The doghouse structure at the future site of the Rebecca Weitsman Memorial Dog Park, pictured, and the pillars and arch will serve as the entryway, upon completion, to the park. (ODOG Photos)
Steve Paul, Owego Dog Owner Group’s (ODOG) project manager, trims weeds around the newly constructed fence at the future site of the Rebecca Weitsman Memorial Dog Park.
Steve Paul, Owego Dog Owner Group’s (ODOG) project manager, tests a water station at the future site of the Rebecca Weitsman Memorial Dog Park.
The memorial arch, pictured at the future site of the Rebecca Weitsman Memorial Dog Park, will serve as a loving tribute at the park entrance.
The long anticipated construction of the Rebecca Weitsman Memorial Dog Park is underway at Hickories Park in Owego, N.Y. 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. Thanks to Weitsman’s generosity, the park will now serve as a fitting tribute as Rebecca was an avid dog lover.
The groundbreaking of the Rebecca Weitsman Memorial Dog Park was made official at the end of May, with Homer C. Gow & Sons, Inc. awarded the construction contract.
Excavation started in late May, and according to Steve Paul, Owego Dog Owner Group’s (ODOG) project manager, work has been progressing nicely.
Prior to excavation, relocating electric poles and installing water lines was required and has been completed. Other work completed since the excavation of the park includes the installation of the doghouse structure and the pillars and arch that serve as the entryway to the park. Much of the fencing has been installed as well.
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 includes a sign, “Rebecca Weitsman Memorial Dog Park,” will serve as a loving tribute at the park entrance.
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.
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 August or early September, weather dependent.
The dog park 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 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.
