at holding one more large fundraiser in 2021 - COVID permitting.”

The Dog Park is planning on opening to the public on or close to Mother's Day 2021.