Annapolis Royal Enclosed Dog Park

Noah Scanlan is organizing this fundraiser.

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While Annapolis Royal is a highly walkable community with many outdoor recreation options for residents, one thing that has been missing is a safe and convenient location for citizens and visitors to take their canine companions for some off-leash exercise. The project being proposed is to build a fenced in off leash area (OLA) located just behind the Skatepark located at the trailhead of the French Basin Trail. This central location will offer a ~150’ x ~120’ space for pups to run, mingle, play fetch, and have some fun. It will be an attractive, fenced in park, with fun obstacles for dogs and seating for people inside. There is ample parking located at this location, and it is also easily accessible by foot if owners wish to walk their on-leash dogs over from a local residence.

The Dog Park would be a cost-free and unsupervised public space that is open from dawn until dusk. Rules, regulations, and expectations around use would be posted, as well as some great suggestions on dog and human safety and park etiquette as well.

The Town of Annapolis Royal has committed support to this project, and its’ construction is being managed by the Recreation Department. The land at this site is owned by the Town and has been committed for this OLA, ongoing facility maintenance will be handled by Town Public Works and Recreation Staff, and an initial pledge of $1000 cash towards the fundraising goal has been pledged by Town Council to get the fundraising ball rolling!

Much work would be required to prepare this land for this purpose. This location, though ideal in many ways such as access, parking, and privacy, will require work to become a dry, leveled, grassy lot.

Proposed Dog Park location in its’ current state.

Excavation, adding ~20 tandem trucks of fill, and basic topsoil installation, seeding, and landscaping would be required, at a cost of $6000-$8000. To keep animals safely inside the lot, a 4 foot chain fence (mounted on steel poles for durability) would be installed, with a small, double doored entry pen made of wooden picket fence to act as a buffer to help avoid dogs getting loose when another animal arrives to join the fun. This fencing project has been quoted at ~$8000 by a reputable local contractor. Some small trees and picnic benches will be added for human comfort, and the Annapolis Royal Recreation department will partner with the AWEC Options and Opportunities class to design, build, and install some fun dog agility equipment. Add these features, plus signage and waste bins, and another $3000 would be required to complete the project. This results in a target fundraising goal $19,000 + any HST.

Samples of dog agility obstacles and equipment

Unfortunately, there are no grant programs currently available from the Provincial Government or any animal based agencies for building parks such as these. It would also be unfair to propose this project be funded by the Town of Annapolis Royal directly, as not all tax paying residents would wish for such a facility. This means it’s up to us, the dog lovers of Annapolis Royal and area, to make this project happen! Here are some ways to help:

1. Send Money

This is the very best way to help. Your contribution will go directly to the costs required of building this facility. You will not be charged the amount of your donation unless the total target goal required to complete the project. You may pledge publicly or anonymously on this site.

2. Purchase an advertising space inside the park

Much like is seen in many hockey rinks and other sports facilities, a 24” x 36” sponsorship ad will be placed on the fence inside the penned-in park. While dogs won’t be able to read them, their owners will, so this is a great way to get information about your business out there to a temporarily-captive audience! The cost for this sponsorship is $500, with the sign featuring your business or organization's graphic being created and installed by the project management.

3. Commit Materials

If you think you are able to commit materials such as delivered fill for the land remediation or picket fence paneling, etc, please contact the campaign manager via email or at [phone redacted]. After an agreement and commitment is reached, the target goal amount will be adjusted and your contribution will be noted as the reason why, either noting you as the donor or as an anonymous benefactor!

4. Commit to skilled in-kind services

If you are able to commit skilled labour such as excavation services, carpentry, fence installation, or sign design and fabrication used in the construction of the OLA that fits with the project requirements and timeline, please contact the pledge manager. After an agreement and commitment is reached, the target goal amount will be adjusted and your contribution will be noted as the reason why, either as a donor on an anonymous benefactor!

The funding drive will continue until June 16, 2016, or until the goal has been met. If the target goal required to complete the project is not met by this date, your donation will be returned in full. Provided the goal is met, the park will be completed and opened to the public by October 31, 2016.

If you would prefer to make a donation in person at Town Hall, your contribution can be accepted there as well, on Monday-Friday between 9AM-3PM. Your donation will be tracked, and in the event that fundraising goals are not met, you would be notified and able to pick up a refund After June 30, 2016.

The end result will be a great place for both people and dogs to gather and enjoy themselves. Just like humans, play and exercise makes dogs happy too. And happy dogs are good dogs…