The arch, pictured at the opening of the dog park, offers a memorial to Rebecca (Becky) Weitsman. Becky’s brother, Adam Weitsman, owner of Upstate Shredding – Weitsman Recycling, funded the project in memory of his sister. (ODOG Photo)
On Sept. 4, 2015, at 11 a.m., guests and their canine friends will gather at the Rebecca Weitsman Memorial Dog Park (RWMDP) at Hickories Park in Owego, N.Y. where a Ribbon Cutting by the Tioga County Chamber of Commerce will officiate its opening. The park will officially open to the public at noon on the Sept. 4 following the ribbon cutting ceremony.
The nearly 3-acre park has been a process spearheaded by the Owego Dog Owner’s Group (ODOG); Delta Engineers; Homer C Gow & Sons Inc. of Owego, N.Y., the contractor awarded its construction; and was made possible through funding by Adam Weitsman of Upstate Shredding – Weitsman Recycling. The project was also done with in collaboration between ODOG and the Town of Owego.
Weitsman’s sister, Rebecca (Becky), passed away in September 2001 and was an avid dog lover. Weitsman, in honor of his sister, donated the funding for the park to serve as a tribute to his sister, and as a gift to the community.
The highlight of the park’s opening on Friday, Sept. 4 will be the “Paws In”, in which community members will be able to enter the park for the first time for its usage.
This “Paws In” will follow the ribbon cutting at 11 a.m., a few words from Adam Weitsman and comments by an ODOG representative.
The park, which began construction in May of 2015, will have rules posted for the park, and dog owners will be expected to comply with those rules in order to use the park. As always, dogs using the park must be licensed (if applicable), and must have their vaccinations.
For the long term, ODOG, whose information can be found at owegodogs.org, will perform some maintenance at the park, and is currently accepting members. This information can be found at the aforementioned website.
Because the park is located on municipal property, an agreement between ODOG and the Town of Owego is in place, and active ODOG volunteers will be needed to ensure the longevity of the park. Donations to ODOG are also welcomed, as ODOG will be responsible, per the agreement with the Town of Owego, for any repairs that might be needed.
At the opening, guests can learn more about the park’s state-of-the-art construction and its design that will withstand weather and ensure longevity of its use. Local animal shelters have also been invited to offer information regarding their animal welfare efforts. Interested shelters can contact Rachel Cornwell by emailing rachelcornwell38@gmail.com.
Baskets with dog treats and items that will be raffled are arriving from Tender Loving Care by Maureen, located on Lake Street in Owego, N.Y.; Fuddy Duddy’s, located on Lake Street in Owego, N.Y.; and euPAWria, located in the Johnson Pool Plaza on Route 434 in Owego, N.Y.
Following the opening, and “Paws In”, the Rebecca Weitsman Memorial Dog Park will be available for public use with rules posted, and donations welcomed. The park will have an area for large dogs, small dogs, and a special area containing agility equipment.
