The Rebecca Weitsman Memorial Dog Park, located within Hickories Park in Owego, N.Y., officially broke ground on May 26, 2015. Pictured is the doghouse building which started construction on June 8. Additional excavation and other work, including fencing, walking paths, and installing agility equipment will be ongoing. The Owego Dog Owners Group (ODOG) anticipates completion by the end of July, barring weather or any conflicting issues. (Photos by JoAnn R. Walter)
Construction of the Rebecca Weitsman Memorial Dog Park located within Hickories Park in Owego, N.Y. is well underway. The three-acre, state-of-the-art dog park will offer separate areas for small dogs and large dogs to play, and will have many other significant features, including 13 pieces of agility equipment for dogs to play and train on. The dog park should be completed by late July, barring weather or other conflicting issues.
The highly anticipated groundbreaking of the Rebecca Weitsman Memorial Dog Park, which is located within Hickories Park in Owego, N.Y., was made official at the end of May; with Homer C. Gow & Sons, Inc. being awarded the construction contract.
Excavation started on May 26, 2015, and according to Steve Paul, Owego Dog Owner Group’s (ODOG) project manager, work since then has been progressing nicely.
Prior to excavation, relocating electric poles and installing water lines was required. Since preliminary work has been completed, excavation of various portions of the dog park and the construction of the doghouse is underway.
“The doghouse building construction started June 8,” Paul shared.
The doghouse building, which will be used by ODOG members for storage and maintenance purposes, is positioned at what will be the entry point to the dog park.
Visitors bringing their dogs will walk under a memorial arch as they enter the park grounds through a gated fence. Park rules will be posted on an information board or at a kiosk at the park entrance.
The memorial arch, which will include a sign, “Rebecca Weitsman Memorial Dog Park,” will be a highly visible feature and loving tribute at the park entrance.
Fully funded by Adam Weitsman, owner of Ben Weitsman & Son and Upstate Shredding, the dog park is named in honor of Weitsman’s sister, Rebecca, who passed away from cancer. Weitsman and Owego Pennysaver Editor Wendy Post came up with the project idea several years ago, but work was stalled when flooding interrupted the planning stage.
Post, following the flooding, approached the town for consideration of a build at Hickories Park, and then applied for a 501c, also funded by Adam Weitsman, that soon established ODOG, who has now taken on the park as their first initial project.
Thanks to the generosity of Adam Weitsman, and in honor of his sister, Rebecca, who passed away from cancer, the park will now serve as a fitting tribute as Rebecca was an avid dog lover.
Additional progress at the park is dependent on weather, and as of this writing, contractors were on site June 10 for the beginning stages of excavation in preparation for fencing which will be placed all around the three-acre park.
Signs of the initial walking trail could also be seen, which will be finished with a gravel-based product. Paul explained that visitors will enjoy the finished walking trail which will provide a drier option should grassy areas remain damp after a rain.
The three-acre state-of-the-art dog park will offer separate areas for small dogs and large dogs to play, and will have many other significant features. An oval play area is in the works, which includes 13 pieces of agility equipment for dogs to play and train on.
The large dog section, the largest section of the dog park, will be over two acres in size, and the small dog and agility areas will be approximately one-quarter acre in size.
The small dog area will be available for dogs that are 30 pounds or less, and the agility area will be open for all dogs. “Close-at-hand” supervision will be expected from dog owners while utilizing the park.
ODOG member Nancy Eckstrom shared news about several upcoming agenda items. An ODOG membership campaign is planned, and recruitment of a dog park crew will ensure that enough people are slated to help with regular tasks and supervision at the park, as well as helping with the installation of agility equipment.
ODOG and other park users, in agreement with the Town of Owego, will fundraise and volunteer their time to help maintain the park, ensuring its longevity for use and enjoyment by guests and their canines for many years to come.
ODOG members anticipate that completion of the dog park will be by end of July, however final completion is dependent on weather and any unknown issues that may arise during construction.
The dog park, a project that initially started over four years ago, will be an exciting attraction for tourists and visitors coming to the Southern Tier region accompanied by their canine companions, as well as a significant addition to the new-and-improved Hickories Park.
For more information about ODOG, including becoming a member, you can find them on Facebook, “Owego Dog Owner’s Group,” or visit their website, www.owegodogs.org.
